The Dhammapada is one of the most famous book in the Sutta Pitaka. It contains deeply meaningful verses spoken by the Supreme Buddha Gautama. You can purchase a print copy of this book on Amazon.

 

Source  : www.mahamevnawa.org

 

Manopubbaṅgamā dhammā,
manoseṭṭhā manomayā;
Manasā ce paduṭṭhena,
bhāsati vā karoti vā;
Tato naṃ dukkhamanveti,
cakkaṃva vahato padaṃ.

1. All actions in this life are preceded by mind. Mind is their chief. They are made by mind. If one speaks or acts with an impure mind, suffering follows one like the wagon wheel that follows the foot of the ox.

 

 

Manopubbaṅgamā dhammā,
manoseṭṭhā manomayā;
Manasā ce pasannena,
bhāsati vā karoti vā;
Tato naṃ sukhamanveti,
chāyāva anapāyinī.

2. All actions in this life are preceded by mind. Mind is their chief. They are made by mind. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows one like one’s never-departing shadow.

 

 

Akkocchi maṃ avadhi maṃ,
ajini maṃ ahāsi me;
Ye ca taṃ upanayhanti,
veraṃ tesaṃ na sammati.

3. “He abused me, he attacked me, he defeated me, and he robbed me.” Those who harbour such thoughts will never end their hatred.

 

 

Akkocchi maṃ avadhi maṃ,
ajini maṃ ahāsi me;
Ye ca taṃ nupanayhanti,
veraṃ tesūpasammati.

4. “He abused me, he attacked me, he defeated me, and he robbed me.” Those who do not harbour such thoughts will end their hatred.

 

 

Na hi verena verāni,
sammantīdha kudācanaṃ;
Averena ca sammanti,
esa dhammo sanantano.

5. Hatred never ends through hatred; by non-hatred alone does it end. This is an eternal law in this world.

 

 

Pare ca na vijānanti,
mayamettha yamāmase;
Ye ca tattha vijānanti,
tato sammanti medhagā.

6. The people who quarrel do not realize that one day through these quarrels they will die, but those who do realize this fact settle their quarrels.

 

 

Subhānupassiṃ viharantaṃ,
indriyesu asaṃvutaṃ;
Bhojanamhi cāmattaññuṃ,
kusītaṃ hīnavīriyaṃ;
Taṃ ve pasahati māro,
vāto rukkhaṃva dubbalaṃ.

7. Whoever lives focused on pleasant things, with their sense faculties unguarded, immoderate in eating, lazy and sluggish, will be overpowered by Māra, just as a storm throws down a weak tree.

 

 

Asubhānupassiṃ viharantaṃ,
Indriyesu susaṃvutaṃ;
Bhojanamhi ca mattaññuṃ,
Saddhaṃ āraddhavīriyaṃ;
Taṃ ve nappasahati māro,
Vāto selaṃva pabbataṃ.

8. Whoever lives focused on the unpleasant nature of things, with their sense faculties guarded, moderate in eating, faithful and diligent, will not be overpowered by Māra, just as a storm cannot shake a rocky mountain.

 

 

Anikkasāvo kāsāvaṃ,
yo vatthaṃ paridahissati;
Apeto damasaccena,
na so kāsāvamarahati.

9. Whoever is defiled, devoid of self-control and truthfulness and yet wears the monk’s robe is surely not worthy of the robe.

 

 

Yo ca vantakasāvassa,
sīlesu susamāhito;
Upeto damasaccena,
sa ve kāsāvamarahati.

10. Whoever has removed defilements, is well established in virtue, and is filled with self-control and truthfulness is indeed worthy of the robe.

 

 

Asāre sāramatino,
sāre cāsāradassino;
Te sāraṃ nādhigacchanti,
micchā­saṅkap­pa­gocarā.

11. In this world, there are unbeneficial things. Some people mistake these unbeneficial things to be beneficial. They also mistake the beneficial things, such as developing virtue, concentration, and wisdom, to be unbeneficial. They are enveloped in wrong thoughts. They never reach what is beneficial.

 

 

Sārañca sārato ñatvā,
asārañca asārato;
Te sāraṃ adhigacchanti,
sam­māsaṅkap­pa­gocarā.

12. Based on right view, some people always think right thoughts. These wise people know the beneficial things, such as developing virtue, concentration, and wisdom, to be beneficial. They also know the unbeneficial things to be unbeneficial. That is why they reach the most beneficial, Nibbāna.

 

 

Yathā agāraṃ ducchannaṃ,
vuṭṭhī samativijjhati;
Evaṃ abhāvitaṃ cittaṃ,
rāgo samativijjhati.

13. Just as rain breaks through a poorly roofed house, lust penetrates the mind that has not been developed by calming and insight meditations.

 

 

Yathā agāraṃ suchannaṃ,
vuṭṭhī na samativijjhati;
Evaṃ subhāvitaṃ cittaṃ,
rāgo na samativijjhati.

14. Just as rain does not break through a well roofed house, lust never penetrates the mind that has been well developed by calming and insight meditations.

 

 

Idha socati pecca socati,
Pāpakārī ubhayattha socati;
So socati so vihaññati,
Disvā kamma­kiliṭ­ṭha­mattano.

15. The evil-doer grieves in this life and in the next. He grieves in both worlds. He laments and is afflicted, seeing his own defiled actions.

 

 

Idha modati pecca modati,
Katapuñño ubhayattha modati;
So modati so pamodati,
Disvā kamma­vi­sud­dhi­mattano.

16. The maker of merit rejoices in this life and in the next. He rejoices in both worlds. He rejoices and is delighted, seeing his own pure actions.

 

 

Idha tappati pecca tappati,
Pāpakārī ubhayattha tappati;
“ Pāpaṃ me katan”ti tappati,
Bhiyyo tappati duggatiṃ gato.

17. The evil-doer feels regret in this life and in the next. He feels regret in both worlds. He is regretful knowing, “I have done evil.” He is more regretful once he is reborn in the plane of misery.

 

 

Idha nandati pecca nandati,
Katapuñño ubhayattha nandati;
“ Puññaṃ me katan”ti nandati,
Bhiyyo nandati suggatiṃ gato.

18. The maker of merits is delighted in this life and in the next. He is delighted in both worlds. He is delighted in knowing, “I have made merit.” He is delighted even more once he is reborn in heaven.

 

 

Bahumpi ce saṃhita bhāsamāno,
Na takkaro hoti naro pamatto;
Gopova gāvo gaṇayaṃ paresaṃ,
Na bhāgavā sāmaññassa hoti.

19. Even though the negligent person preaches much Dhamma to others, he does not practice accordingly. He is like a cowherd who only counts the cows of others. He does not attain the stages of enlightenment as a monk.

 

 

Appampi ce saṃhita bhāsamāno,
Dhammassa hoti anudhammacārī;
Rāgañca dosañca pahāya mohaṃ,
Sammappajāno suvimuttacitto;
Anupādiyāno idha vā huraṃ vā,
Sa bhāgavā sāmaññassa hoti.

20. Even if the person practicing Dhamma preaches little to others, he lives according to the Dhamma. With developed knowledge and a well-freed mind, he abandons passion, hatred, and delusion. Not clinging to anything in this world or the next, he attains the stages of enlightenment as a monk.

 

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Appamādo amatapadaṃ,
pamādo maccuno padaṃ;
Appamattā na mīyanti,
ye pamattā yathā matā.

 

21. The one who develops virtue, concentration, and wisdom diligently reaches the deathless, Nibbāna. The negligent, one who is intoxicated by sense pleasures, repeatedly dies. The diligent Dhamma practitioner goes beyond death. The negligent are as if already dead.

 

 

Evaṃ visesato ñatvā,
appamādamhi paṇḍitā;
Appamāde pamodanti,
ariyānaṃ gocare ratā.

 

22. The diligent, wise Dhamma practitioner clearly understands the difference between diligence and negligence. Delighting in the dwelling of the
    noble ones which is the thirty-seven aids to enlightenment, they rejoice in diligence.

 

 

Te jhāyino sātatikā,
niccaṃ daḷhaparakkamā;
Phusanti dhīrā nibbānaṃ,
yogakkhemaṃ anuttaraṃ.

 

23. Wise, energetic disciples of the Buddha meditate frequently. Working hard, they practice the Dhamma, giving it top priority. They experience the incomparable freedom from bondage, Nibbāna.

 

 

Uṭṭhānavato satīmato,
Sucikammassa nisammakārino;
Saññatassa dhammajīvino,
Appamattassa yaso­bhi­vaḍḍhati.

 

24. The wise person is energetic, mindful, pure in conduct, considerate in action, self-restrained, and righteous. That diligent person’s glory grows day by day.

 

 

Uṭṭhā­ne­nappa­mādena,
saṃyamena damena ca;
Dīpaṃ kayirātha medhāvī,
yaṃ ogho nābhikīrati.

 

25. The wise disciple of the Buddha practices the Dhamma energetically, diligently, with self-restraint, and with self-control. He makes for himself the island called Nibbāna, which no flood can overwhelm.

 

 

Pamāda­manu­yuñ­janti,
bālā dummedhino janā;
Appamādañca medhāvī,
dhanaṃ seṭṭhaṃva rakkhati.

 

26. Unwise, foolish people indulge in sense pleasures. They are caught up in negligence. But the wise protect diligence as their best treasure.

 

 

Mā pamāda­manu­yuñ­je­tha,
mā ­kāmara­ti­san­tha­vaṃ;
Appamatto hi jhāyanto,
pappoti vipulaṃ sukhaṃ.

 

27. Unwise, foolish people waste their life celebrating auspicious times.] Do not give yourself to negligence; do not become intoxicated with sense pleasures. Do not indulge in sense pleasures. If you meditate diligently you can attain great happiness.

 

 

Pamādaṃ appamādena,
yadā nudati paṇḍito;
Paññā­pāsāda­māruyha,
asoko sokiniṃ pajaṃ;
Pabbataṭṭhova bhūmaṭṭhe,
dhīro bāle avekkhati.

 

28. The wise disciple of the Buddha drives away negligence with diligence. Ascending from the palace of wisdom, freed from sorrow, this sage looks at sorrowing people. It is like someone standing on a mountain observing those on the ground below.

 

 

Appamatto pamattesu,
suttesu bahujāgaro;
Abalassaṃva sīghasso,
hitvā yāti sumedhaso.

 

29. The wise sage is diligent among the negligent. He is awake and meditates when others sleep. He advances like a swift horse leaving the weak one behind.

 

 

Appamādena maghavā,
devānaṃ seṭṭhataṃ gato;
Appamādaṃ pasaṃsanti,
pamādo garahito sadā.

 

30. Sakka, the leader of gods, collected lots of merit diligently when he was in the human world as the youth Magha. That is how he became the greatest of the gods. Diligence is always praised by Buddhas, and negligence is always despised.

 

 

Appamādarato bhikkhu,
pamāde bhayadassi vā;
Saṃyojanaṃ aṇuṃ thūlaṃ,
ḍahaṃ aggīva gacchati.

 

31. The monk who delights in diligence and fears negligence reaches Nibbāna, destroying all bonds, large and small, like a fire burning everything
    in its path.

