167 |
Do not pursue the vulgar way;
Wrongful views, don’t entertain;
In heedless states do not abide;
To worldly ways do not incline.
|
168 |
Strive! Try! Don’t be perfunctory:
Take on the practice, and do it painstakingly.
Seekers of Dhamma when sleeping, sleep blissfully,
Both in life here, and hereafter additionally.
|
169 |
Take on the practice and do it painstakingly:
Don’t take it on and then do it disgracefully.
Seekers of Dhamma when sleeping, sleep blissfully,
Both in life here, and hereafter additionally.
|
170 |
As if you might a bubble see,
As if it should a mirage be:
When thus you gaze upon the world
You’re not by Death’s great king observed.
|
171 |
Let’s gaze upon this pompous world
(A royal coach resplendent!)
In which the fools have settled down:
The wise have no attachment.
|
172 |
Whoever though earlier negligent,
In passage of time became diligent,
Is one who throws light on the world,
Like the moon which from clouds has emerged.
|
173 |
One guilty of past misdemeanour
Who shrouds it with skilful endeavour
Is one who throws light on the world,
Like the moon which from clouds has emerged.
|
174 |
Benighted is humanity:
How few there are that see!
As few men go to paradise
As birds from nets break free.
|
175 |
Swans wing their way on the sun’s westward path;
By their powers sublime, through the air, adepts pass.
The sages take leave of the worldly domain
Having Mara defeated, and all Mara’s train.
|
176 |
They who, in speaking, are guilty of falsity,
Flouting one virtue, the virtue of honesty -
Doubting the chance of an after-life destiny -
Won’t draw the line at a single iniquity.
|
177 |
To realms of the gods will proceed not the niggardly;
Fools, who don’t see this, do not extol charity.
Those who are prudent commend open-handedness;
Thus, after death, they are happy in consequence.
|
178 |
Better than sovereignty over the earth,
Or finding in heaven a blessed rebirth,
Or ruling the cosmos with total authority,
Better than these is securing of stream-entry. |
| |
|
| |
Go to the next chapter |
