Though one be adorned, if one walks in peace, calm, disciplined, firm, living the holy life, having laid down violence toward all beings — that one is a true brahmin, ascetic and monk.

Alaṅkato cepi samaṃ careyya — though adorned, if one walks in peace: the paradox is intentional. External appearance (adornments or rags) does not determine spiritual quality. What matters is caraññā samaṃ — walking in equanimity.

Santo danto niyato brahmacārī — calm, disciplined, firm, living the holy life: four qualities that define genuine practice. Santa (calm), danta (disciplined, tamed), niyata (firm, steady on the path), brahmacārī (living the sacred life).

Sabbesu bhūtesu nidhāya daṇḍaṃ — having laid down violence toward all beings: nidhāya daṇḍaṃ is literally “having put down the rod”. Abandoning violence toward all beings is the central requirement.

So brāhmaṇo so samaṇo sa bhikkhu — that one is a true brahmin, ascetic and monk: the three most respected spiritual titles of the Buddha’s India unify in a single definition. The label does not matter — what matters is universal non-violence and inner peace.