1 Our life is shaped by our mind: itʼs ruled by our mind, itʼs made by our mind. If one speaks or acts with an evil mind, suffering follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the cart. 2 If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
3 “He insulted me, hit me, defeated me, robbed me.” In those who harbor such thoughts, hatred will never cease. 4 In those who donʼt harbor such thoughts, hatred will cease. 5 For hatred never ceases by hatred. Hatred ceases by love. 6 Some donʼt realize that we all must die, but those who do realize it cease their quarrels at once.
7 Just as the wind throws down a weak tree, so will the tempter overthrow him who focuses only on pleasures, his senses uncontrolled, immoderate in his food, idle, and weak. 8 Just as the wind cannot throw down a rocky mountain, so the tempter will not overthrow him who does not focus on pleasures, his senses well controlled, moderate in his food, faithful and strong.
9 He who puts on the monkʼs yellow robe without having cleansed himself from sin, who disregards self-control and truth, is unworthy of the robe. 10 But he who has cleansed himself from sin, is well grounded in virtues, and regards self-control and truth, is indeed worthy of the robe.
11 They who mistake the trivial for the essential, and the essential for the trivial, never arrive at the essential, but follow vain desires. 12 They who know the essential as essential, and the trivial as trivial, arrive at the essential, and follow true desires.
13 Just as rain seeps through a poorly thatched house, passion seeps through an undeveloped mind. 14 Just as rain cannot seep through a well thatched house, passion cannot seep through a well developed mind.
15 The evildoer grieves in both this world and the next. He grieves and suffers when he sees the evil of his own work. 16 The virtuous man delights in both this world and the next. He delights and rejoices when he sees the purity of his own work.
17 The evildoer suffers both in this world and the next. He suffers when he thinks of the evil he has done. He suffers more when going to the next world. 18 The virtuous man is happy both in this world and the next. He is happy when he thinks of the good he has done. He is happier still when going to the next world.
19 The thoughtless man, if he recites many scriptures, but doesnʼt do what they say, has no share in the blessings of the holy life, but is like a cowherd counting the cows of others. 20 He who recites only a few scriptures, but does what they say, having forsaken lust and hatred and delusion, possesses true knowledge and serenity of mind, caring for nothing in this world or that to come, he shares in the blessings of the holy life.
21 Vigilance is the path to salvation. Carelessness is the path to death. Those who are vigilant donʼt die. Those who are careless are as if dead already. 22 The wise, having understood this clearly, delight in vigilance, and rejoice in the knowledge of the noble ones. 23 These wise people, meditative, steadfastly persevering, attain to salvation, the highest happiness.
24 If a vigilant person is energetic, if he is mindful, if his deeds are pure, if he acts with consideration, if he has self-control, and is righteous, then his glory will increase. 25 By effort, by vigilance, by discipline and self-control, the wise man may make for himself an island which no flood can overwhelm.
26 The foolish and ignorant indulge in carelessness. The wise man keeps vigilance as his greatest treasure. 27 Donʼt give way to carelessness or to the enjoyment of sensual pleasures. He who is vigilant and meditative, obtains ample joy.
28 When the wise man drives away carelessness by vigilance, he climbs the tower of wisdom and looks down upon the fools. Without suffering, he looks at the suffering crowd, as one that stands on a mountain looks at them that stand on the ground below.
29 Vigilant among the careless, awake among the sleeping, the wise man advances like a fast horse, leaving the weak behind. 30 Vigilance is always praised; carelessness is always despised.
31 The monk who delights in vigilance, who looks with fear at carelessness: moves about like fire, burning all fetters, small and large; 32 cannot fall away. He is close to salvation.
33 Just as a fletcher straightens his arrow, a wise man straightens his trembling and unsteady mind, which is difficult to guard, difficult to restrain.
34 Just as a fish quivers when taken from its home in the water and thrown on land, our mind trembles all over to escape the influence of the tempter.
35 Itʼs good to tame the mind, which is difficult to tame and flighty, rushing wherever it wants. A tamed mind brings happiness. 36 Let the wise man guard his mind, for itʼs subtle and elusive, and it rushes wherever it wants. A guarded mind brings happiness.
37 The mind wanders far, moves about alone, is without a body, and hides in the cave of the heart. Those who bridle it are free from the bonds of the tempter.
38 If a manʼs mind is unsteady, if he doesnʼt know the true law, and if his faith is troubled, then his knowledge will never be perfect. 39 If a manʼs mind is free from passion, if his mind is free from ill will, if heʼs unaffected by good and evil, then thereʼs no danger for him.
40 Knowing that this body is fragile like a clay pot, and securing this mind like a fortress, attack the tempter with the sword of knowledge. Then guard what is won without feeling attachment to it. 41 Soon, this body will lie on the ground, discarded, without consciousness, like a useless log.
42 Whatever an enemy might do to an enemy, or a foe to a foe, a wrongly directed mind can do to you even worse. 43 Whatever a mother, a father, or any other relative might do for you, a well directed mind can do for you even more.
44 Who will overcome this earth, and the world of the dead, and the world of the gods? Who will choose the well taught path of virtue, as an expert florist chooses the right flower? 45 A disciple will.
