Summary
In this final chapter, Buddha describes what it means to be truly awakened - not through titles, wealth, or family background, but through inner transformation. He uses the term 'Brahmana' (traditionally a religious title) to describe anyone who has achieved genuine wisdom and peace, regardless of their social status or birth. The chapter reads like a series of portraits, each one showing a different aspect of an enlightened person. These individuals don't seek revenge when wronged, don't cling to possessions or status, and remain calm in the face of criticism or praise. They've learned to stop fighting against life's natural flow and instead navigate it with skill and grace. Buddha emphasizes that external appearances mean nothing - someone can wear expensive clothes and hold impressive titles while remaining spiritually poor, while another person might live simply yet possess true wealth of character. The awakened person has mastered the art of non-attachment, meaning they engage fully with life without being controlled by outcomes. They treat both success and failure, praise and blame, with equal composure. Most importantly, they've learned to respond rather than react, choosing their actions based on wisdom rather than emotion. This isn't about becoming passive or indifferent, but about developing the inner strength to remain centered regardless of external circumstances. The chapter serves as both a completion of Buddha's teaching and a practical guide for anyone seeking genuine peace and fulfillment in their daily life.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
The Brahmana (Arhat) 383. Stop the stream valiantly, drive away the desires, O Brahmana! When you have understood the destruction of all that was made, you will understand that which was not made. 384. If the Brahmana has reached the other shore in both laws (in restraint and contemplation), all bonds vanish from him who has obtained knowledge. 385. He for whom there is neither this nor that shore, nor both, him, the fearless and unshackled, I call indeed a Brahmana. 386. He who is thoughtful, blameless, settled, dutiful, without passions, and who has attained the highest end, him I call indeed a Brahmana. 387. The sun is bright by day, the moon shines by night, the warrior is bright in his armour, the Brahmana is bright in his meditation; but Buddha, the Awakened, is bright with splendour day and night. 388. Because a man is rid of evil, therefore he is called Brahmana; because he walks quietly, therefore he is called Samana; because he has sent away his own impurities, therefore he is called Pravragita (Pabbagita, a pilgrim). 389. No one should attack a Brahmana, but no Brahmana (if attacked) should let himself fly at his aggressor! Woe to him who strikes a Brahmana, more woe to him who flies at his aggressor! 390. It advantages a Brahmana not a little if he holds his mind back from the pleasures of life; when all wish to injure has vanished, pain will cease. 391. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who does not offend by body, word, or thought, and is controlled on these three points. 392. After a man has once understood the law as taught by the Well-awakened (Buddha), let him worship it carefully, as the Brahmana worships the sacrificial fire. 393. A man does not become a Brahmana by his platted hair, by his family, or by birth; in whom there is truth and righteousness, he is blessed, he is a Brahmana. 394. What is the use of platted hair, O fool! what of the raiment of goat-skins? Within thee there is ravening, but the outside thou makest clean. 395. The man who wears dirty raiments, who is emaciated and covered with veins, who lives alone in the forest, and meditates, him I call indeed a Brahmana. 396. I do not call a man a Brahmana because of his origin or of his mother. He is indeed arrogant, and he is wealthy: but the poor, who is free from all attachments, him I call indeed a Brahmana. 397. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who has cut all fetters, who never trembles, is independent and unshackled. 398. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who has cut the strap and the thong, the chain with all that pertains to it, who has burst the bar, and is awakened. 399. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who, though he has committed no offence, endures reproach, bonds, and stripes, who has endurance for his force, and strength for his army....
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Earned Authority
People derive power either from external sources that can be taken away or internal development that cannot be touched.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize who has genuine power versus who just holds a title.
Practice This Today
This week, notice who people actually go to for advice at work—it's often not the person with the biggest title on their door.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Brahmana
In Buddha's time, this was the highest caste in Indian society - priests and religious teachers born into privilege. But Buddha redefines it here to mean anyone who has achieved true wisdom and inner peace, regardless of their birth or social status.
Modern Usage:
We see this when someone assumes respect is owed based on their job title, degree, or family name, rather than earning it through their character and actions.
The other shore
A metaphor for reaching enlightenment or spiritual awakening. Like crossing a dangerous river to safety, it represents moving from a life of suffering and confusion to one of peace and understanding.
Modern Usage:
We use similar language when we talk about 'getting to the other side' of a difficult period or 'crossing over' to a better life situation.
Non-attachment
The practice of engaging fully with life without being controlled by outcomes. It's not about not caring, but about doing your best while accepting that you can't control results.
Modern Usage:
This shows up in modern advice about 'letting go of what you can't control' or 'focusing on effort, not results' in work and relationships.
Samana
Originally meant a wandering monk or spiritual seeker. Buddha uses it to describe someone who walks through life calmly and thoughtfully, not creating unnecessary drama or conflict.
Modern Usage:
We see this in people who stay calm during workplace conflicts or family drama, choosing to respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally.
Bonds
The mental and emotional chains that keep us trapped in patterns of suffering - things like anger, greed, fear, or the need for others' approval. These invisible restraints limit our freedom and peace.
