8th May

128. As water is balanced, unshaken, untroubled and naturally pure, even so, the earnest student of meditation, dispelling trickery, cajolery, insinuation and dissembling, should be balanced, unshaken, untroubled and quite pure by nature. 

As water is placid and naturally cool, even so, the earnest student of meditation, out of compassion for all beings and seeking their welfare, should be possessed of patience, love and mercy. 

Again, as water makes the impure pure, even so, the earnest student of meditation, whether he be in the village or the forest, should in all circumstances be one who, being without transgression, gives no reason to be reprimanded by the preceptor or teacher. 

And again, as water is wanted by everyone, even so, the earnest student of meditation, having few wishes, is content, aloof and solitary in meditation, and should be one who is constantly much desired by the whole world. 

And finally, as water troubles no one, even so, the earnest student of meditation should do no wrong by body, speech or thought that produces in others strife, quarrels, contention, disputes, neglected meditation or dislike.

Mil.383* (Mil 7.4.2)