46 Knowing that this body is like froth, and learning that it is insubstantial like a mirage, you will remove the flower-tipped arrows of the tempter, and never see the king of death.
47 As a flood sweeps away a sleeping village, so death sweeps away a man who is immersed in gathering flowers, his mind distracted. 48 Death subdues a man who is immersed in gathering flowers, his mind distracted, before heʼs satiated in his pleasures.
49 As a bee collects nectar and departs without damaging the flower or its color or its scent, so should a sage collect alms in a village.
50 Donʼt notice the faults of others, their sins of commission or omission, but notice your own misconduct and negligence.
51 Like a beautiful flower, full of color but without scent, are fair but fruitless words of him who doesnʼt practice them. 52 But, like a beautiful flower, full of color and full of scent, are fair and fruitful words of him who practices them.
53 Just as many wreaths can be made from a heap of flowers, so can many good things be done by a mortal.
54 The scent of flowers doesnʼt travel against the wind, not even that of sandalwood, tagara, or jasmine; but the reputation of the virtuous does travel against the wind. The reputation of the virtuous pervades every place. 55 Among the scent of sandalwood, tagara, lotus, and jasmine, the scent of virtue is unsurpassed.
56 The scent that comes from tagara and sandalwood is faint. The scent of the virtuous is best, it rises up to the gods.
58 On a garbage heap by the roadside, a lotus grows full of sweet perfume and delight. 59 Likewise, on a garbage heap of blind mortals, a true disciple of the Buddha shines forth in wisdom.
60 The night is long to the sleepless; a mile is long to the tired; life is long to the foolish who donʼt know the true law.
61 If a traveler doesnʼt meet a companion who is his better or his equal, let him firmly keep to his solitary journey. There is no companionship with a fool. 62 He worries, “I have sons and wealth,” but he himself is not his own, how much less sons and wealth?
63 A fool who knows his own foolishness is wise to that extent. But a fool who thinks he is wise is a fool indeed.
64 Even if a fool associates with a wise man all his life, he will perceive the truth no more than a spoon perceives the flavor of soup. 65 If an intelligent man associates with a wise man for only one minute, he will soon perceive the truth as the tongue perceives the taste of soup.
66 Fools of little understanding are their own enemies, for they do evil deeds that bear bitter fruit. 67 That deed is poorly done if a man must repent afterward and its reward is crying and a tearful face. 68 That deed is well done if a man does not repent afterward and its reward is delight and happiness.
69 As long as an evil deed doesnʼt bear fruit, the fool thinks itʼs like honey. But when it ripens, then the fool suffers grief.
70 Even if a fool, month after month, eats his food like an ascetic with the tip of a blade of grass, he isnʼt worth even one sixteenth of those who have understood the truth.
71 An evil deed, like freshly drawn milk, doesnʼt sour immediately; it follows the fool, smoldering, like fire covered by ashes.
73 The fool wishes for a false reputation, for precedence among monks, for authority in the monasteries, for honor among other people. 74 “May both laymen and monks think that I did it. Let them obey me in everything, great and small.” Such is the mind of the fool, and thus his desire and pride increase.
75 One road leads to wealth, another road leads to salvation. If the monk, a disciple of Buddha, has learned this, he wonʼt yearn for honor, heʼll strive for separation from the world.
76 If you find a wise man who points out faults, and who reproves, follow that wise man as one would follow a guide to hidden treasure. Itʼll be better, not worse, for those who follow him. 77 Let him admonish, let him teach, let him restrain you from whatʼs improper. The good will love him. The bad will hate him.
78 Donʼt have evildoers as companions, donʼt have vile people as friends. Have virtuous people as companions, have the best as friends.
79 He who drinks in the law lives happily with a serene mind. The wise man rejoices always in the law, as preached by the noble ones.
80 Irrigators guide the water. Fletchers straighten the arrow. Carpenters shape the wood. The wise control themselves.
81 Just as a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise donʼt falter amidst blame or praise. 82 After theyʼve listened to the law, the wise become serene, like a deep, smooth, and still lake.
83 The good keep walking whatever happens. The good donʼt prattle, longing for pleasure. Whether touched by happiness or sorrow, the wise never appear elated or depressed.
84 A man is good, wise, and virtuous if he does no wrong for his own sake or for the sake of others; if he wishes neither for wealth, a son, or a kingdom; and if he doesnʼt wish for success by unfair means.
85 Few among men arrive at the other shore. The rest run up and down on this shore. 86 But those who follow the law, when it has been well taught to them, will arrive at the other shore having crossed the dominion of death, however difficult to overcome.
87 Let a wise man leave the dark way, and follow the bright path. After going from his home to homelessness, let him yearn for delight in detachment, so difficult to enjoy. 88 Leaving all pleasures behind, and calling nothing his own, let the wise man cleanse himself of that which defiles the mind. 89 Those whose minds are well grounded in the factors of enlightenment, who without clinging to anything, rejoice in freedom from attachment, whose appetites have been conquered, and who are full of light, are free even in this world.
91 The mindful strive diligently. Theyʼre not attached to any home. Like swans who leave a lake, they leave their house and home.
92 Like birds in the air, the path of the saint is hard to trace. They have no riches, are wise regarding food, and their objective is emptiness and freedom.
