1.
A man should worship him from whom he learns the Dhamma, as the
gods (worship) Inda; the learned man being worshipped and pleased with
him, makes the (highest) Dhamma manifest.
2.
Having heard and considered that (Dhamma), the wise man practising
the Dhamma that is in accordance with the (highest) Dhamma, becomes learned, expert, and
skilful, strenuously associating with such a (learned teacher).
3.
He who serves a low (teacher), a fool who has not understood the
meaning, and who is envious, goes to death, not having overcome doubt,
and not having understood the Dhamma.
4.
As a man, after descending into a river, a turgid water with a
rapid current, is borne along following the current,--how will he be
able to put others across?
5.
Even so how will a man, not having understood the Dhamma, and not
attending to the explanation of the learned and not knowing it himself,
not having overcome doubt, be able to make others understand it?
6.
As one, having gone on board a strong ship, provided with oars and
rudder, carries across in it many others, knowing the way to do it, and
being expert and thoughtful,
7.
So also he who is accomplished, of a cultivated mind, learned,
intrepid, makes others endowed with attention and assiduity understand
it, knowing (it himself).
8.
Therefore indeed one should cultivate (the society of) a good man,
who is intelligent and learned; he who leads a regular life, having
understood what is good and penetrated the Dhamma, will obtain
happiness.