[392] As the moon in the dark fortnight (kāḷapakkha) wanes day after day,
so, O king, is association with the bad like the dark fortnight.
Even so I, relying upon the cook — that cook, the vilest of base men —
did an evil deed whereby I go to a bad destination (duggati).
As the moon in the bright fortnight (sukkapakkha) waxes day after day,
so, O king, is association with the good like the bright fortnight.
Even so I, relying upon you — know this, Sutasoma —
shall do a wholesome deed whereby I shall go to a good destination (suggati).
As water rained down upon high ground, O lord of the people,
does not endure, does not stand for long,
so my association with the bad does not endure,
like water upon high ground.
As water rained down into a lake, O lord of the people,
stands for a long time, O best of heroic men,
so too my association with the good stands for a long time,
like water in a lake.
Association with the good is imperishable;
for as long as it may stand, it remains just the same;
but association with the bad quickly fades away:
therefore the Dhamma of the good is far from the bad.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.