If you would learn the teaching from someone, Yasmā hi dhammaṁ puriso vijaññā, honor them as the gods honor Indra. Indaṁva naṁ devatā pūjayeyya; Then they will have confidence in you, So pūjito tasmi pasannacitto, and being learned, they reveal the teaching. Bahussuto pātukaroti dhammaṁ.

Heeding well, an attentive one, Tadaṭṭhikatvāna nisamma dhīro, practicing in line with that teaching Dhammānudhammaṁ paṭipajjamāno; grows intelligent, discerning, and subtle Viññū vibhāvī nipuṇo ca hoti, through diligently sticking close to such a person. Yo tādisaṁ bhajati appamatto.

But associating with a petty fool Khuddañca bālaṁ upasevamāno, who falls short of the goal, jealous, Anāgatatthañca usūyakañca; then unable to discern the teaching in this life, Idheva dhammaṁ avibhāvayitvā, one proceeds to death still plagued by doubts. Avitiṇṇakaṅkho maraṇaṁ upeti.

It’s like a man who has plunged into a river, Yathā naro āpagamotaritvā, a rushing torrent in spate. Mahodakaṁ salilaṁ sīghasotaṁ; As they are swept away downstream, So vuyhamāno anusotagāmī, how could they help others across? Kiṁ so pare sakkhati tārayetuṁ.

Just so, one unable to discern the teaching, Tatheva dhammaṁ avibhāvayitvā, who hasn’t studied the meaning under the learned, Bahussutānaṁ anisāmayatthaṁ; not knowing it oneself, still plagued by doubts, Sayaṁ ajānaṁ avitiṇṇakaṅkho, how could they help others to contemplate? Kiṁ so pare sakkhati nijjhapetuṁ.

But one who has embarked on a strong boat Yathāpi nāvaṁ daḷhamāruhitvā, equipped with rudder and oar, Phiyena rittena samaṅgibhūto; would bring many others across there So tāraye tattha bahūpi aññe, with skill, care, and intelligence. Tatrūpayaññū kusalo mutīmā.

So too one who understands—a knowledge master, Evampi yo vedagu bhāvitatto, evolved, learned, and unflappable—Bahussuto hoti avedhadhammo; can help others to contemplate, So kho pare nijjhapaye pajānaṁ, so long as they are prepared to listen carefully. Sotāvadhānūpanisūpapanne.

That’s why you should spend time with a true person, Tasmā have sappurisaṁ bhajetha, intelligent and learned. Medhāvinañceva bahussutañca; Having understood the meaning, <j>putting it into practice, Aññāya atthaṁ paṭipajjamāno, one who understands the teaching <j>would find happiness. Viññātadhammo sa sukhaṁ labhethāti.

Nāvāsuttaṁ aṭṭhamaṁ.