94 Even the gods adore him whose senses have been subdued, like horses well trained by a charioteer, whoʼs free from pride, and free from appetites. 95 Like the earth, heʼs not provoked. Heʼs firm like a pillar. Heʼs like a pure lake without mud. No new births are in store for him.
96 His mind is calm, and calm are his words and deeds. By true knowledge he has obtained freedom, and thus become tranquil.
98 In a village or in a forest, in a valley or on a hill, wherever saints dwell, that place is delightful. 99 Delightful are the forests in which the crowds find no pleasure. Those without passion will find delight there, for they donʼt seek pleasure.
100 Better than a speech of a thousand vain words is one thoughtful word, hearing which brings peace. 101 Better than a poem of a thousand vain verses is one thoughtful verse, hearing which brings peace.
103 Greater than he who conquers a thousand times a thousand men in battle, is he who conquerors just one—himself. 104 Itʼs far better to conquer oneself than to conquer others. 105 For a man who has conquered himself and always lives with self-control, not even a god, an angel, or a demon with a god can change that victory into defeat.
106 A man could sacrifice by the thousands for month after month for a hundred years, or he could pay homage for one moment to a man living in wisdom. Better is that homage than sacrifices for a century. 107 A man could tend the sacrificial fire in the forest for a hundred years, or he could pay homage for one moment to a man living in wisdom. Better is that homage than sacrifices for a century. 108 In this world, a man may make sacrifices and oblations for a whole year in order to gain merit, yet all of itʼs not worth a quarter of the merit gained by revering the righteous.
109 For him who always respects and honors the wise, four things will increase: life, beauty, happiness, power.
110 Better than a hundred years lived immoral and unrestrained, is one day lived virtuous and reflecting. 111 Better than a hundred years lived ignorant and unrestrained, is one day lived wise and reflecting. 112 Better than a hundred years idle and weak, is one day lived energetic and firm.
116 Hasten to do good. Keep your mind from evil. If a man is slow to do good, his mind delights in evil.
117 If a man does what is evil, let him not do it again and again. Let him not delight in it, for accumulating evil brings pain. 118 If a man does what is good, let him do it again and again. Let him delight in it, for accumulating good brings joy.
119 Even an evildoer may be happy before his evil deed ripens, but when it ripens, he suffers. 120 Even a good man may suffer before his good deed ripens, but when it ripens, he is happy.
121 Let no man think lightly of evil, saying in his heart, “It wonʼt amount to much.” As a water pot is filled by the falling of water drops, so the fool becomes full of evil, even if he gathers it little by little. 122 Let no man think lightly of good, saying in his heart, “It wonʼt amount to much.” As a water pot is filled by the falling of water drops, so the wise man becomes full of good, even if he gathers it little by little.
123 Let a man avoid evil deeds, as a wealthy merchant with few companions avoids a dangerous road; as a man who loves life avoids poison.
125 If a man offends a harmless, pure, and innocent person, the evil falls back upon that fool, like dust thrown against the wind.
127 Not in the sky, not in the middle of the sea, not in a cleft of the mountains, is there a spot to be found where a man can escape from the consequences of his evil deed. 128 Not in the sky, not in the middle of the sea, not in a cleft of the mountains, is there a spot to be found where a man wonʼt be overcome by death.
129 Everyone trembles at punishment, everyone fears death. Putting yourself in his place, donʼt kill or cause others to kill. 130 Everyone trembles at punishment, everyone loves his own life. Putting yourself in his place, donʼt kill or cause others to kill.
131 He who, seeking happiness, punishes beings who also desire happiness, wonʼt find happiness after death. 132 He who, seeking happiness, doesnʼt punish beings who also desire happiness, will find happiness after death.
133 Speak harshly to no one, or those who are spoken to will answer you in the same way. Contentious speech hurts, and retaliation will come to you. 134 If your mind is still, like a broken gong, you have attained salvation, for thereʼs no contention in you.
135 As a cowherd drives cows to pasture with a staff, so aging and death drive the life of men. 136 A fool doesnʼt realize when he commits evil, but he suffers for those deeds as if burned by fire.
137 He who inflicts pain on the innocent and unarmed will soon suffer in one of these ten ways: 138 severe pain, impoverishment, bodily injury, serious illness, mental illness, 139 trouble from the government, a fearful accusation, loss of relatives, loss of wealth, 140 or fire will destroy his houses. When his body is destroyed, the fool will go to hell.
141 Neither nakedness, nor matted hair, nor dirt, nor fasting, nor lying on the earth, nor rubbing with dust, nor sitting motionless, can purify a mortal who has not overcome doubt. 142 He who exercises tranquility, is quiet, subdued, restrained, chaste, and has set aside violence towards all others, he indeed is a holy man, an ascetic, a monk, even if dressed in fine apparel.
143 Who in this world is so restrained by conscience that he needs no reproof, as a fine horse needs no whip? 144 Like a fine horse when touched by the whip, be active and lively. By faith, by virtue, by effort, by meditation, by discerning the truth, by perfect knowledge and conduct, by mindfulness, you will leave this pain behind.
145 Irrigators guide the water. Fletchers straighten the arrow. Carpenters shape the wood. Good people fashion themselves.
