197 |
‘Midst those with animosity,
Those seething with antipathy,
Indeed, we live on happily,
Well wishing and kind heartedly.
|
198 |
‘Midst sick-at-heart humanity,
Their consciousness in malady,
Indeed, we live on happily,
In deepest health and sanity. |
199 |
‘Midst those who crave insatiably,
Desiring things voraciously,
Indeed, we live on happily,
Indifferent and contentedly.
|
200 |
How happily, here,
Do we our days fill!
Possessionless, we,
The owners of nil.
We’ll feed on our joy;
We’ll live on delight;
Like the Radiant Gods
In the heavens of light.
|
201 |
From triumph grows antipathy;
The conquered sleep in misery.
The calmed ones slumber blissfully;
They’ve spurned defeat and victory.
|
202 |
There’s no blaze like desire;
No misfortune like ire;
Like the khandhas, no stress;
Like appeasement, no bliss.
|
203 |
Hunger is the primary disease; conditioned phenomena, the primary suffering. Having seen the truth of this, Nibbana becomes the primary happiness. |
204 |
Above all gains, the best is health;
Contentment ranks as greatest wealth.
The loyal friend is kin that’s best;
Of all, Nibbana stands most blest. |
205 |
Having tasted the sweet of seclusion,
And savoured the taste of tranquillity,
Dhamma’s ambrosia and joy may you drink,
And be free of distress and iniquity! |
206 |
How blessed, the sight of accomplished disciples!
Companionship, ever, with them is delightful.
If ignorant people one never should see,
How endlessly pleasant, indeed, would it be! |
207 |
A woman will grieve for a very long time
If she moves in the circle of people unwise;
For it ever is so, that to live with a fool
Is as painful as if one should live with a foe.
But a living acquaintance with people sagacious
Is happy as if they were cherished relations. |
208 |
With men of great learning,
Insightful, discerning,
In wisdom excelling,
Devout, persevering,
The noble and excellent,
Ever associate,
Just as the moon
With the stars of the zodiac. |
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Go to the next chapter |