 

 

Appamādarato bhikkhu,
pamāde bhayadassi vā;
Abhabbo parihānāya,
nibbānasseva santike.

 

32. The monk who delights in diligence and fears negligence is incapable of losing wholesome qualities. He is close to Nibbāna.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Phandanaṃ capalaṃ cittaṃ,
dūrakkhaṃ dunnivārayaṃ;
Ujuṃ karoti medhāvī,
usukārova tejanaṃ.

 

33. The mind is so fickle and agitated. It is very difficult to protect and very challenging to guard from evil. The wise person straightens his mind as an arrow maker straightens an arrow shaft.

 

 

Vārijova thale khitto,
okamo­kata­ub­bhato;
Pari­phanda­ti­daṃ cittaṃ,
māradheyyaṃ pahātave.

 

34. Like a fish that is pulled out of the water and thrown on the dry ground thrashes about and quivers, the mind thrashes about from thought to thought. That is why one should try to escape from the realm of Māra.

 

 

Dunniggahassa lahuno,
yattha­kā­ma­nipātino;
Cittassa damatho sādhu,
cittaṃ dantaṃ sukhāvahaṃ.

 

35. The mind is so difficult to subdue. It is unreliable. It seizes whatever it desires. Good indeed, it is to tame such a mind. A tamed mind brings happiness.

 

 

Sududdasaṃ sunipuṇaṃ,
yattha­kā­ma­nipāti­naṃ;
Cittaṃ rakkhetha medhāvī,
cittaṃ guttaṃ sukhāvahaṃ.

 

36. It is so difficult to detect the true nature of the mind. The mind is extremely subtle and seizes whatever it desires. A guarded mind brings happiness.

 

 

Dūraṅgamaṃ ekacaraṃ,
asarīraṃ guhāsayaṃ;
Ye cittaṃ saṃyamissanti,
mokkhanti mārabandhanā.

 

37. The mind dwells in the cave of the heart. It is without a body and wanders far and alone. Those who restrain this mind will be freed from Māra’s bonds.

 

 

Ana­vaṭṭhi­ta­cittassa,
saddhammaṃ avijānato;
Parip­lava­pasādassa,
paññā na paripūrati.

 

38. If one’s mind is not firm in the Dhamma practice, if he does not know true Dhamma, and if his faith wavers, his wisdom never matures.

 

 

Ana­vassu­ta­cittassa,
anan­vāha­ta­cetaso;
Puñña­pāpa­pahīnassa,
natthi jāgarato bhayaṃ.

 

39. Because the mind of the energetic meditator is not soaked by lust, nor afflicted by hate—and because he has gone beyond both merit and demerit—there is no fear in him at all.

 

 

Kumbhūpamaṃ kāyamimaṃ viditvā,
Nagarūpamaṃ cittamidaṃ ṭhapetvā;
Yodhetha māraṃ paññāvudhena,
Jitañca rakkhe anivesano siyā.

 

40. Realizing that this body is as fragile as a clay pot, guarding the mind like a well-guarded city, one should battle Māra with the sword of wisdom. Then, one should protect what has been won, and never find a resting place in this journey of rebirths.

 

 

Aciraṃ vatayaṃ kāyo,
pathaviṃ adhisessati;
Chuddho apetaviññāṇo,
niratthaṃva kaliṅgaraṃ.

 

41. This body indeed will not last long. Once the consciousness is released from the body, it will be cast aside and lie on the ground, like a useless log.

 

 

Diso disaṃ yaṃ taṃ kayirā,
verī vā pana verinaṃ;
Micchā­paṇi­hitaṃ cittaṃ,
pāpiyo naṃ tato kare.

 

42. Whatever harm an enemy does to an enemy or a hater to a hater, a wrongly directed mind does greater harm to oneself.

 

 

Na taṃ mātā pitā kayirā,
aññe vāpi ca ñātakā;
Sammāpaṇihitaṃ cittaṃ,
seyyaso naṃ tato kare.

 

43. Neither mother, nor father, nor any other relative can help one establish one’s mind on the Dhamma. One becomes a great person due to one’s well directed mind.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Ko imaṃ pathaviṃ vicessati,
Yamalokañca imaṃ sadevakaṃ;
Ko dhammapadaṃ sudesitaṃ,
Kusalo pupphamiva pacessati.

 

44. Who will overcome this earth? Who will overcome this plane of misery? Who will overcome this world with its gods? Who will realize well taught words of Dhamma, as an expert garland maker selects beautiful flowers?

 

 

Sekho pathaviṃ vicessati,
Yamalokañca imaṃ sadevakaṃ;
Sekho dhammapadaṃ sudesitaṃ,
Kusalo pupphamiva pacessati.

 

45. The trainee in the Dhamma path will overcome this earth. He will overcome the plane of misery. He will overcome this world with its gods. The trainee will realize the well taught words of Dhamma, as an expert garland maker selects beautiful flowers.

 

 

Pheṇūpamaṃ kāyamimaṃ viditvā,
Marīcidhammaṃ abhisambudhāno;
Chetvāna mārassa papupphakāni,
Adassanaṃ maccurājassa gacche.

 

46. Understanding that this body is fragile like foam, realizing life’s mirage-like nature, cutting off Māra’s flowers of defilements, go beyond the sight
    of Māra!

 

 

Pupphāni heva pacinantaṃ,
byāsat­ta­manasaṃ naraṃ;
Suttaṃ gāmaṃ mahoghova,
maccu ādāya gacchati.

 

47. The person obsessed by sense pleasures chases after them as a garland maker searches for flowers. Māra carries away that person to the plane
    of misery like a great flood sweeps away a sleeping village.

 

 

Pupphāni heva pacinantaṃ,
byāsat­ta­manasaṃ naraṃ;
Atittaññeva kāmesu,
antako kurute vasaṃ.

 

48. The person obsessed by sense pleasures chases after them as a garland maker searches for flowers. Although he has not fully satisfied himself with sense pleasures, Māra brings him under his control.

 

 

Yathāpi bhamaro pupphaṃ,
vaṇṇa­gandha­mahe­ṭhayaṃ;
Paleti rasamādāya,
evaṃ gāme munī care.

 

49. As a bee gathers nectar from the flower and flies away without harming the flower’s beauty or its fragrance, just so the sage goes on his alms
    round in the village.

 

 

Na paresaṃ vilomāni,
na paresaṃ katākataṃ;
Attanova avekkheyya,
katāni akatāni ca.

 

50. Do not consider what is false in what others say or what they have or have not done. Consider instead what you have or have not done.

 

 

Yathāpi ruciraṃ pupphaṃ,
vaṇṇavantaṃ agandhakaṃ;
Evaṃ subhāsitā vācā,
aphalā hoti akubbato.

 

51. A beautiful flower that is colourful but without fragrance is not perfect. In the same way, the well spoken words of the Buddha become fruitless
    for the person who does not practice them.

 

 

Yathāpi ruciraṃ pupphaṃ,
Vaṇṇavantaṃ sagandhakaṃ;
Evaṃ subhāsitā vācā,
Saphalā hoti kubbato.

 

52. A beautiful flower that is colourful and also fragrant is perfect. In the same way, well spoken words of the Buddha become fruitful for the person who practices them.

 

 

Yathāpi puppharāsimhā,
kayirā mālāguṇe bahū;
Evaṃ jātena maccena,
kattabbaṃ kusalaṃ bahuṃ.

 

53. As an expert garland maker makes many garlands from a heap of flowers, you who obtained the human life should do many wholesome deeds.

 

 

Na pupphagandho paṭivātameti,
Na candanaṃ tagaramallikā vā;
Satañca gandho paṭivātameti,
Sabbā disā sappuriso pavāyati.

 

54. The scent of flowers does not go against the wind. The scent of sandalwood, jasmine, and rosebay does not go against the wind. But the scent of
    a grateful person does travel against the wind. The scent of his virtues spreads in all directions.

 

 

Candanaṃ tagaraṃ vāpi,
uppalaṃ atha vassikī;
Etesaṃ gandhajātānaṃ,
sīlagandho anuttaro.

 

55. Of all the fragrances—sandalwood, rosebay, water lily, and jasmine—the fragrance of virtue is the sweetest.

 

 

Appamatto ayaṃ gandho,
yāyaṃ tagaracandanī;
Yo ca sīlavataṃ gandho,
vāti devesu uttamo.

 

56. Slight is the scent of rosebay or sandalwood, but the scent of the virtuous is supreme, drifting even to heaven.

 

 

Tesaṃ sam­panna­sīlānaṃ,
appa­māda­vihāri­naṃ;
Samma­dañ­ñā­vimuttā­naṃ,
māro maggaṃ na vindati.

 

57. The liberated ones are virtuous and practice the Dhamma diligently. They are freed from suffering by the realization of the Noble Truths. Māra never finds the path by which they are liberated.

 

 

Yathā saṅ­kāra­dhānas­miṃ,
ujjhitasmiṃ mahāpathe;
Padumaṃ tattha jāyetha,
sucigandhaṃ manoramaṃ.

 

58. In the roadside ditch, in a heap of rubbish, blooms a lotus, sweet smelling and pleasing to the eyes.

 

 

Evaṃ saṅkārabhūtesu,
andhabhūte puthujjane;
Atirocati paññāya,
sammā­sambud­dha­sāvako.

 

59. In the same way, among the rubbish heap of unaware ordinary people, the disciple of the Supreme Buddha shines brightly with wisdom.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

 

Dīghā jāgarato ratti,
dīghaṃ santassa yojanaṃ;
Dīgho bālāna saṃsāro,
saddhammaṃ avijānataṃ.

 

60. Night is long for one lying awake. Seven miles is long for one exhausted. The journey of rebirth is long for fools who do not realize the true Dhamma.

 

 

Carañce nādhigaccheyya,
Seyyaṃ sadisamattano;
Ekacariyaṃ daḷhaṃ kayirā,
Natthi bāle sahāyatā.

 

61. You should find a friend who has better qualities than you or has equal qualities. If you do not find such a friend, with great determination, you should live alone. There is no friendship with fools.

 

 

Puttā matthi dhanaṃ matthi,
iti bālo vihaññati;
Attā hi attano natthi,
kuto puttā kuto dhanaṃ.

 

62. The fool is occupied with worldly things saying, “I have children! I have wealth!” In reality, one’s self is not even one’s own. How then are children? How then is wealth?

 

 

Yo bālo maññati bālyaṃ,
paṇḍito vāpi tena so;
Bālo ca paṇḍitamānī,
sa ve “bālo”ti vuccati.

 

63. The fool who knows his foolishness is wise to that extent. But a fool who considers himself wise is the one indeed to be called a fool.

 

 

Yāvajīvampi ce bālo,
paṇḍitaṃ payirupāsati;
Na so dhammaṃ vijānāti,
dabbī sūparasaṃ yathā.

 

64. Though a fool associates with a wise person for his entire life, he never understands the Dhamma like the spoon that never tastes the flavour of soup.

 

 

Muhuttamapi ce viññū,
paṇḍitaṃ payirupāsati;
Khippaṃ dhammaṃ vijānāti,
jivhā sūparasaṃ yathā.