146 Why is there laughter and joy when this world is always burning? Surrounded by darkness, donʼt you look for a light?
147 Look at this body—a painted image, covered with festering wounds, sickly, full of many thoughts—neither lasting nor stable. 148 This body is worn out, full of sickness, and frail. This heap of corruption breaks to pieces, for life indeed ends with death. 149 These white bones are like gourds thrown away in the autumn. What pleasure is there in seeing them?
150 A city made of bones is covered with flesh and blood. Living in it are old age and death, pride and deceit. 151 The beautiful chariots of kings get worn out and so does the body. But the virtue of good people doesnʼt age: thus do the good say among themselves.
152 A man who has learned little grows old like an ox. His body grows, but his wisdom doesnʼt.
153 I roamed through many births, without reward and without rest, looking for the builder of this house. Painful is birth again and again. 154 But now, builder of this house, I have seen you. You wonʼt build this house again. All your rafters are broken, your ridge pole is dismantled. My mind has attained the extinction of all desires.
155 Those who, in their youth, havenʼt lived the holy life nor gained wealth perish like old herons in a lake without fish. 156 They lie sighing over the past like arrows misfired from a bow.
157 If a man holds himself dear, let him watch himself carefully. Let a wise man keep vigil during one of the three watches of the night.
158 Let each man first direct himself to what is proper, then let him teach others. Thus a wise man wonʼt be reproached.
159 If a man makes himself as he teaches others to be, then, being himself well tamed, he may tame others. Oneʼs self is indeed difficult to tame.
160 A man is truly his own protector. Who else could be the protector? With self well controlled, one finds a protector such as few can find.
161 The evil a foolish man does by himself, self-born, self-created, grinds him down, as a diamond breaks a hard gem. 162 When overspread with great wickedness, like a tree covered by vines, a man brings himself down to where his enemy wishes. 163 Evil deeds, which harm ourselves, are easy to do. Good and beneficial deeds are very difficult to do.
165 Evil is done by oneself, by oneself one is defiled. Evil is left undone by oneself, by oneself is one purified. Purity and impurity are oneʼs own doing. No one can purify another.
166 Let no man sacrifice his own welfare for that of another, however great. Let a man, after discerning his own welfare, be always attentive to it.
167 Donʼt follow vulgar ways. Donʼt live with abandon. Donʼt follow false doctrine. Donʼt be a friend of the world.
168 Wake up! Donʼt be idle. Live a virtuous life. The virtuous sleeps with ease in this world and the next. 169 Live a virtuous life. Donʼt live a life of sin. The virtuous sleeps with ease in this world and the next.
170 The king of death doesnʼt see him who looks upon the world as a bubble, as a mirage. 171 Come look at this world, decorated like a royal chariot. Fools are immersed in it, but the wise donʼt cling to it.
172 He who was reckless and then becomes mindful, brightens up this world like the moon when freed from clouds. 173 He who replaces evil deeds with good deeds, brightens up this world, like the moon when freed from clouds.
174 In this dark world, only a few can see. Only a few, like birds escaping from the net, go to heaven. 175 Swans fly on the path of the sun, through the air by their wonderful power. The wise flee from the world after defeating the tempter and his armies.
176 A man who transgresses the one law, speaks lies, and scoffs at the world beyond is capable of any evil.
177 Misers donʼt go to the world of the gods; neither do fools praise generosity. A wise man rejoices in generosity, and through it becomes blessed in the world beyond.
178 The first step towards holiness is better than sovereignty over the earth, better than going to heaven, and better than being lord over all the worlds.
181 Even the gods envy those who are awakened, who are devoted to meditation, who are wise, and who delight in the calm of renunciation.
182 Itʼs difficult to obtain a human birth, difficult is the life of mortals. Itʼs difficult to obtain the chance to hear the true law, difficult is the birth of the awakened.
183 To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to purify oneʼs mind, that is the teaching of the awakened. 184 Patient endurance is the highest austerity. “Salvation is supreme”, say the awakened. He is no monk who injures others. He is no ascetic who insults others. 185 Not to revile, not to injure, to live restrained under the law, to be moderate in food, to live in solitude, and to dwell on the highest thoughts: this is the teaching of the awakened.
186 Thereʼs no way to satisfy lusts, even with a shower of gold coins. He is wise who knows that lusts give little satisfaction and much pain. 187 Even in heavenly pleasures the wise finds no delight. The disciple who is fully awakened delights only in the destruction of craving.
188 When threatened with danger, men go to many a refuge: to mountains and forests, to groves and shrines. 189 But thatʼs not a secure refuge, thatʼs not the best refuge. A man isnʼt delivered from all pain after going to that refuge.
190 He who takes refuge with the law, the awakened, and their order, sees with clear understanding the four holy truths: 191 pain, the cause of pain, the destruction of pain, and the holy eightfold path that leads to the quieting of pain; 192 Thatʼs a secure refuge, thatʼs the best refuge. After going to that refuge, a man is delivered from all pain.
193 An awakened man is hard to find. Heʼs not born everywhere. Wherever such a wise man is born, that clan prospers.
194 Blessed is the arising of awakened ones, blessed is the teaching of the true law, blessed is harmony in the order, blessed is the devotion of those who are at peace.