Modern Usage:
We talk about being 'tied down' by debt, toxic relationships, or people-pleasing habits that prevent us from living authentically.
The Awakened
Someone who has fully understood the nature of reality and achieved complete inner freedom. They see clearly through life's illusions and respond to everything with wisdom and compassion.
Modern Usage:
We use 'woke' or 'awakened' to describe someone who has gained clarity about important truths, though often in political rather than spiritual contexts.
Characters in This Chapter
The Brahmana
Enlightened exemplar
This represents the ideal person Buddha is describing - someone who has achieved true wisdom regardless of their background. They remain calm under attack, don't seek revenge, and have mastered their emotions and desires.
Modern Equivalent:
The coworker who stays professional when others gossip and complain
The aggressor
Antagonistic force
Represents anyone who attacks or tries to harm the enlightened person. Buddha warns that attacking someone who has achieved peace brings consequences, but also warns the peaceful person not to retaliate.
Modern Equivalent:
The person who starts drama or tries to bait you into arguments
Buddha
Supreme teacher
Presented as the ultimate example of enlightenment, shining with wisdom both day and night. He represents the highest achievement of human potential and serves as the standard for spiritual development.
Modern Equivalent:
The mentor whose wisdom and character you aspire to match
The warrior
Comparison figure
Used to show different types of brightness or excellence. The warrior shines in armor and battle, representing worldly achievement and external glory, contrasted with the inner light of spiritual development.
Modern Equivalent:
The successful person who looks impressive from the outside
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Stop the stream valiantly, drive away the desires, O Brahmana!"
Context: Opening instruction on how to achieve enlightenment
Buddha uses the metaphor of stopping a flowing stream to describe the difficulty of controlling our wants and impulses. The word 'valiantly' shows this requires courage and sustained effort, not just wishful thinking.
In Today's Words:
Take charge of your life - stop letting your wants and impulses control you.
"Because a man is rid of evil, therefore he is called Brahmana; because he walks quietly, therefore he is called Samana"
Context: Explaining that spiritual titles should be earned through character, not birth
Buddha redefines religious terms based on behavior rather than social status. Being 'rid of evil' means overcoming harmful impulses, while 'walking quietly' means moving through life without creating unnecessary conflict.
In Today's Words:
You earn respect by being a good person and staying out of drama, not because of your job title or where you came from.
"No one should attack a Brahmana, but no Brahmana should let himself fly at his aggressor!"
Context: Teaching about how to handle conflict and aggression
This shows the delicate balance of spiritual maturity - others shouldn't attack peaceful people, but peaceful people shouldn't retaliate either. Both actions create negative consequences and perpetuate cycles of harm.
In Today's Words:
Don't mess with good people, but if you're trying to be good, don't hit back when someone messes with you.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Buddha redefines the Brahmana caste not by birth but by character, showing that true nobility comes from inner development rather than bloodline
Development
Culmination of the book's message that external social markers are meaningless compared to internal transformation
In Your Life:
You might notice this when someone with an impressive title treats you poorly, revealing their lack of genuine authority
Identity
In This Chapter
The awakened person's identity isn't tied to possessions, status, or others' opinions but to their internal state of peace and wisdom
Development
Final evolution showing identity as something you build rather than something you're given
In Your Life:
You experience this when you realize your worth doesn't change based on your job title or bank account
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
Buddha challenges the expectation that religious or social titles automatically confer wisdom, showing that true spiritual development transcends labels
Development
Complete rejection of society's external measures of worth in favor of internal metrics
In Your Life:
You see this when you stop trying to impress others with credentials and focus on actually developing competence
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Growth is measured by non-attachment, emotional regulation, and the ability to respond rather than react to life's challenges
Development
Final definition of what growth actually looks like in practical terms
In Your Life:
You recognize growth when you can stay calm during criticism or praise instead of being thrown off balance
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Enlightened people relate to others without seeking revenge, holding grudges, or needing to prove their superiority
Development
Ultimate relationship wisdom showing how inner peace transforms all interactions
In Your Life:
You practice this when you can disagree with someone without making them your enemy
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does Buddha say makes someone truly powerful or worthy of respect, versus what society usually values?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Buddha emphasize that real authority comes from inner transformation rather than external titles or wealth?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see people today trying to gain respect through borrowed authority (titles, brands, family name) versus earned authority (skills, character, consistency)?
application • medium - 4
How would you build unshakeable confidence in yourself that doesn't depend on what others think or give you?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about why some people stay calm under pressure while others fall apart when challenged?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Authority Audit
Make two lists: things that make you feel confident or worthy that could be taken away (job title, possessions, others' approval), and things that make you feel confident that no one can take away (skills you've learned, challenges you've overcome, ways you've grown). Look at the difference between your two lists and notice which column is longer.
Consider:
- •Be honest about what you actually rely on for your sense of worth day-to-day
- •Consider how you feel when someone challenges or criticizes you - what does that reveal?
- •Think about people you respect most - what kind of authority do they have?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to prove yourself without relying on your usual credentials or status. What did you discover about your real strengths?