The Elephant: Mastering Self-Control — The Dhammapada

Take abuse quietly, like an elephant in battle takes an arrow. The world is harsh. Kings ride trained elephants in war. Mules, fine horses, and big elephants are good when trained. But a person who trains himself is better. No animal carries you to Nirvana. You ride your own trained self.

Dhanapalaka the elephant, temples running with sap, will not eat when chained and longs for the elephant grove. A fat, sleepy man who rolls around like a pig fed on garbage is born again and again. The mind once ran free like a wild elephant. Now hold it tight, like a rider with a hook. Watch your thoughts and pull yourself out of the mud of evil ways.

Walk with a prudent companion who is wise and lives soberly if you find one. If not, walk alone like a king leaving conquered land behind, like an elephant in the forest. Better alone than with a fool. Friends feel good when the time is right. Good work at death feels good. Giving up grief feels good. Mother, father, samana, and brahmana states feel good. Virtue lasting to old age, firm faith, attainment of intelligence, and avoiding sins feel good to the end.