Sutta Nipāta 4.3 Duṭṭh-aṭṭaka-suttaṃ

Triṣṭubh metre [11 – 11 – 11 – 11]

Verses 780–787 [8 verses]

"Debates and Views"

There are some who dispute with hostile intent,
while others for truthful purpose debate.
When disputes arise, a sage doesn't join in.
That's why a sage isn't hostile to anything.

How might one progress beyond views of one's own,
when led by self-interest, and settled in preference?
Constructing conclusions all by oneself,
one would speak only of what one holds dearest.

A person who's spoken of their own virtues
to others, when not even asked,
that one, the skilful call 'not noble in nature',
who has spoken even of their own self.

But a peaceful bhikkhu, their self fully cooled,
not boasting "I'm thus" in ethical conduct;
The skilful say that one's noble in nature,
in whom is no pride anywhere in the world.

Teachings devised, fabricated and chosen,
are tainted for anyone who, in them sees
an advantage they have for themselves;
on that they rely, it's an unstable peace.

Views that are settled aren't easily escaped,
teachings still to be considered are seized on.
Therefore a person in adhering to them,
both throws away and embraces a teaching.

None who is pure holds contrived views about states
of existence anywhere in the cosmos.
The pure, giving up both deceit and conceit,
why would they go along? They're not attracted.

One attached to teachings will enter debates,
but how might one debate with one not attached?
For him there's neither grasping nor rejecting
who's shaken off views in this life altogether.