 

65. Though a wise person associates with a wise person only for a moment, he quickly realizes this Dhamma, like the tongue that tastes the flavour of the soup.

 

 

Caranti bālā dummedhā,
amitteneva attanā;
Karontā pāpakaṃ kammaṃ,
yaṃ hoti kaṭukapphalaṃ.

 

66. Fools with no wisdom act as their own enemies. They live doing much evil. Eventually, their evil deeds will bear bitter fruit.

 

 

Na taṃ kammaṃ kataṃ sādhu,
yaṃ katvā anutappati;
Yassa assumukho rodaṃ,
vipākaṃ paṭisevati.

 

67. No deed is good that one regrets having done. No deed is good if the result is to be experienced with weeping and a tear-streaked face.

 

 

Tañca kammaṃ kataṃ sādhu,
yaṃ katvā nānutappati;
Yassa patīto sumano,
vipākaṃ paṭisevati.

 

68. A deed is good when one does not regret having done it. A deed is good if the result is to be experienced with joy and delight.

 

 

Madhuṃvā maññati bālo,
yāva pāpaṃ na paccati;
Yadā ca paccati pāpaṃ,
atha dukkhaṃ nigacchati.

 

69. As long as the results of evil deeds have not ripened, the fool thinks doing evil is as sweet as honey. But when the evil deeds ripen, then the fool suffers greatly.

 

 

Māse māse kusaggena,
bālo bhuñjeyya bhojanaṃ;
Na so saṅ­khā­ta­dhammānaṃ,
kalaṃ agghati soḷasiṃ.

 

70. The foolish ascetic who eats food with the tip of a blade of grass, month after month, is not worth a sixtieth part of the lives of the liberated ones who have realized the Dhamma.

 

 

Na hi pāpaṃ kataṃ kammaṃ,
Sajjukhīraṃva muccati;
Ḍahantaṃ bālamanveti,
Bhas­macchan­nova pāvako.

 

71. It is true that fresh milk curdles immediately, but the result of one’s evil deed does not ripen immediately. Rather, smoldering like fire covered by ashes, the result of the evil deed follows the fool looking for a chance to ripen.

 

 

Yāvadeva anatthāya,
ñattaṃ bālassa jāyati;
Hanti bālassa sukkaṃsaṃ,
muddhamassa vipātayaṃ.

 

72. The knowledge gained by the fool leads to his own ruin. He destroys his remaining goodness entirely. Finally, he cuts off his own head, namely his own wisdom.

 

 

Asantaṃ bhāva­na­mic­cheyya,
Purekkhārañca bhikkhusu;
Āvāsesu ca issariyaṃ,
Pūjaṃ parakulesu ca.

 

73. The foolish monk always desires to gain honour from others. He seeks leadership over fellow monks. He is greedy for authority in the monasteries. He desires gifts and homage from householders.

 

 

Mameva kata maññantu,
gihī pabbajitā ubho;
Mamevātivasā assu,
kiccākiccesu kismici;
Iti bālassa saṅkappo,
icchā māno ca vaḍḍhati.

 

74. The foolish monk thinks, “both householders and monks must seek advice only from me. In every task, they must follow my instructions.” These intentions only increase his evil wishes and pride.

 

 

Aññā hi lābhūpanisā,
aññā nibbānagāminī;
Evametaṃ abhiññāya,
bhikkhu buddhassa sāvako;
Sakkāraṃ nābhinandeyya,
viveka­manub­rūhaye.

 

75. The way to worldly gain, honour, fame, and praise is one thing. The way to Nibbāna is another. The monk, the disciple of the Buddha, clearly understands this distinction. Therefore, he does not delight in honour. His top priority is living in seclusion.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Nidhīnaṃva pavattāraṃ,
yaṃ passe vajjadassinaṃ;
Niggayhavādiṃ medhāviṃ,
tādisaṃ paṇḍitaṃ bhaje;
Tādisaṃ bhajamānassa,
seyyo hoti na pāpiyo.

 

76. When the wise person sees your faults, he points them out and helps you to improve. It is as if he guides you to a hidden treasure. Associate with such a wise person. As a result, only good will come, not bad.

 

 

Ovadeyyā­nusā­seyya,
asabbhā ca nivāraye;
Satañhi so piyo hoti,
asataṃ hoti appiyo.

 

77. A noble friend advises you, instructs you, and restrains you from doing evil. Such a noble friend is pleasing to grateful people but displeasing to
    the ungrateful.

 

 

Na bhaje pāpake mitte,
na bhaje purisādhame;
Bhajetha mitte kalyāṇe,
bhajetha purisuttame.

 

78. Do not associate with evil friends. Do not associate with people with evil intentions. Associate with noble friends. Associate with the best of people who are full of wholesome qualities.

 

 

Dhammapīti sukhaṃ seti,
vippasannena cetasā;
Ariyappavedite dhamme,
sadā ramati paṇḍito.

 

79. The wise person tranquilises his mind through the realization of Dhamma. He lives happily rejoicing in the Dhamma. He always delights in the true Dhamma taught by the noble ones.

 

 

Udakañhi nayanti nettikā,
Usukārā namayanti tejanaṃ;
Dāruṃ namayanti tacchakā,
Attānaṃ damayanti paṇḍitā.

 

80. Irrigators guide water to wherever it is needed. Arrow makers shape arrows to fit to task. Carpenters fashion wood for the desired design. The wise tame themselves in the same way.

 

 

Selo yathā ekaghano,
vātena na samīrati;
Evaṃ nindāpasaṃsāsu,
na samiñjanti paṇḍitā.

 

81. As a solid mass of rock is not shaken by a storm, so too the wise are not moved by praise or blame.

 

 

Yathāpi rahado gambhīro,
vippasanno anāvilo;
Evaṃ dhammāni sutvāna,
vippasīdanti paṇḍitā.

 

82. As a deep lake that is clear and still, so too are the wise, having listened to the true Dhamma.

 

 

Sabbattha ve sappurisā cajanti,
Na kāmakāmā lapayanti santo;
Sukhena phuṭṭhā atha vā dukhena,
Na uccāvacaṃ paṇḍitā dassayanti.

 

83. Noble people let go of desire for everything. They do not speak deceptively in order to gain pleasures and desires. Touched by happiness or unhappiness, the wise show no elation or depression.

 

 

Na attahetu na parassa hetu,
Na puttamicche na dhanaṃ na raṭṭhaṃ;
Na iccheyya adhammena samid­dhi­mattano,
Sa sīlavā paññavā dhammiko siyā.

 

84. The wise person neither commits evil for his own sake nor for the sake of others. He neither desires children, nor wealth, nor kingdom unfaithfully. He does not desire any success by unrighteous means. He is indeed virtuous, wise, and righteous.

 

 

Appakā te manussesu,
ye janā pāragāmino;
Athāyaṃ itarā pajā,
tīra­mevānu­dhāvati.

 

85. Few, among humans, cross over the journey of rebirth to the farther shore called Nibbāna. The rest, the majority of people, only run about on this shore.

 

 

Ye ca kho sammadakkhāte,
dhamme dhammā­nu­vattino;
Te janā pāramessanti,
maccudheyyaṃ suduttaraṃ.

 

86. Those who act according to the perfectly taught Dhamma will reach Nibbāna, by crossing the realm of Māra, which is difficult to cross.

 

 

Kaṇhaṃ dhammaṃ vippahāya,
Sukkaṃ bhāvetha paṇḍito;
Okā anokamāgamma,
Viveke yattha dūramaṃ.

 

87. The wise person abandons unwholesome things and cultivates wholesome things. Then, abandoning household life, that person becomes a monk or a nun and enters the solitude, which is hardly enjoyed by ordinary people.

 

 

Tat­rā­bhira­ti­mic­cheyya,
hitvā kāme akiñcano;
Pariyodapeyya attānaṃ,
cittaklesehi paṇḍito.

 

88. The wise person seeks delight in solitude, abandoning sense pleasures. Heading towards ultimate purification, he cleanses himself of the things that defile the mind.

 

 

Yesaṃ sam­bodhi­yaṅ­gesu,
sammā cittaṃ subhāvitaṃ;
Ādāna­paṭi­nissagge,
anupādāya ye ratā;
Khīṇāsavā jutimanto,
te loke parinibbutā.

 

89. Liberated ones’ minds have reached full maturity in the enlightenment factors. Giving up all grasping, they delight in Nibbāna. Since they have destroyed impurities, they glow with wisdom. They are the ones who attain ultimate freedom in this world.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Gataddhino visokassa,
vippamuttassa sabbadhi;
Sabba­gan­thappa­hīnassa,
pariḷāho na vijjati.

 

90. The liberated one has reached the end of the journey of rebirths. He is freed of sorrow. He is liberated in all ways. He is released from all bonds; therefore, no fever of passion exists in him.

 

 

Uyyuñjanti satīmanto,
na nikete ramanti te;
Haṃsāva pallalaṃ hitvā,
okamokaṃ jahanti te.

 

91. The liberated ones are well established in mindfulness. They are always focused on the purity of their mind. They are not attached to anything.
    Like swans flying from a lake, they abandon their dwelling places time after time and leave unattached.

 

 

Yesaṃ sannicayo natthi,
ye pariñ­ñā­ta­bhojanā;
Suññato animitto ca,
vimokkho yesaṃ gocaro;
Ākāseva sakuntānaṃ,
gati tesaṃ durannayā.

 

92. The liberated ones do not store up material items. They have understood the real nature of the food they consume. Their minds are focused
    on the meditative objects of emptiness, signlessness, and Nibbāna. Their path cannot be traced, like that of birds in the sky.

 

 

Yassāsavā parikkhīṇā,
āhāre ca anissito;
Suññato animitto ca,
vimokkho yassa gocaro;
Ākāseva sakuntānaṃ,
padaṃ tassa durannayaṃ.

 

93. The liberated ones have destroyed all impurities. They are unattached to food. Their minds are focused on the meditative objects of emptiness, signlessness, and Nibbāna. Their steps cannot be traced, like that of birds in the sky.

 

 

Yassindriyāni samathaṅgatāni,
Assā yathā sārathinā sudantā;
Pahīnamānassa anāsavassa,
Devāpi tassa pihayanti tādino.

 

94. The liberated ones’ sense faculties are well subdued like horses well trained by a charioteer. They have abandoned conceit and are without impurities. Even the gods cherish such liberated ones who have unshaken minds.

 

 

Pathavisamo no virujjhati,
Indakhilupamo tādi subbato;
Rahadova apetakaddamo,
Saṃsārā na bhavanti tādino.

 

95. The liberated one does not offend anyone. He is not shaken by ups and downs like the great earth. He is firm in virtue like a deep established
    stone pillar. He is like a lake without mud. For such liberated ones, there is no more wandering in the journey of rebirths.

 

 

Santaṃ tassa manaṃ hoti,
santā vācā ca kamma ca;
Samma­dañ­ñā­vimuttassa,
upasantassa tādino.

 

96. The liberated one is calm in mind, calm in speech, and calm in action. He is liberated through right understanding. Such a person is fully at peace.

 

 

Assaddho akataññū ca,
sandhicchedo ca yo naro;
Hatāvakāso vantāso,
sa ve uttamaporiso.

