541
The fool who knows his foolishness is wise so far, at least; but a fool who thinks himself wise, he is called a fool indeed.
Dhammapada.
542
He who mixes with unclean things becomes unclean himself; he whose associations are pure becomes purer each day.
Talmud.
543
Heaven’s gate is narrow and minute,*
It cannot be perceived by foolish men,
Blinded by vain illusions of the world.
E’en the clear-sighted, who discern the way
And seek to enter, find the portal barred
And hard to be unlocked. Its massive bolts
Are pride and passion, avarice and lust.
Mahābhārata.
Notes
* Cf. Matt. VII, 14.