195 He who reveres those who deserve reverence—the awakened ones or their disciples, who have overcome all obstacles, sorrow, and lamentation, 196 who found deliverance and know no fear—his merit can never be measured.
197 We live happily, not hating those who hate us. When among men who hate us, we dwell without hatred. 198 We live happily, without illness among the ill. When among men who are ill, we dwell without illness. 199 We live happily, without greed among the greedy. When among men who are greedy, we dwell without greed. 200 We live happily, we who own nothing.
201 Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered live in pain. The contented is happy, having given up both victory and defeat.
202 There is no fire like lust, no loss like hatred, no pain like this existence, and no happiness higher than peace.
203 Hunger is the worst disease, this existence the greatest pain. If one truly knows this, he realizes salvation, the highest happiness. 204 Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth. Trust is the best kinsman, salvation the highest happiness.
205 He who has savored the taste of solitude and tranquility is free from fear and evil, refreshed with the nourishment of the law.
206 The sight of noble ones is good. To live with them is always happiness. If a man doesnʼt see fools, he will be truly happy.
207 He who walks with fools suffers for a long time. Company with fools, as with an enemy, is always painful. Company with the wise is a pleasure, like reunion with family. 208 Therefore, follow the wise, the intelligent, the learned, the steadfast, the dutiful, the noble. Follow a good and discerning man, as the moon follows the path of the stars.
209 He who gives himself to vanity, instead of to meditation, who forgets the goal and grasps at pleasure, will come to envy him who has exerted himself.
210 Donʼt seek for whatʼs pleasant or unpleasant, for itʼs pain not to see the pleasant, and itʼs pain to see whatʼs unpleasant. 211 Therefore, let no man hold anything dear, for loss of the dear is painful. Those who hold nothing dear and hate nothing have no fetters.
212 From pleasure comes grief, from pleasure comes fear. He who is free from pleasure knows neither grief nor fear. 213 From affection comes grief, from affection comes fear. He who is free from affection knows neither grief nor fear. 214 From attachment comes grief, from attachment comes fear. He who is free from attachment knows neither grief nor fear. 215 From lust comes grief, from lust comes fear. He who is free from lust knows neither grief nor fear. 216 From craving comes grief, from craving comes fear. He who is free from craving knows neither grief nor fear.
217 He who has virtue and insight, who is just, who speaks the truth, and does his own business, him the world holds dear.
219 Family, friends, and well-wishers welcome a man long absent who returns safely from afar. 220 As family receives a friend on his return, so do his good works welcome him who has done good, and has gone from this world to the next.
221 Let a man leave anger, forsake pride, and overcome all bondage. No suffering befalls the man who is detached from name and form, and who calls nothing his own.
223 Overcome anger with love, evil with good, greed with generosity, and lies with truth. 224 Speak the truth, donʼt yield to anger, and give, if asked, even if itʼs only a little. By these three steps you will go near the gods.
225 The sages who harm no one, and always control their body, go to the unchangeable state, where they suffer no more. 226 Those who are always vigilant, studying day and night, intent on salvation, their passions fade away.
227 This is an old saying, not just of today: “They blame him who is silent, they blame him who speaks much, they blame him who speaks little.” There is none on earth who escapes blame. 228 There never was, there never will be, nor is there now, a man who is always blamed or always praised.
229 If the knowledgeable praise him, having observed him day after day to be without blemish, wise, and rich in knowledge and virtue, 230 who can blame him? Even the gods praise him. Even the Creator praises him.
231 With your body, tongue, and mind: beware of anger, be restrained, leave its sins, and with it practise virtue. 234 The wise who control their body, their tongue, and their mind, are well controlled indeed.
235 You are now like a withered leaf, the messengers of death stand nearby. You stand at the door of departure, yet have no provision for your journey. 237 Your life has come to an end, you are near death, there is no resting place for you on the road, yet you have no provision for your journey. 238 Make an island for yourself, work hard, be wise. When your impurities are blown away, and you are free from guilt, you wonʼt enter again into birth and decay.
239 Let a wise man remove his own impurities, as a smith removes impurities from silver one by one, little by little, and moment by moment. 240 Just as rust destroys the iron from which it springs, so do a transgressorʼs deeds lead him to an evil destination.
241 The impurity of prayers is not reciting them. The impurity of houses is not repairing them. The impurity of beauty is sloth. The impurity of a watchman is mindlessness. 242 Sexual misconduct is the impurity of woman, stinginess the impurity of a donor. All evil ways are impurities, both in this world and in the next. 243 But there is an impurity worse than all others: ignorance. Throw off that impurity to become pure.
246 He who destroys life, speaks lies, takes what isnʼt given, goes to another manʼs wife, 247 and gives himself to intoxicating liquor, he digs up his own root here in this world. 248 Know this, good man, that evil is hard to control. Donʼt let greed and vice bring you to prolonged grief.
249 People give according to their faith or conviction. If a man worries about the food and drink given to others, he will find no rest by day or night. 250 He in whom that feeling is cut down, uprooted, and destroyed finds rest by day and night.
251 Thereʼs no fire like passion, no grip like hatred, no snare like delusion, no river like craving.
252 Itʼs easy to see the faults of others, but difficult to see oneʼs own. A man winnows the faults of others like chaff, but hides his own like a cheat hides an unlucky throw of the dice. 253 If a man focuses on the errors of others, and is always inclined to find fault, his own faults will grow, and he is far from destroying them.
