Nissaya Kaṇḍa — On Reliance and Support

88. Even a gem needs a golden setting to support it

A person equal to the Omniscient One in virtue may still fail to flourish if he lacks a supportive environment. However perfect it may be, the beauty of a gem radiates fully only when it is set with care in gold. The "golden setting" here means the necessary systems of support — respectful pupils, generous patrons, or a harmonious community. The teaching is that inner virtue requires favorable external conditions in order to display its full benefit and brilliance in the world.

89. The master who should not be served

The worst master is the harsh, cruel one, whose service brings suffering at once. Next is the miserly master, who hoards the benefits for himself but gives nothing in return. Then comes the fault-finding master, whose endless censure ceaselessly wears down one's spirit. Last, one should avoid the unenterprising master, for his laziness betrays a lack of purpose and offers no opening to learn or advance. The character of a leader or teacher is thus of the utmost importance to one's own development.

90. One sweet to your face but harmful behind your back is a pot of poison

Such a person destroys your reputation and good name behind your back while using flattery and sweet words to your face — like a pot of poison dressed up to look inviting so as to lure its victim. A person like this is more dangerous than an openly hostile enemy, for he undermines trust and corrodes from within. To keep his company or serve him leads to ruin, both mental and social. One must therefore cultivate the discernment to see through superficial charm and recognize the deadly poison concealed within.

91. Showing respect in the way that fits each thing

Honoring the sun with one's back means paying respect to the life-giving power without staring into its blaze until the eyes are dazzled. Honoring fire by facing it, not turning one's back. Honoring the master by serving with the whole body, without concealment or pretense. And honoring the world beyond through deeds free of guile, with pure and sincere intent. True respect, then, is not a single fixed formula but a wise adjustment fitting to whatever we honor.

92. Those who should not be befriended

Avoid the doer of evil deeds, for his influence brings decline. Avoid the teller of lies, for he distorts truth and trust. Avoid one whose wisdom is confined to his own benefit alone, for such selfishness cannot lead others to their true good. And avoid the possessive person, for his attachment will breed dependence and conflict. This list guards the seeker of Dhamma by stressing that those worth befriending and serving must be endowed with good conduct, truthfulness, wisdom that benefits others, and non-attachment.

93. Relying on the great, even the small can become great

By relying upon those who are truly great in virtue, wisdom, or power, even the small and lowly may share in that greatness and be uplifted. As it is said, birds that alight on the Golden Mountain turn golden. This is genuine transformation through proximity, guidance, and shared values. The verse encourages seeking the company of the noble and the wise, for their influence elevates and ennobles our own character and destiny.

94. What can one of power do without friends?

One with power and ability — if he stands alone without friends or supporters — can he truly accomplish anything great? A fire, though it has fuel, will in the end die out on its own if it is in an utterly windless place. The wind here stands for the stimulus, challenge, encouragement, and collaborative energy that friends provide. For one's power and virtue to accomplish great things, they need noble friendship (kalyāṇamitta). This is a warning against pride in one's own self-sufficiency, which leads to solitary decline.

95. A tree relies on good soil; merit relies on the virtuous

Just as a tree relying on rich and nourishing soil grows strong, blossoms, and bears abundant fruit, so a person, by keeping company with the virtuous (sappurisa), sees his own merit grow. The good soil is the noble friend who provides the nutrients of good example, wise counsel, and moral encouragement. In such a nourishing community, one's goodness takes root, blossoms into wholesome deeds, and yields the fruit of vast merit, bringing happiness in this life and beyond.