 

97. If someone has gone beyond faith and obtained personal experience, is not grateful to the five groups of clinging, has severed the links of the dependent origination, has destroyed the potential for rebirth, and has thrown out all defilements, he truly is the most excellent of humans.

 

 

Gāme vā yadi vāraññe,
Ninne vā yadi vā thale;
Yattha arahanto viharanti,
Taṃ bhūmi­rāma­ṇeyya­kaṃ.

 

98. Whether in a village, forest, valley, or on a hill, wherever liberated ones dwell, delightful indeed, is that place.

 

 

Ramaṇīyāni araññāni,
yattha na ramatī jano;
Vītarāgā ramissanti,
na te kāmagavesino.

 

99. Delightful are forests, where the sense pleasure-seekers do not delight. There, the liberated ones delight, for they seek no sense pleasures.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Sahassamapi ce vācā,
anattha­pada­saṃhitā;
Ekaṃ atthapadaṃ seyyo,
yaṃ sutvā upasammati.

 

100. Better than a thousand unbeneficial words is one beneficial word which, having been heard, brings peace.

 

 

Sahassamapi ce vācā,
anattha­pada­saṃhitā;
Ekaṃ atthapadaṃ seyyo,
yaṃ sutvā upasammati.

 

101. Better than a thousand unbeneficial verses is one beneficial line of verse which, having been heard, brings peace.

 

 

Yo ca gāthā sataṃ bhāse,
anattha­pada­saṃhitā;
Ekaṃ dhammapadaṃ seyyo,
yaṃ sutvā upasammati.

 

102. Better than reciting a hundred unbeneficial verses is one line of Dhamma which, having been heard, brings peace.

 

 

Yo sahassaṃ sahassena,
saṅgāme mānuse jine;
Ekañca jeyyamattānaṃ,
sa ve saṅgāmajuttamo.

 

103. Greater than a person who conquers a thousand people in battle a thousand times is the person who conquers himself in the battle of defilements.

 

 

Attā have jitaṃ seyyo,
yā cāyaṃ itarā pajā;
Attadantassa posassa,
niccaṃ saññatacārino.

 

104. Certainly it is better to conquer oneself than others. The person who tames himself and always restrains sense faculties wins the battle.

 

 

Neva devo na gandhabbo,
na māro saha brahmunā;
Jitaṃ apajitaṃ kayirā,
tathārūpassa jantuno.

 

105. Neither a god, nor a divine musician, nor Māra, nor brahma, can turn into defeat the victory of a person who has conquered himself.

 

 

Māse māse sahassena,
yo yajetha sataṃ samaṃ;
Ekañca bhāvitattānaṃ,
muhuttamapi pūjaye;
Sāyeva pūjanā seyyo,
yañce vassasataṃ hutaṃ.

 

106. Better than a thousand ritual sacrifices offered every month for a hundred years is one moment’s gift offered to a liberated one who has fully developed his mind.

 

 

Yo ca vassasataṃ jantu,
aggiṃ paricare vane;
Ekañca bhāvitattānaṃ,
muhuttamapi pūjaye;
Sāyeva pūjanā seyyo,
yañce vassasataṃ hutaṃ.

 

107. Better than a hundred years in the forest tending a ritual fire is one moment’s gift offered to a liberated one who has fully developed his mind.

 

 

Yaṃ kiñci yiṭṭhaṃ va hutaṃ va loke,
Saṃvaccharaṃ yajetha puññapekkho;
Sabbampi taṃ na catubhāgameti,
Abhivādanā ujjugatesu seyyo.

 

108. Whatever gift or offering a merit-seeker might perform in an entire year is not worth one-fourth as much as worshipping the liberated ones.

 

 

Abhi­vāda­na­sīlissa,
niccaṃ vuḍḍhāpacāyino;
Cattāro dhammā vaḍḍhanti,
āyu vaṇṇo sukhaṃ balaṃ.

 

109. For the person who worships virtuous people and always reveres and serves the elders, four things increase: long life, beauty, happiness, and power.

 

 

Yo ca vassasataṃ jīve,
dussīlo asamāhito;
Ekāhaṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo,
sīlavantassa jhāyino.

 

110. Better it is to live one day virtuous and meditative than to live a hundred years devoid of virtue and stillness of mind.

 

 

Yo ca vassasataṃ jīve,
duppañño asamāhito;
Ekāhaṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo,
paññavantassa jhāyino.

 

111. Better it is to live one day wise and meditative than to live a hundred years devoid of wisdom and stillness of mind.

 

 

Yo ca vassasataṃ jīve,
kusīto hīnavīriyo;
Ekāhaṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo,
vīriya­mā­rabhato daḷhaṃ.

 

112. Better it is to live one day energetic and resolute than to live a hundred years lazy and sluggish.

 

 

Yo ca vassasataṃ jīve,
apassaṃ udayabbayaṃ;
Ekāhaṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo,
passato udayabbayaṃ.

 

113. Better it is to live one day seeing the arising and passing of five groups of clinging than to live a hundred years without ever seeing their arising and passing.

 

 

Yo ca vassasataṃ jīve,
apassaṃ amataṃ padaṃ;
Ekāhaṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo,
passato amataṃ padaṃ.

 

114. Better it is to live one day experiencing Nibbāna than to live a hundred years without ever experiencing Nibbāna.

 

 

Yo ca vassasataṃ jīve,
apassaṃ dhammamuttamaṃ;
Ekāhaṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo,
passato dhammamuttamaṃ.

 

115. Better it is to live one day realizing the Supreme Dhamma than to live a hundred years without ever realizing the Supreme Dhamma.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Abhittharetha kalyāṇe,
pāpā cittaṃ nivāraye;
Dandhañhi karoto puññaṃ,
pāpasmiṃ ramatī mano.

 

116. Be quick to do meritorious deeds involving generosity, virtue, and meditation! Restrain your mind from evil! When one is slow to make merit
     one’s mind delights in evil.

 

 

Pāpañce puriso kayirā,
Na naṃ kayirā punappunaṃ;
Na tamhi chandaṃ kayirātha,
Dukkho pāpassa uccayo.

 

117. Having done something evil, do not repeat it; do not wish to do it again. Suffering is another name for evil.

 

 

Puññañce puriso kayirā,
kayirā naṃ punappunaṃ;
Tamhi chandaṃ kayirātha,
sukho puññassa uccayo.

 

118. Having done something meritorious, repeat it, wish for it. Happiness is another name for merit.

 

 

Pāpopi passati bhadraṃ,
Yāva pāpaṃ na paccati;
Yadā ca paccati pāpaṃ,
Atha pāpo pāpāni passati.

 

119. Evil deeds seem to be sweet for the evil doer as long as the evil has yet to ripen. But when the evil ripens, the evil doer sees the painful results of his evil deeds.

 

 

Bhadropi passati pāpaṃ,
Yāva bhadraṃ na paccati;
Yadā ca paccati bhadraṃ,
Atha bhadro bhadrāni passati.

 

120. Meritorious deeds seem to be bitter as long as they have yet to ripen. But when the meritorious deeds ripen, the merit-maker will see the
     pleasant results of his meritorious deeds.

 

 

Māvamaññetha pāpassa,
na mantaṃ āgamissati;
Uda­bindu­nipā­tena,
udakumbhopi pūrati;
Bālo pūrati pāpassa,
thokaṃ thokampi ācinaṃ.

 

121. Do not think lightly of evil, saying, “It will not come back to me!” Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the fool gathering it little by little is filled with evil.

 

 

Māvamaññetha puññassa,
na mandaṃ āgamissati;
Uda­bindu­nipā­tena,
udakumbhopi pūrati;
Dhīro pūrati puññassa,
thokaṃ thokampi ācinaṃ.

 

122. Do not think lightly of merit, saying, “It will not come back to me!” Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise person gathering it little by little is filled with merit.

 

 

Vāṇijova bhayaṃ maggaṃ,
appasattho mahaddhano;
Visaṃ jīvitukāmova,
pāpāni parivajjaye.

 

123. A merchant with great wealth but with few employees avoids dangerous routes. The person who loves life avoids poison. So should you avoid
     evil deeds.

 

 

Pāṇimhi ce vaṇo nāssa,
hareyya pāṇinā visaṃ;
Nābbaṇaṃ visamanveti,
natthi pāpaṃ akubbato.

 

124. A hand that has no wounds can carry any poison. Without a wound, poison does not enter into the body. In the same way, there are no evil consequences for one who does no evil.

 

 

Yo appaduṭṭhassa narassa dussati,
Suddhassa posassa anaṅgaṇassa;
Tameva bālaṃ pacceti pāpaṃ,
Sukhumo rajo paṭivātaṃva khitto.

 

125. Like fine dust thrown against the wind, the result of evil comes back to the fool who offends a harmless, pure, liberated one.

 

 

Gabbhameke uppajjanti,
nirayaṃ pāpakammino;
Saggaṃ sugatino yanti,
parinibbanti anāsavā.

 

126. Some are reborn in a womb. Evil doers are reborn in hell. Merit-makers go to heaven. Those without impurities attain ultimate freedom
     at passing away.

 

 

Na antalikkhe na samuddamajjhe,
Na pabbatānaṃ vivaraṃ pavissa;
Na vijjatī so jagatippadeso,
Yatthaṭṭhito mucceyya pāpakammā.

 

127. You will not find a place in the world—not in the sky, not in the middle of the ocean, not inside a mountain cave—where you can escape from the results of your evil deeds.

 

 

Na antalikkhe na samuddamajjhe,
Na pabbatānaṃ vivaraṃ pavissa;
Na vijjatī so jagatippadeso,
Yatthaṭṭhitaṃ nappasaheyya maccu.

 

128. You will not find a place in the world—not in the sky, not in the middle of the ocean, not inside a mountain cave— where death will not overtake you.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Sabbe tasanti daṇḍassa,
sabbe bhāyanti maccuno;
Attānaṃ upamaṃ katvā,
na haneyya na ghātaye.

 

129. All beings tremble at violence. All beings fear death. Putting yourself in the place of another, do not kill or influence others to kill.

 

 

Sabbe tasanti daṇḍassa,
sabbesaṃ jīvitaṃ piyaṃ;
Attānaṃ upamaṃ katvā,
na haneyya na ghātaye.

 

130. All beings tremble at violence. Life is dear to all. Putting yourself in the place of another, do not kill or influence others to kill.

 

 

Sukhakāmāni bhūtāni,
yo daṇḍena vihiṃsati;
Attano sukhamesāno,
pecca so na labhate sukhaṃ.

 

131. If desiring happiness, one uses violence to harm beings who also desire happiness, one will not find happiness after death.

 

 

Sukhakāmāni bhūtāni,
yo daṇḍena na hiṃsati;
Attano sukhamesāno,
pecca so labhate sukhaṃ.

 

132. If desiring happiness, one does not use violence to harm beings who also desire happiness, one will find happiness after death.

 

 

Māvoca pharusaṃ kañci,
vuttā paṭivadeyyu taṃ;
Dukkhā hi sārambhakathā,
paṭidaṇḍā phuseyyu taṃ.

 

133. Do not speak harshly to anyone. What you say will be said back to you. Aggressive speech is painful, and retaliation will overtake you.