254 The world delights in vanity, but the awakened are free from it.
256 A man doesnʼt become just by passing arbitrary judgement. No, heʼs called just who weighs both right and wrong, 257 who judges impartially and without hurry, in line with law, guarding the law, guarded by the law, and who is intelligent.
258 A man isnʼt wise just because he talks a lot. Heʼs called wise who is patient and free from hostility and fear.
259 A man doesnʼt uphold the law just because he talks a lot. He who has learned only a little of the law, yet comprehends it and never neglects it, he upholds the law.
260 A man isnʼt an elder just because his hair is grey. He may be advanced in years, but is called “one grown old in vain.” 261 He in whom there is truth, virtue, love, restraint, self control, who is free from impurity, and is wise, he is called an elder.
262 Eloquence or physical beauty donʼt make an envious, greedy, and dishonest man respectable. 263 Heʼs called respectable when all these are cut down, uprooted, and destroyed, when heʼs free from hatred, and is wise.
264 An undisciplined man who speaks lies doesnʼt become a monk just by shaving his head. How can he be a monk who is held captive by desire and greed? 265 He who quiets evil, both small and large, is called a monk, because he has overcome all evil.
266 A man isnʼt a monk just because he asks for alms. He who adopts the whole law is a monk. 267 He who is above both good and evil, who is chaste, and who goes through the world with understanding, he indeed is called a monk.
268 A foolish and ignorant man doesnʼt become a sage just by silence. But the wise, as if holding the scales, chooses good and avoids evil. 269 For this reason he is a sage. He who weighs both sides of this world is called a sage.
270 A man doesnʼt become noble by harming living creatures. Heʼs called noble for harming no living thing.
271 Not by rules and practices, not by much learning, not by great concentration, not by life in seclusion, 272 not by thinking, “I enjoy the happiness of renunciation which no worldling can know”, should the monk be confident without attaining the extinction of desires.
273 Of paths, the Eightfold is best. Of truths, the Four Noble are best. Of virtues, detachment is best. Of men, he who has eyes to see is best.
274 This is the only path to purify vision, there is no other. Follow this path and it will bewilder the tempter. 275 Following this path will end pain. Once I understood how to remove thorns in the flesh, I preached this path.
276 You yourself must make an effort. Buddhas only show the way. The thoughtful who follow the path are freed from the tempterʼs bonds.
277 “All created things are temporary.” He who sees and knows this turns away from pain. This is the path to purity.
278 “All created things are painful.” He who sees and knows this turns away from pain. This is the path to purity.
280 He who doesnʼt exert himself when itʼs time, who, though young and strong, is full of sloth, whose will and mind are weak, that lazy and idle man will never find the path to knowledge.
281 Let a man watch his speech, be well restrained in mind, and never commit wrong with his body. If a man purifies these three courses of action, he will achieve the path taught by the wise.
282 Zeal brings knowledge. Lack of zeal loses knowledge. Knowing these two paths of gain and loss, let a man conduct himself so that knowledge may grow.
283 Cut down the whole forest of desire, not just one tree. Danger comes from the forest. Once you have cut down this forest and its undergrowth, you will be free.
284 As long as the smallest craving of man for woman is not destroyed, his mind is in bondage, as the sucking calf to its mother. 285 Cut out the love of self, like an autumn lotus with your hand. Cherish the road of peace, as shown by the awakened.
286 “I will live here during the rains, and over here in winter and summer.” Thus thinks the fool, unaware of obstructions.
287 Death carries off the man praised for his children and flocks, his mind distracted, as a flood carries off a sleeping village.
288 For him whom death has seized, kinsmen are no protection. Neither sons, a father, nor relations can give shelter. 289 Knowing this, a wise and good man should quickly clear the path leading to salvation.
290 If by leaving a small pleasure one sees a great pleasure, let a wise man leave the small pleasure and look to the great.
291 He who seeks pleasure for himself by causing pain to others is entangled by the bonds of hatred, and cannot be free from hatred.
292 Desires always increase for unruly, heedless people who neglect what should be done and do what shouldnʼt be done. 293 But desires will come to an end for watchful, wise people who donʼt do what shouldnʼt be done, who steadfastly do what should be done, and whose whole watchfulness is always directed to their body.
296 The disciples of Gotama are wide awake and vigilant, and their minds day and night are always set on the Awakened, 297 on the law, 298 on the church, 299 and on their body.
300 The disciples of Gotama are wide awake and vigilant, and their minds day and night always delight in compassion, 301 and in meditation.
302 Itʼs hard to be a monk. Itʼs hard to enjoy that life. Household life is also hard and painful. Itʼs painful to dwell with unequals and the wandering monk is beset with pain. Therefore let no man wander aimlessly and he will not be beset with pain.
303 A faithful, virtuous, reputable, and wealthy man is respected wherever he goes. 304 Like the Himalayas, good people shine from afar. Like arrows shot by night, bad people are unseen even when they are near.
305 He who sits alone, sleeps alone, walks alone, is diligent, and subdues himself alone, will rejoice in the solitude of the forest.
