21 |
Diligence is the path to the Deathless,
And negligence the pathway to death.
They perish not, those who are diligent;
The negligent are like unto the dead. |
22
&23
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The wise, recognising the special quality of diligence, rejoice in it, delighting in the realm of morally outstanding people (ariyans). They apply themselves constantly and unwaveringly. The steadfast reach Nibbana, ultimate safety.
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24 |
People who are
energetic,
attentive,
pure in conduct,
careful in conduct,
restrained,
of right livelihood,
diligent,
their glory grows. |
25 |
The wise by means of
energy,
diligence,
sense restraint,
self-taming,
make an island which no flood can destroy. |
26 |
They’re given to slackness, the dull and inane;
The wise foster diligence, their paramount gain. |
27 |
Don’t be given to negligence;
Turn aside from sensual treats.
The diligent one who meditates
Gets joy that’s abundantly sweet. |
28 |
With negligence scattered by diligent power,
The sage ascends great wisdom’s tower.
On the sorrowing masses he looks, free of woe,
As if from a mountain on groundlings below. |
29 |
Heedful amongst the oblivious,
Awake in the land of the sleeping,
The wise man proceeds
Like a galloping steed:
Passing faltering jades,
Leaves them standing. |
30 |
Sakka, through heedful behaviour,
Was crowned as the sovereign deva.
Thus, heedfulness wins acclamation,
And slackness receives deprecation. |
31 |
The monk who in diligence finds his delight,
Looking at negligence with fearful dislike,
Leaping ahead, like a flaming fireball,
Erases his fetters, the great and the small. |
32 |
The monk who in diligence finds his delight,
Looking at negligence with fearful dislike,
Of falling away, he has no possibility;
He’s brought himself into Nibbana’s vicinity. |
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Go to the next chapter |