 

 

Sace neresi attānaṃ,
kaṃso upahato yathā;
Esa pattosi nibbānaṃ,
sārambho te na vijjati.

 

134. If, like a silenced broken metal bowl, you restrain your speech and silence yourself, you have approached Nibbāna. Then no hostility will be
     found in you.

 

Yathā daṇḍena gopālo,
gāvo pājeti gocaraṃ;
Evaṃ jarā ca maccu ca,
āyuṃ pājenti pāṇinaṃ.

 

 

135. As a cowherd drives cows to a meadow with a stick, so does aging and death drive beings to the end of their life.

 

Atha pāpāni kammāni,
karaṃ bālo na bujjhati;
Sehi kammehi dummedho,
aggidaḍḍhova tappati.

 

 

136. When the fool commits evil deeds, he does not realise their seriousness. Eventually those people lacking wisdom are scorched by the results of their own deeds, like someone burned by fire.

 

Yo daṇḍena adaṇḍesu,
appaduṭṭhesu dussati;
Dasanna­mañña­taraṃ ṭhānaṃ,
khippameva nigacchati.

 

Vedanaṃ pharusaṃ jāniṃ,
sarīrassa va bhedanaṃ;
Garukaṃ vāpi ābādhaṃ,
cittakkhepaṃ va pāpuṇe.

 

Rājato vā upasaggaṃ,
Abbhakkhānaṃ va dāruṇaṃ;
Parikkhayaṃ va ñātīnaṃ,
Bhogānaṃ va pabhaṅguraṃ.

 

Atha vāssa agārāni,
aggi ḍahati pāvako;
Kāyassa bhedā duppañño,
nirayaṃ sopapajjati.

 

137-140. Whoever uses violence to harm the non-violent and compassionate liberated ones will soon face one of ten miseries: intense physical pain, disaster, bodily injury, insanity, serious illness, oppression from rulers, grave charges, loss of relatives, wealth destroyed, or houses consumed by fire. With the breakup of the body, the foolish one is reborn in hell.

 

 

Na naggacariyā na jaṭā na paṅkā,
Nānāsakā thaṇḍilasāyikā vā;
Rajojallaṃ ukkuṭi­kap­pa­dhā­naṃ,
Sodhenti maccaṃ avi­tiṇ­ṇakaṅ­khaṃ.

 

141. No nakedness or matted hair, no stained teeth, no fasting, no lying on the ground, no smearing oneself with ashes and dust, no sitting on the heels as austerities can purify the life of an ordinary person who has not overcome doubt.

 

 

Alaṅkato cepi samaṃ careyya,
Santo danto niyato brahmacārī;
Sabbesu bhūtesu nidhāya daṇḍaṃ,
So brāhmaṇo so samaṇo sa bhikkhu.

 

142. Even though he is well adorned, if he practices the Dhamma, is calm, is restrained in senses, is established well in the path of Nibbāna, is celibate, and has given up violence towards all beings-he truly is a Brāhmin, an ascetic, a monk.

 

 

Hirīnisedho puriso,
koci lokasmi vijjati;
Yo niddaṃ apabodheti,
asso bhadro kasāmiva.

 

143. Rarely found is the person in this world who is restrained by shame of wrong doing. That person restrains himself by disliking blame as a thoroughbred horse avoids the whip disliking punishment.

 

 

Asso yathā bhadro kasāniviṭṭho,
Ātāpino saṃvegino bhavātha;
Saddhāya sīlena ca vīriyena ca,
Samādhinā dhamma­vi­niccha­yena ca;
Sam­panna­vij­jācaraṇā patissatā,
Jahissatha dukkhamidaṃ anappakaṃ.

 

144. The thoroughbred horse struck by the whip becomes more alert. In the same way, you also must become disenchanted with this journey of rebirths. With faith, virtue, effort, and stillness of mind you must practice the Dhamma diligently. You must make decisions only through insight. Your realization must match your conduct. With establishing mindfulness, destroy this great suffering.

 

 

Udakañhi nayanti nettikā,
Usukārā namayanti tejanaṃ;
Dāruṃ namayanti tacchakā,
Attānaṃ damayanti subbatā.

 

145. Irrigators guide water to wherever it is needed. Arrow makers shape arrows to fit to task. Carpenters fashion wood for the desired design. In the same way, the obedient ones tame themselves.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Ko nu hāso kimānando,
niccaṃ pajjalite sati;
Andhakārena onaddhā,
padīpaṃ na gavesatha.

 

146. When this world is burning all over by the flames of passion, hate, delusion, aging, sickness, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair, why this laughter? Why this joy? Surrounded by the darkness of ignorance, why do you not search for light?

 

 

Passa cittakataṃ bimbaṃ,
arukāyaṃ samussitaṃ;
Āturaṃ bahusaṅkappaṃ,
yassa natthi dhuvaṃ ṭhiti.

 

147. Look at the true nature of this body! Though decorated beautifully, this body is a skeleton plastered by heaps of flesh. It is a series of illnesses. Though ignorant people consider it with much appreciation, in this body there is nothing stable or lasting.

 

 

Parijiṇṇamidaṃ rūpaṃ,
roganīḷaṃpabhaṅguraṃ;
Bhijjati pūtisandeho,
maraṇantañhi jīvitaṃ.

 

148. This body is wearing out. This is like a nest of diseases and so fragile. Filth oozes from nine openings. Life ends in death.

 

 

Yānimāni apatthāni,
alābūneva sārade;
Kāpotakāni aṭṭhīni,
tāni disvāna kā rati.

 

149. These grey skulls are like dried gourds that lie scattered about in autumn. Upon seeing them, how can one seek delight in sense pleasures?

 

 

Aṭṭhīnaṃ nagaraṃ kataṃ,
maṃ­salo­hi­ta­lepanaṃ;
Yattha jarā ca maccu ca,
māno makkho ca ohito.

 

150. This body is like a city that is built of bones, plastered with flesh and blood. It is surely subject to aging and death. It is this same body that becomes an object for conceit and ungratefulness.

 

 

Jīranti ve rājarathā sucittā,
Atho sarīrampi jaraṃ upeti;
Satañca dhammo na jaraṃ upeti,
Santo have sabbhi pavedayanti.

 

151. Even gorgeous royal chariots wear out, and indeed this body too wears out. But the good qualities of noble people do not decay.
     Thus, calm sages teach this truth to the grateful people.

 

 

Appassutāyaṃ puriso,
balībaddhova jīrati;
Maṃsāni tassa vaḍḍhanti,
paññā tassa na vaḍḍhati.

 

152. The person who lacks Dhamma knowledge grows old like a bull. He grows only in flesh, but his wisdom does not grow.

 

 

Aneka­jāti­saṃsā­raṃ,
sandhāvissaṃ anibbisaṃ;
Gahakāraṃ gavesanto,
dukkhā jāti punappunaṃ.

 

153. Through many births, in this journey of misery, I have wandered on and on, searching for the builder of this house of suffering. To be born again and again is indeed suffering!

 

 

Gahakāraka diṭṭhosi,
puna gehaṃ na kāhasi;
Sabbā te phāsukā bhaggā,
gahakūṭaṃ visaṅkhataṃ;
Visaṅ­khā­ra­gataṃ cittaṃ,
taṇhānaṃ khayamajjhagā.

 

154. Oh house-builder, you are seen! You will not build a house for me again. All the rafters are broken into pieces and the ridgepole is shattered.
     My mind has reached the unconditioned. I have attained the destruction of craving.

 

 

Acaritvā brahmacariyaṃ,
aladdhā yobbane dhanaṃ;
Jiṇṇakoñcāva jhāyanti,
khīṇamaccheva pallale.

 

155. Those who, in their youth, have not lived the chaste life, practiced the Dhamma, or have failed to acquire wealth are staring off into empty space like old cranes in a pond without fish.

 

 

Acaritvā brahmacariyaṃ,
aladdhā yobbane dhanaṃ;
Senti cāpātikhīṇāva,
purāṇāni anutthunaṃ.

 

156. Foolish people, in their youth, do not live the chaste life, nor do they practice the spiritual path. They do not even acquire wealth. They lie sighing over the past like worn out arrows shot from a bow.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Attānañce piyaṃ jaññā,
rakkheyya naṃ surakkhitaṃ;
Tiṇṇaṃ aññataraṃ yāmaṃ,
paṭijaggeyya paṇḍito.

 

157. If one holds oneself dear, one should guard oneself with care. Avoiding evil, the wise person should watch over himself at least in one of these three stages of life—childhood, adulthood, or old age.

 

 

Attānameva paṭhamaṃ,
patirūpe nivesaye;
Athañ­ña­manu­sā­seyya,
na kilisseyya paṇḍito.

 

158. One should first establish oneself in good qualities; then only should one instruct others. Thus, the wise person will not be stained.

 

 

Attānañce tathā kayirā,
yathāñ­ña­manu­sā­sati;
Sudanto vata dametha,
attā hi kira duddamo.

 

159. As one instructs others, so should one act; if one would tame others, one should first be well tamed. Truly, it is very hard to tame oneself.

 

 

Attā hi attano nātho,
ko hi nātho paro siyā;
Attanā hi sudantena,
nāthaṃ labhati dullabhaṃ.

 

160. Oneself, indeed, is one’s own protector. Who else could the protector be? With oneself well tamed, one can obtain the protection of Dhamma which is hard to obtain.

 

 

Attanā hi kataṃ pāpaṃ,
Attajaṃ attasambhavaṃ;
Abhimatthati dummedhaṃ,
Vajiraṃ­vas­mamayaṃ maṇiṃ.

 

161. The evil a foolish person does by himself, born of himself, and produced by himself, grinds him as the diamond which was produced by the gems grinds similar types of gems.

 

 

Yassa accan­ta­dussil­yaṃ,
māluvā sāla­mi­vottha­taṃ;
Karoti so tathattānaṃ,
yathā naṃ icchatī diso.

 

162. The plant vines with big leaves cover the sal tree on which it grows. As a result, eventually the tree breaks down. In the same way, the person
     who completely covers himself with his own corrupt conduct does to himself what an enemy wishes for him.

 

 

Sukarāni asādhūni,
attano ahitāni ca;
Yaṃ ve hitañca sādhuñca,
taṃ ve paramadukkaraṃ.

 

163. Easy to do are things that are bad and harmful to oneself. However, it is very difficult to do things that are good and beneficial for oneself.

 

 

Yo sāsanaṃ arahataṃ,
ariyānaṃ dhammajīvinaṃ;
Paṭikkosati dummedho,
diṭṭhiṃ nissāya pāpikaṃ;
Phalāni kaṭṭhakasseva,
attaghātāya phallati.

 

164. The fool, relying on evil views, scorns the teaching of the liberated ones who live righteously. The fool produces fruit that destroys himself,
     like the bamboo tree produces fruit bringing its own destruction.

 

 

Attanā hi kataṃ pāpaṃ,
attanā saṅkilissati;
Attanā akataṃ pāpaṃ,
attanāva visujjhati;
Suddhī asuddhi paccattaṃ,
nāñño aññaṃ visodhaye.