306 He goes to hell, the one who asserts what didnʼt happen, and the one who did a thing but says, “I havenʼt done it”. Theyʼre both evildoers, and are equal in the next world.
307 Many men who wear the saffron robe are ill-mannered and unrestrained. Such evildoers by their evil deeds go to hell. 308 It would be better to swallow an iron ball, red-hot and aflame, than for an immoral, unrestrained man to eat the alms of the people.
309 A wreckless man who lies down with his neighborʼs wife gains four things: a bad reputation, poor sleep, punishment, and hell. 310 There is bad reputation, an evil destination, the brief pleasure of the frightened man and woman, and the king imposes a heavy punishment. Therefore, let no man lie down with his neighborʼs wife.
311 Just as a blade of grass, if wrongly handled, cuts the hand, so does asceticism, if wrongly practised, lead to hell.
312 An act performed carelessly, a broken vow, and questionable celibacy, none of these bring much reward. 313 If anything is to be done, then do it vigorously. A careless pilgrim only scatters the dust of his passions more widely.
314 Itʼs better not to do an evil deed, for an evil deed torments a man afterwards. Itʼs better to do a good deed, for having done it, one is not tormented. 315 Like a frontier fort with defences inside and out, so let a man guard himself. Donʼt let a moment pass by, for they who allow the right moment to pass suffer pain when consigned to hell.
316 They who are ashamed of what is not shameful, and are not ashamed of what is shameful; 317 they who see danger where there is none, and see no danger where there is; 318 they who see wrong where there is none, and see no wrong where there is; such men, embracing false doctrines, go to an evil destination.
319 They who see wrong as wrong, and see right as right, such men, embracing true doctrine go to a good destination.
320 As an elephant in battle endures an arrow shot from a bow, so will I endure defamation. Many people lack virtue.
321 They only lead a tamed elephant into crowds. The king only rides a tamed elephant. The tamed man who endures defamation is the best among men.
322 Trained mules, thoroughbred horses, and elephants with large tusks are excellent, but he who tames himself is better still. 323 For with these animals no man reaches the untrodden country where a tamed man goes by taming himself.
324 The elephant called Dhanapalaka, deep in rut, is difficult to hold. He doesnʼt eat a morsel in captivity, but longs for the elephant grove.
325 When a man is inactive and gluttonous, sleeping and rolling around in bed like an overfed hog, that fool is born again and again.
326 This mind used to wander about as it liked, wherever it wished, however it pleased. Now I will hold it in check, as a rider with a hook controls an elephant in rut.
327 Delight in mindfulness. Watch over your mind. Lift yourself out of the evil way, as an elephant lifts itself out of the mud.
328 If you find a wise, prudent, and virtuous friend, then, overcoming all dangers, walk with him joyfully and mindfully. 329 If you find no friend who is wise, prudent, and virtuous, then walk alone like a king leaving behind his kingdom, like an elephant in the forest.
330 Itʼs better to live alone. Thereʼs no companionship with a fool. Live alone, do no evil, and be content, like an elephant in the forest.
331 These are good: friends when the need arises, contentment with what you have, merit in the hour of death, giving up all grief, 332 serving your mother, serving your father, serving monks, serving holy men, 333 virtue lasting into old age, firmly rooted faith, attaining discernment, avoiding evil.
334 The craving of a heedless man grows like a creeping vine. He runs from life to life, like a monkey seeking fruit in the forest.
335 He who is overcome by this vile and clinging craving, his suffering increases like grass after rain. 336 He who overcomes this vile craving, so difficult to conquer, suffering falls off him like water drops from a lotus leaf.
337 To all assembled here I say, “Good luck. Dig up the root of craving like one seeking the sweet scented root of birana grass. Let not the tempter crush you again and again as the stream crushes a reed.” 338 A tree will grow again, even if cut down, as long as its root is safe and firm. Thus, unless latent craving is destroyed, suffering will return again and again.
339 The thirty six streams of craving flow towards pleasure. The misguided man, in whom they flow strongly, is carried away. 340 The streams flow everywhere. The creeping vines of craving grow everywhere. If you see the vine spring up, cut its root with knowledge.
342 Driven by craving, men run about like a snared rabbit. Held by fetters and bonds, they suffer again and again for a long time. 343 So a monk should drive out craving, and strive to be without passion.
345 The wise donʼt say that a fetter made of iron, wood, or hemp is strong. Far stronger is a longing for jewels and ornaments, children and wives. 346 The wise say that a strong fetter drags one down, though seeming loose, itʼs difficult to remove. After having cut it, the wise are free from cares, and leave the world, desires, and pleasures behind.
348 Give up the past, the future, and the present to cross to the other shore of existence. If your mind is completely free, you wonʼt enter into birth and decay again.
349 If a man is tossed about by doubts, full of passion, and focused on pleasure, his craving grows more and more. He makes his fetters strong indeed. 350 If a man delights in quieting doubts, is always mindful, and meditates on the impurities, he will end craving and cut the fetter of the tempter.
351 He who has reached the goal is without fear, is without craving, is without blemish, and has removed all the thorns of life: this will be his last body.
354 The gift of the law exceeds all gifts. The taste of the law exceeds all tastes. Delight in the law exceeds all delights. The extinction of craving overcomes all suffering.
