Dhammapada verses 320–333 highlight self-discipline, wisdom, and perseverance through the imagery of elephants. They highlight inner mastery over strength, the value of solitude over company of immature persons, and the importance of taming one’s mind. Honoring parents, cultivating virtue, and letting go of suffering lead to true ease.

Dhammapada verses 360–382 depict the ideal bhikkhu as one who restrains the senses, body, speech, and mind, leading to freedom from suffering. Emphasis is placed on mindfulness, inner joy, collectedness, and self-reliance. Through discipline and reflection, the bhikkhu advances towards the peace of Nibbāna, shining like the moon freed from clouds.

The Buddha instructs to dwell in seclusion, enjoying solitude, being devoted to tranquility of mind, meditating with diligence, being endowed with discernment, practicing in an empty dwelling.

The Buddha outlines a progressive training guideline for the bhikkhus to undertake in order to be recognized as ascetics and Brahmins. The Buddha also describes the abandonment of the five hindrances, the four jhānas, and the three knowledges using similes.

The Buddha explains the four cases of taking up practices, based on whether they are pleasant or painful now and whether they ripen as suffering or a pleasant abiding in the future.

The young deity Kassapa, on Buddha's invitation, shares a verse on the instruction for a bhikkhu.

The Buddha explains the three guiding authorities for developing wholesome qualities and maintaining purity - 1) Oneself, 2) world, and 3) Dhamma.

Venerable Anuruddha reflects on seven qualities conducive for practicing the Dhamma, but his thoughts are incomplete until the Buddha appears to add an eighth.