 

165. Through one’s own evil deeds one is defiled. By avoiding evil deeds one is purified. Purity or impurity entirely depends on oneself; no one can purify another.

 

 

Attadatthaṃ paratthena,
bahunāpi na hāpaye;
Atta­dattha­ma­bhiñ­ñāya,
sadatthapasuto siyā.

 

166. Do not lose your own welfare for the sake of others’ welfare. Clearly understand your own welfare which is the attainment of enlightenment. Therefore, work hard to be a liberated one.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Hīnaṃ dhammaṃ na seveyya,
pamādena na saṃvase;
Micchādiṭṭhiṃ na seveyya,
na siyā lokavaḍḍhano.

 

167. Do not chase after sense pleasures; they are inferior in the world. Do not live with negligence. Do not follow a wrong view. Do not prolong the journey of rebirths.

 

 

Uttiṭṭhe nappamajjeyya,
dhammaṃ sucaritaṃ care;
Dhammacārī sukhaṃ seti,
asmiṃ loke paramhi ca.

 

168. Do not be negligent! Rouse yourself! Practice the Dhamma, living a life of good conduct. The Dhamma practitioner lives happily, both in this world and the next.

 

 

Dhammaṃ care sucaritaṃ,
na naṃ duccaritaṃ care;
Dhammacārī sukhaṃ seti,
asmiṃ loke paramhi ca.

 

169. Practice the Dhamma, living a life of good conduct. Do not live a life of bad conduct. The Dhamma practitioner lives happily, both in this world
     and the next.

 

 

Yathā pubbuḷakaṃ passe,
yathā passe marīcikaṃ;
Evaṃ lokaṃ avekkhantaṃ,
maccurājā na passati.

 

170. If one sees the world as a water bubble that is subject to destruction, and as a mirage that will soon disappear, one will not be seen by Māra.

 

 

Etha passathimaṃ lokaṃ,
cittaṃ rājarathūpamaṃ;
Yattha bālā visīdanti,
natthi saṅgo vijānataṃ.

 

171. Come, look at the true nature of this world, which is like a decorated royal chariot. Fools flounder in this world, but the wise have no attachment
     to this world.

 

 

Yo ca pubbe pamajjitvā,
pacchā so nappamajjati;
Somaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti,
abbhā muttova candimā.

 

172. Whoever was negligent before but later does no evil illuminates this world like the moon freed from clouds.

 

 

Yassa pāpaṃ kataṃ kammaṃ,
kusalena pidhīyati;
Somaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti,
abbhā muttova candimā.

 

173. Whoever covers the evil he has done with wholesome deeds illuminates this world like the moon freed from clouds.

 

 

Andhabhūto ayaṃ loko,
tanukettha vipassati;
Sakuṇo jālamuttova,
appo saggāya gacchati.

 

174. All beings in this world are blinded by the darkness of ignorance. Only a few see the true nature. As only a few birds escape from the net of the bird hunter, few beings go to heaven.

 

 

Haṃ­sādicca­pathe yanti,
ākāse yanti iddhiyā;
Nīyanti dhīrā lokamhā,
jetvā māraṃ savāhiniṃ.

 

175. Swans fly in the sky. Liberated ones with psychic powers travel through the air. Having conquered Māra and his army, those wise sages are led away from the world.

 

 

Ekaṃ dhammaṃ atītassa,
musāvādissa jantuno;
Vitiṇ­ṇa­para­lokassa,
natthi pāpaṃ akāriyaṃ.

 

176. A liar who violates the one law of truthfulness, rejects the existence after death. Therefore, there is no evil that he cannot do.

 

 

Na ve kadariyā devalokaṃ vajanti,
Bālā have nappasaṃsanti dānaṃ;
Dhīro ca dānaṃ anumodamāno,
Teneva so hoti sukhī parattha.

 

177. Truly, misers never go to heaven. Fools, indeed, never praise generosity. But the wise rejoice in generosity, and so find happiness hereafter.

 

 

Pathabyā ekarajjena,
saggassa gamanena vā;
Sabba­lo­kādhipac­cena,
sotā­patti­phalaṃ varaṃ.

 

178. Better than sole dominance over the earth, going to heaven, or lordship over all the worlds is the fruit of stream entry.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Yassa jitaṃ nāvajīyati,
Jitaṃ yassa noyāti koci loke;
Taṃ bud­dhama­nan­ta­gocaraṃ,
Apadaṃ kena padena nessatha.

 

179. The Buddha’s victory over defilements cannot be undone. Nothing in the world follows him to challenge it. The Buddha’s field of knowledge is limitless. Defilement-free is his path. By what track can you trace such a trackless Buddha?

 

 

Yassa jālinī visattikā,
Taṇhā natthi kuhiñci netave;
Taṃ bud­dhama­nan­ta­gocaraṃ,
Apadaṃ kena padena nessatha.

 

180. Craving is like a net; it wraps beings up in existence. That craving no longer exists in the Buddha. Therefore, there is no way that one can
     tempt the Buddha towards existence. The Buddha’s field of knowledge is limitless. Defilement-free is his path. By what track can you trace such a trackless Buddha?

 

 

Ye jhānapasutā dhīrā,
nekkham­mū­pasame ratā;
Devāpi tesaṃ pihayanti,
sambuddhānaṃ satīmataṃ.

 

181. The Buddhas are wise and devoted to meditation and delight in the peace of renunciation. Such mindful ones, The Buddhas, even the gods hold dear.

 

 

Kiccho ­manus­sa­paṭi­lābho,
kicchaṃ maccāna jīvitaṃ;
Kicchaṃ saddham­mas­savanaṃ,
kiccho ­buddhā­na­mup­pādo.

 

182. It is difficult to be born as human. Difficult is the life of beings. It is difficult to gain the opportunity to hear the true Dhamma. Rare is the appearance of Buddhas.

 

 

Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ,
kusalassa upasampadā;
Sacitta­pari­yo­dapa­naṃ,
etaṃ buddhāna sāsanaṃ.

 

183. To avoid all evil, to cultivate wholesome qualities, and to cleanse one’s mind—this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

 

 

Khantī paramaṃ tapo titikkhā,
Nibbānaṃ paramaṃ vadanti buddhā;
Na hi pabbajito parūpaghātī,
Na samaṇo hoti paraṃ viheṭhayanto.

 

184. Patience is the highest virtue. The Buddhas say that Nibbāna is supreme. One who destroys others is no monk; one who harms others is no monk.

 

 

Anūpavādo anūpaghāto,
Pātimokkhe ca saṃvaro;
Mattaññutā ca bhattasmiṃ,
Pantañca sayanāsanaṃ;
Adhicitte ca āyogo,
Etaṃ buddhāna sāsanaṃ.

 

185. Not disparaging others, not destroying lives, practicing restraint by the monastic rules, moderation in food, dwelling in far away secluded forest monasteries, and devotion to meditation—this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

 

 

Na ­kahā­paṇa­vas­sena,
titti kāmesu vijjati;
Appassādā dukhā kāmā,
iti viññāya paṇḍito.

 

186. Not even with a shower of gold coins would a person find satisfaction in sense pleasures. They only give little gratification but much suffering.
     The wise person understands this reality.

 

 

Api dibbesu kāmesu,
ratiṃ so nādhigacchati;
Taṇ­hak­kha­ya­rato hoti,
sammā­sambud­dha­sāvako.

 

187. The disciple of the fully enlightened Buddha finds no delight even in heavenly pleasures. He delights in the destruction of craving, Nibbāna.

 

 

Bahuṃ ve saraṇaṃ yanti,
pabbatāni vanāni ca;
Ārāma­rukkha­cet­yāni,
manussā bhayatajjitā.

 

188. People threatened by fear go to many refuges: to mountains, forests, parks, trees, and shrines.

 

 

Netaṃ kho saraṇaṃ khemaṃ,
netaṃ saraṇamuttamaṃ;
Netaṃ saraṇamāgamma,
sabbadukkhā pamuccati.

 

189. Going for refuge to mountains, forest, parks, trees, and shrines is never a secure refuge; none of these is a supreme refuge. By going to such a refuge, one is not released from all suffering.

 

 

Yo ca buddhañca dhammañca,
saṅghañca saraṇaṃ gato;
Cattāri ariyasaccāni,
sammappaññāya passati.

 

190. If one has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching of the Buddha, and the disciples of the Buddha, he will realize with developed wisdom the Four Noble Truths.

 

 

Dukkhaṃ duk­kha­sa­muppādaṃ,
dukkhassa ca atikkamaṃ;
Ariyaṃ caṭṭhaṅgikaṃ maggaṃ,
duk­khū­pasa­ma­gā­minaṃ.

 

191. The Four Noble Truths are suffering, the arising of suffering, the overcoming of suffering, and the Eightfold Path leading to the ending of suffering.

 

 

Etaṃ kho saraṇaṃ khemaṃ,
etaṃ saraṇamuttamaṃ;
Etaṃ saraṇamāgamma,
sabbadukkhā pamuccati.

 

192. Going for refuge to the Buddha, the teachings of the Buddha, and the disciples of the Buddha is the secure refuge; this is the supreme refuge.
     By going to this refuge, one is released from all suffering.

 

 

Dullabho purisājañño,
na so sabbattha jāyati;
Yattha so jāyati dhīro,
taṃ kulaṃ sukhamedhati.

 

193. The birth of the best of men, the Buddha is very rare; such a person is not born everywhere. Where such a wise hero is born, that entire clan flourishes in happiness.

 

 

Sukho ­buddhā­na­mup­pādo,
sukhā saddham­ma­desanā;
Sukhā saṅghassa sāmaggī,
samaggānaṃ tapo sukho.

 

194. To see the Buddhas is happiness. The hearing of the true Dhamma is happiness. The harmony of the disciples of the Buddha is happiness. The diligent Dhamma practice of those in harmony is happiness.

 

 

Pūjārahe pūjayato,
buddhe yadi va sāvake;
Papañ­ca­sa­matik­kante,
tiṇṇa­soka­parid­dave.

 

Te tādise pūjayato,
nibbute akutobhaye;
Na sakkā puññaṃ saṅkhātuṃ,
imettamapi kenaci.

 

195-196. He who offers gifts to those worthy of offerings, the Buddha or his disciples who have transcended obsessive thinking, passed beyond
sorrow and lamentation. The merit of those who venerate such peaceful and fearless ones can never be calculated by any measure.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Susukhaṃ vata jīvāma,
verinesu averino;
Verinesu manussesu,
viharāma averino.

 

197. Ah, so happily we live, without hate among those with hate. Among people who hate, we live without hate.

 

 

Susukhaṃ vata jīvāma,
āturesu anāturā;
Āturesu manussesu,
viharāma anāturā.

 

198. Ah, so happily we live, without affliction among those afflicted by defilements. Among afflicted people, we live without affliction.

 

 

Susukhaṃ vata jīvāma,
ussukesu anussukā;
Ussukesu manussesu,
viharāma anussukā.

 

199. Ah, so happily we live, without agitation among those agitated by the pursuit of sense pleasures. Among people who are agitated, we live without agitation.

 

 

Susukhaṃ vata jīvāma,
yesaṃ no natthi kiñcanaṃ;
Pītibhakkhā bhavissāma,
devā ābhassarā yathā.