355 Riches destroy the foolish, but not those who seek the beyond. The fool, by craving for riches, destroys himself and others.
356 Weeds spoil a field. Passion, hatred, delusion, or desire spoil a man. 359 Therefore, a gift given to those without passion, hatred, delusion, or desire yields great fruit.
360 Good is restraint over the eye, over the ear, over the nose, and over the tongue. 361 Good is restraint in the body, in speech, in mind, in all things. A monk, restrained in all things, is freed from all suffering.
362 He who controls his hands, feet, and speech; who is well controlled, delights in the inward, is collected, solitary and content, him they call a monk.
363 The monk who controls his tongue, speaks moderately and calmly, and teaches the law and its meaning, his speech is sweet.
364 The monk who abides in the law, delights in the law, meditates on the law, and keeps the law in mind, he will never fall away from the true law.
365 Let him not despise what he has received, nor envy others. A monk who envies others doesnʼt obtain concentration.
366 If a monk lives purely, is diligent, and doesnʼt despise what he has received, though he receives little, then even the gods will praise him. 368 The monk who abides in kindness, and is devoted to the teachings of Buddha, will attain peace, happiness, and cessation of natural desires.
369 Monk, bail out this boat. Once bailed, it will sail lightly. Having cut out passion and hatred, you will reach salvation.
371 Meditate monk. Be mindful. Donʼt direct your mind to sensual pleasure. Heedless, donʼt swallow the flaming iron ball lest you cry out when burning, “This is suffering.”
372 There is no meditation without insight. There is no insight without meditation. He who has insight and meditation is near salvation.
373 A monk who has entered his empty house, whose mind is tranquil, and who sees the law clearly, feels a delight more than human.
375 This is the beginning for a wise monk: guarding the senses, contentment, restraint under the law. 376 He should have friends who are noble, energetic, and pure. He should be friendly, and skilled in conduct. Then, having much joy, he will put an end to suffering.
377 Shed passion and hatred, as the jasmine plant sheds its withered flowers. 378 That monk is called quiet whose body and speech and mind are calm, who is collected, and who has purged the baits of the world.
379 Reprove yourself and examine yourself by yourself. By being vigilant and attentive you will live happily. 380 You are your own master and refuge. Therefore, watch over yourself as a merchant watches over a good horse.
381 The monk who is full of joy, and who has faith in the teachings of Buddha will reach the quiet place, cessation of natural desires, and happiness. 382 Even a young monk who applies himself to the teachings of Buddha brightens this world, like the moon set free from clouds.
386 He who is mindful, blameless, settled, dutiful, without passions, and who has attained the highest goal, him I call a holy man.
387 The sun shines by day, the moon shines by night, the warrior shines in armor, the holy man shines in meditation.
388 A man is called holy for discarding evil, contemplative for walking quietly, a pilgrim for leaving his own impurities.
389 No one should attack a holy man, but no holy man, if attacked, should give in to his anger. Shame on him who attacks a holy man, but more shame to him who gives in to his anger.
390 Nothing is better for a holy man than to hold his mind back from the pleasures of life. When all desire to injure has vanished, pain ceases.
391 I call him a holy man who doesnʼt offend in body, word, or mind, and is restrained on these three points.
392 Revere that teacher who has taught you the law as taught by the Buddha, just as a holy many reveres the sacrificial fire.
393 A man doesnʼt become holy by his matted hair, by his family, or by birth. He in whom there is truth and righteousness, he is pure, he is a holy man. 394 What use is matted hair, O fool? What use is your coat of goat skins? The tangle is within you, but you comb the outside.
397 I call him a holy man who has cut every fetter, is fearless, independent, and unshackled.
399 I call him a holy man who, without anger, endures insult, imprisonment, and beating, who has patience like the strength of an army.
400 I call him a holy man who is free from anger, dutiful, virtuous, without craving, subdued, and who has received his last body.
401 I call him a holy man who doesnʼt cling to pleasures; like water on a lotus leaf or a mustard seed on the tip of a needle. 402 I call him a holy man who, even here, discerns the end of his suffering, has put down his burden, and is unshackled.
403 I call him a holy man who is wise, has deep understanding, discerns the right and wrong path, and has reached the ultimate goal.
404 I call him a holy man who keeps aloof from both laymen and ascetic, who has no permanent home, and few desires.
405 I call him a holy man who renounces violence towards all beings, whether weak or strong, and neither kills nor causes others to kill.
407 I call him a holy man from whom passion and hatred, pride and envy have dropped like a mustard seed from the tip of a needle.
408 I call him a holy man who speaks true and instructive words, free from harshness, so that he offends no one. 409 I call him a holy man who only takes what is given to him, be it long or short, small or large, good or bad.
412 I call him a holy man who, in this world, is above attachment to merit and evil, is without grief, stainless, and pure.
416 I call him a holy man who, leaving all craving, travels without a home, and in whom all craving is extinct.
417 I call him a holy man who, after leaving all attachment to men, has risen above all attachment to the gods, and is free from every attachment.
421 I call him a holy man who doesnʼt cling to past, present, or future, who has nothing, who clings to nothing.
© 2024 Michael Hendricks
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