One is not a monk simply because one begs from others. One who adopts a worldly teaching is not a monk by that.

Na tena bhikkhu so hoti yāvatā bhikkhate pare — one is not a monk because one begs: bhikkhu comes from bhikkhati (to beg). But the practice of mendicancy does not automatically make one a monk. External form without internal content is empty.

Vissaṃ dhammaṃ samādāya bhikkhu hoti na tāvatā — adopting a worldly teaching one is not a monk: vissa dhamma is worldly teaching, not purified. The nominal monk who follows worldly teachings does not deserve the title.

The Dhammapada consistently redefines spiritual titles: not by external form but by internal practice. Bhikkhu, samaṇa, thera, brāhmaṇa — all are redefined throughout the text.