 

200. Ah, so happily we live, we who have no defilements. We shall feast on joy, as do the gods in the Ābhassara brahma world.

 

 

Jayaṃ veraṃ pasavati,
dukkhaṃ seti parājito;
Upasanto sukhaṃ seti,
hitvā jayaparājayaṃ.

 

201. Victory gives rise to hate; the defeated dwell in pain. Giving up both victory and defeat, the sage dwells happily.

 

 

Natthi rāgasamo aggi,
Natthi dosasamo kali;
Natthi khandhasamā dukkhā,
Natthi santiparaṃ sukhaṃ.

 

202. There is no fire like lust, no crime like hate, no suffering like the five groups of clinging, and no happiness higher than Nibbāna.

 

 

Jighac­chā­paramā rogā,
saṅkhāraparamā dukhā;
Etaṃ ñatvā yathābhūtaṃ,
nibbānaṃ paramaṃ sukhaṃ.

 

203. Hunger is the worst illness; conditioned things the worst suffering. For one who knows this as it really is, Nibbāna is the foremost happiness.

 

 

Ārogyaparamā lābhā,
San­tuṭ­ṭhi­paramaṃ dhanaṃ;
Vissāsaparamā ñāti,
Nibbānaṃ paramaṃ sukhaṃ.

 

204. Good health is the most precious gain; and happiness born from realisation of the truth is the greatest wealth. Trust is the greatest relative; Nibbāna the highest happiness.

 

 

Pavivekarasaṃ pitvā,
rasaṃ upasamassa ca;
Niddaro hoti nippāpo,
dhamma­pīti­rasaṃ pivaṃ.

 

205. By tasting the flavour of solitude and drinking the flavour of the excellent peace, Nibbāna, the monk becomes free of distress and evil.

 

 

Sāhu ­dassa­na­mariyā­naṃ,
sannivāso sadā sukho;
Adassanena bālānaṃ,
niccameva sukhī siyā.

 

206. It is good to see the noble ones; their company is always a delight. Free from the sight of fools, beings will always be happy.

 

 

Bāla­saṅga­ta­cārī hi,
dīghamaddhāna socati;
Dukkho bālehi saṃvāso,
amitteneva sabbadā;
Dhīro ca sukhasaṃvāso,
ñātīnaṃva samāgamo.

 

207. One who keeps company with fools will be sad for a long, long time. Living with fools is painful, as is living with enemies. Living with the wise is delightful, like relatives gathered together.

 

 

Tasmā hi—
Dhīrañca paññañca bahussutañca,
Dhorayhasīlaṃ vatavan­ta­mariyaṃ;
Taṃ tādisaṃ sappurisaṃ sumedhaṃ,
Bhajetha ­nak­khat­ta­pathaṃva candimā.

 

208. Therefore, follow the noble ones, who are energetic, wise, knowledgeable, committed to virtue, and dutiful. One should follow such a grateful person who is truly wise, as the moon always dwells in the sky.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Ayoge yuñjamattānaṃ,
yogasmiñca ayojayaṃ;
Atthaṃ hitvā piyaggāhī,
pihetat­tānu­yogi­naṃ.

 

209. Some people practice what they should not; they do not practice the greatest thing, the Dhamma. Clinging to what is dear, they abandon what is beneficial, but later they envy those who have succeeded in Dhamma practice.

 

 

Mā piyehi samāgañchi,
appiyehi kudācanaṃ;
Piyānaṃ adassanaṃ dukkhaṃ,
appiyānañca dassanaṃ.

 

210. Do not get too attached, even to your loved ones. Have no fellowship with disagreeable people. Not seeing your loved ones is suffering;
     seeing the disagreeable is also suffering.

 

 

Tasmā piyaṃ na kayirātha,
piyāpāyo hi pāpako;
Ganthā tesaṃ na vijjanti,
yesaṃ natthi piyāppiyaṃ.

 

211. Therefore, hold nothing dear, for separation from all that is dear is painful. There are no bonds for those who have nothing agreeable or disagreeable.

 

 

Piyato jāyatī soko,
piyato jāyatī bhayaṃ;
Piyato vippamuttassa,
natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ.

 

212. Longing gives rise to sorrow; longing gives rise to fear. For someone released from longing, there is no sorrow; so, from what would fear arise?

 

 

Pemato jāyatī soko,
pemato jāyatī bhayaṃ;
Pemato vippamuttassa,
natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ.

 

213. Affection gives rise to sorrow; affection gives rise to fear. For someone released from affection, there is no sorrow; so, from what would fear arise?

 

 

Ratiyā jāyatī soko,
ratiyā jāyatī bhayaṃ;
Ratiyā vippamuttassa,
natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ.

 

214. Desire gives rise to sorrow; desire gives rise to fear. For someone released from desire, there is no sorrow; so, from what would fear arise?

 

 

Kāmato jāyatī soko,
kāmato jāyatī bhayaṃ;
Kāmato vippamuttassa,
natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ.

 

215. Sense desire gives rise to sorrow; sense desire gives rise to fear. For someone released from sense desire, there is no sorrow; so, from what
     would fear arise?

 

 

Taṇhāya jāyatī soko,
taṇhāya jāyatī bhayaṃ;
Taṇhāya vippamuttassa,
natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ.

 

216. Craving gives rise to sorrow; craving gives rise to fear. For someone released from craving, there is no sorrow; so, from what would fear arise?

 

 

Sīla­das­sa­nasam­pannaṃ,
dhammaṭṭhaṃ saccavedinaṃ;
Attano kamma kubbānaṃ,
taṃ jano kurute piyaṃ.

 

217. If someone is virtuous, has insight into the Four Noble Truths, is established in the Dhamma, is truthful, and is endowed with righteous living—people hold that person dear.

 

 

Chandajāto anakkhāte,
Manasā ca phuṭo siyā;
Kāmesu ca appaṭi­baddha­citto,
Uddhaṃsototi vuccati.

 

218. The person who aspires to Nibbāna, though he does not reveal his goal to anyone, experiences Nibbāna in his mind. He is not bound by sense pleasures. Such a person is called “one bound up stream.”

 

 

Cirappavāsiṃ purisaṃ,
dūrato sotthimāgataṃ;
Ñātimittā suhajjā ca,
abhinandanti āgataṃ.

 

Tatheva katapuññampi,
asmā lokā paraṃ gataṃ;
Puññāni paṭigaṇhanti,
piyaṃ ñātīva āgataṃ.

 

219-220. Relatives, friends, and companions welcome a long-absent person returning from abroad. Like wise in passing from this world to the next,
the merit one has collected welcomes him.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Kodhaṃ jahe vippajaheyya mānaṃ,
Saṃyojanaṃ sabba­matik­ka­meyya;
Taṃ nāmarūpas­mi­masajja­mānaṃ,
Akiñcanaṃ nānupatanti dukkhā.

 

221. Give up anger, give up conceit, and overcome all bonds of existence. There is no suffering for an enlightened one who does not cling to mentality and materiality.

 

 

Yo ve uppatitaṃ kodhaṃ,
rathaṃ bhantaṃva vāraye;
Tamahaṃ sārathiṃ brūmi,
rasmiggāho itaro jano.

 

222. The one who keeps anger in check as it arises, as a charioteer controls a speeding chariot, him I call a true charioteer. Others are merely rein-holders.

 

 

Akkodhena jine kodhaṃ,
asādhuṃ sādhunā jine;
Jine kadariyaṃ dānena,
sacce­nālika­vā­dinaṃ.

 

223. Conquer anger with non-anger, conquer wickedness with goodness, conquer stinginess with giving and conquer a liar with truth.

 

 

Saccaṃ bhaṇe na kujjheyya,
dajjā appampi yācito;
Etehi tīhi ṭhānehi,
gacche devāna santike.

 

224. Speak the truth; do not get angry; and when asked, give even if you have only a little. By these three actions one can reach the presence of the gods.

 

 

Ahiṃsakā ye munayo,
niccaṃ kāyena saṃvutā;
Te yanti accutaṃ ṭhānaṃ,
yattha gantvā na socare.

 

225. The sages are harmless, they are ever restrained in body, and they go to the deathless state, Nibbāna, where having gone, they do not sorrow.

 

 

Sadā jāgaramānānaṃ,
ahorat­tā­nu­sikkhi­naṃ;
Nibbānaṃ adhimuttānaṃ,
atthaṃ gacchanti āsavā.

 

226. Those who practice the Dhamma constantly day and night, devoted to meditation, and are always focused on Nibbāna—their impurities fade away.

 

Porāṇametaṃ atula,
netaṃ ajjatanāmiva;
Nindanti tuṇhimāsīnaṃ,
nindanti bahubhāṇinaṃ;
Mitabhāṇimpi nindanti,
natthi loke anindito.

 

227. Ancient is this situation, oh Atula, it is not just true today: people criticize one sitting silently, they criticize one speaking much, and they criticize one speaking moderately. There is no one in the world who is not criticized.

 

 

Na cāhu na ca bhavissati,
na cetarahi vijjati;
Ekantaṃ nindito poso,
ekantaṃ vā pasaṃsito.

 

228. No person can be found who has been, is, or will be only criticized or only praised.

 

 

Yañce viññū pasaṃsanti,
anuvicca suve suve;
Acchiddavuttiṃ medhāviṃ,
paññā­sī­lasamā­hitaṃ.

 

229. When a wise person praises somebody, he does so after carefully observing that person’s flawless character, wisdom, virtue, and stillness of mind.

 

 

Nikkhaṃ jambonadasseva,
ko taṃ nindi­tu­marahati;
Devāpi naṃ pasaṃsanti,
brahmunāpi pasaṃsito.

 

230. Who can criticize one who is as worthy as a coin made of the finest gold? Such a person is praised even by the gods, even by Brahma.

 

 

Kāyappakopaṃ rakkheyya,
kāyena saṃvuto siyā;
Kāyaduccaritaṃ hitvā,
kāyena sucaritaṃ care.

 

231. Guard against anger erupting in your body; be restrained with your body. Abandoning bodily misconduct, practice good conduct with your body.

 

 

Vacīpakopaṃ rakkheyya,
vācāya saṃvuto siyā;
Vacīduccaritaṃ hitvā,
vācāya sucaritaṃ care.

 

232. Guard against anger erupting in your speech; be restrained with your speech. Abandoning verbal misconduct, practice good conduct with your speech.

 

 

Manopakopaṃ rakkheyya,
manasā saṃvuto siyā;
Manoduccaritaṃ hitvā,
manasā sucaritaṃ care.

 

233. Guard against anger erupting in your mind; be restrained with your mind. Abandoning mental misconduct, practice good conduct with your mind.

 

 

Kāyena saṃvutā dhīrā,
atho vācāya saṃvutā;
Manasā saṃvutā dhīrā,
te ve suparisaṃvutā.

 

234. The wise are restrained in body, restrained in speech, and restrained in mind. They are fully restrained.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Paṇḍupalāsova dānisi,
Yamapurisāpi ca te upaṭṭhitā;
Uyyogamukhe ca tiṭṭhasi,
Pātheyyampi ca te na vijjati.

 

235. Your life is now like a yellowed, withered leaf. The wardens of hell are standing by. You have reached death’s door of downfall. Yet, it seems that you have made no merit as provision for your journey!

 

 

So karohi dīpamattano,
Khippaṃ vāyama paṇḍito bhava;
Niddhantamalo anaṅgaṇo,
Dibbaṃ ariyabhūmiṃ upehisi.

 

236. Make an island for yourself. Be quick in making effort and become a wise person. Remove the stain of defilements and become undefiled. Enter the divine realm of the noble ones.

 

 

Upanītavayo ca dānisi,
Sampayātosi yamassa santikaṃ;
Vāso te natthi antarā,
Pātheyyampi ca te na vijjati.

 

237. You are now at the end of your life. You are headed to the presence of the King of Hell. You have not got much time to live. Yet it seems that you have made no merit as provision for your journey!

 

 

So karohi dīpamattano,
Khippaṃ vāyama paṇḍito bhava;
Niddhantamalo anaṅgaṇo,
Na punaṃ jātijaraṃ upehisi.

 

238. Make an island for yourself. Be quick in making effort and become a wise person. Remove stain of defilements and become undefiled. You must not come back again to this world of birth and decay.

 

 

Anupubbena medhāvī,
thokaṃ thokaṃ khaṇe khaṇe;
Kammāro rajatasseva,
niddhame malamattano.

 

239. The wise person, gradually, bit by bit, moment by moment, must cleanse his mind of the stain of defilements as a gold smith cleanses gold by removing stains.

 

 

Ayasāva malaṃ samuṭṭhitaṃ,
Tatuṭṭhāya tameva khādati;
Evaṃ ati­dhona­cāri­naṃ,
Sāni kammāni nayanti duggatiṃ.

 

240. As rust born from iron eats away the very iron that formed it, so does the reckless behaviour of a monk lead him to the plain of misery.

 

 

Asajjhāyamalā mantā,
anuṭṭhānamalā gharā;
Malaṃ vaṇṇassa kosajjaṃ,
pamādo rakkhato malaṃ.

 

241. Oral teachings become stained when not recited frequently, homes become stained by inactivity, laziness stains physical beauty, and negligence stains the guardian.

 

 

Malitthiyā duccaritaṃ,
maccheraṃ dadato malaṃ;
Malā ve pāpakā dhammā,
asmiṃ loke paramhi ca.

 

242. Misbehaviour is a stain in a woman. Stinginess is a stain in a giver. Stains, indeed, are all evil things, both in this world and the next.

 

 

Tato malā malataraṃ,
avijjā paramaṃ malaṃ;
Etaṃ malaṃ pahantvāna,
nimmalā hotha bhikkhavo.

 

243. Ignorance is the greatest stain among all stains. Having removed this stain, monks become stainless!

 

 

Sujīvaṃ ahirikena,
kākasūrena dhaṃsinā;
Pakkhandinā pagabbhena,
saṅkiliṭṭhena jīvitaṃ.

 

244. Easy is life for someone without shame of wrongdoing, who is bold as a crow, ungrateful, arrogant, and corrupt.

 

 

Hirīmatā ca dujjīvaṃ,
niccaṃ sucigavesinā;
Alīne­nāppa­gab­bhena,
suddhājīvena passatā.

 

245. Difficult is life for someone who has shame of wrongdoing, who is always searching for purity, innocent, cautious, and values righteous living.

 

 

Yo pāṇamatipāteti,
musāvādañca bhāsati;
Loke adinnamādiyati,
paradārañca gacchati.

 

Surā­meraya­pānañca,
yo naro anuyuñjati;
Idheva meso lokasmiṃ,
mūlaṃ khaṇati attano.

 

246-247. One who kills beings, lies, steals, goes to another man’s wife, and drinks intoxicants— such a man digs up his own grave here in this world.

 

 

Evaṃ bho purisa jānāhi,
pāpadhammā asaññatā;
Mā taṃ lobho adhammo ca,
ciraṃ dukkhāya randhayuṃ.

 

248. Good man, know this: evil destroys one’s restraint. Do not let greed and wickedness drag you to the plain of misery, where you will suffer for a long time.

 

 

Dadāti ve yathāsaddhaṃ,
yathāpasādanaṃ jano;
Tattha yo ca maṅku bhavati,
paresaṃ pānabhojane;
Na so divā vā rattiṃ vā,
samā­dhi­madhi­gacchati.

 

249. People give according to their faith and confident mind. This being the case, if one becomes discontented with the food and drink given by others, one cannot attain stillness of mind, either by day or by night.

 

 

Yassa cetaṃ samucchinnaṃ,
mūlaghaccaṃ samūhataṃ;
Sa ve divā vā rattiṃ vā,
samā­dhi­madhi­gacchati.

 

250. But if one discards this discontent by cutting it out and uprooting it, one can attain stillness of mind, both by day and by night.

 

 

Natthi rāgasamo aggi,
natthi dosasamo gaho;
Natthi mohasamaṃ jālaṃ,
natthi taṇhāsamā nadī.

 

251. There is no fire like lust, no trap like hate, no net like delusion, and no river like craving.

 

 

Sudassaṃ vajjamaññesaṃ,
attano pana duddasaṃ;
Paresaṃ hi so vajjāni,
opunāti yathā bhusaṃ;
Attano pana chādeti,
kaliṃva kitavā saṭho.

 

252. It is easy to see the fault of others, but hard to see one’s own. One sifts out the faults of others like chaff but conceals one’s own as a crafty bird-hunter hides behind camouflage.

 

 

Paravaj­jānupas­sissa,
niccaṃ ujjhānasaññino;
Āsavā tassa vaḍḍhanti,
ārā so āsavakkhayā.

 

253. If one focuses on other’s faults and constantly takes offense, one’s own impurities increase and one is far from the destruction of impurities.

 

 

Ākāseva padaṃ natthi,
samaṇo natthi bāhire;
Papañcābhiratā pajā,
nippapañcā tathāgatā.

 

254. Birds do not leave tracks in the sky. No monk exists outside the Buddha’s path. People delight in obsessive thoughts, but the Buddhas are free of obsessive thinking.

 

 

Ākāseva padaṃ natthi,
samaṇo natthi bāhire;
Saṅkhārā sassatā natthi,
natthi ­buddhā­na­miñjitaṃ.

 

255. Birds do not leave tracks in the sky. No monk exists outside the Buddha’s path. No conditioned things are eternal. No agitation exists for Buddhas.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Na tena hoti dhammaṭṭho,
yenatthaṃ sāhasā naye;
Yo ca atthaṃ anatthañca,
ubho niccheyya paṇḍito.

 

256. If a judge rules unfairly in a case he is not just. The wise person makes decisions by properly investigating both right and wrong.

 

 

Asāhasena dhammena,
samena nayatī pare;
Dhammassa gutto medhāvī,
“dhammaṭṭho”ti pavuccati.

 

257. He who does not judge a case unfairly, that wise person is protected by the Dhamma. He is called the one who is established in the Dhamma.

 

 

Na tena paṇḍito hoti,
yāvatā bahu bhāsati;
Khemī averī abhayo,
“paṇḍito”ti pavuccati.

 

258. One is not wise only because one speaks a lot. If one does not cause fear in others, is devoid of hate, and is fearless, one can truly be called
     a wise person.

 

 

Na tāvatā dhammadharo,
yāvatā bahu bhāsati;
Yo ca appampi sutvāna,
dhammaṃ kāyena passati;
Sa ve dhammadharo hoti,
yo dhammaṃ nappamajjati.

 

259. One is not an upholder of the Dhamma only because he preaches a lot. Having heard even a little, if one experiences the Dhamma personally
     and is never negligent of the Dhamma practice, one is indeed an upholder of the Dhamma.

 

 

Na tena thero so hoti,
yenassa palitaṃ siro;
Paripakko vayo tassa,
“moghajiṇṇo”ti vuccati.

 

260. Grey hair does not make a monk an elder. Someone ripe only in age is called “an old fool”.

 

 

Yamhi saccañca dhammo ca,
ahiṃsā saṃyamo damo;
Sa ve vantamalo dhīro,
“ thero” iti pavuccati.

 

261. If there is truthfulness, Dhamma, harmlessness, restraint, and self-control in a monk and if that wise monk has purged himself of defilements,
     that monk is called an elder.

 

 

Na vākka­raṇa­mat­tena,
vaṇṇa­pok­kha­ra­tāya vā;
Sādhurūpo naro hoti,
issukī maccharī saṭho.

 

262. Not through sweet voice or by good looks alone can one become a person of good character. If one is jealous, selfish, and deceitful, one does not become a person of good character.

 

 

Yassa cetaṃ samucchinnaṃ,
mūlaghaccaṃ samūhataṃ;
Sa vantadoso medhāvī,
“sādhurūpo”ti vuccati.

 

263. But with bad qualities cut off, uprooted, and destroyed, one who is wise and has purged himself of bad qualities is called one of good character.

 

 

Na muṇḍakena samaṇo,
abbato alikaṃ bhaṇaṃ;
Icchālobha­samā­panno,
samaṇo kiṃ bhavissati.

 

264. Not by shaven head does one become a monk. If one is devoid of virtue, untruthful, and filled with evil desires and greed, how could such a person be a monk?

 

 

Yo ca sameti pāpāni,
aṇuṃthūlāni sabbaso;
Samitattā hi pāpānaṃ,
“samaṇo”ti pavuccati.

 

265. One who has, in every way, subdued all evil, small and great is, for that reason, called a monk.

 

 

Na tena bhikkhu so hoti,
yāvatā bhikkhate pare;
Vissaṃ dhammaṃ samādāya,
bhikkhu hoti na tāvatā.

 

266. One is not a monk just because one lives on others’ alms. Nor does one become a monk by taking on evil ways.

 

 

Yodha puññañca pāpañca,
bāhetvā brahmacariyavā;
Saṅkhāya loke carati,
sa ve “bhikkhū”ti vuccati.

 

267. Whoever in the Buddha’s path sets aside both merit and demerit, lives the chaste life, and goes through the world with true knowledge is called
     a monk.

 

 

Na monena munī hoti,
mūḷharūpo aviddasu;
Yo ca tulaṃva paggayha,
varamādāya paṇḍito.

 

268. Not by observing silence does an ignorant fool become a sage. The wise person selects what is good and avoids what is evil as if holding a balance-scale.

 

 

Pāpāni parivajjeti,
sa munī tena so muni;
Yo munāti ubho loke,
“muni” tena pavuccati.

 

269. Whoever avoids evil, weighs the internal world and the external world with wisdom is, for that reason, called a sage.

 

 

Na tena ariyo hoti,
yena pāṇāni hiṃsati;
Ahiṃsā sabbapāṇānaṃ,
“ariyo”ti pavuccati.

 

270. Though people call one noble, one who harms beings is not noble. One is called noble because one is harmless to all beings.

 

 

Na sīlab­bata­mat­tena,
bāhusaccena vā pana;
Atha vā samādhilābhena,
vivitta­saya­nena vā.

 

271. Though you are dutiful, virtuous, knowledgeable in the Dhamma, have attained stillness of the mind, and live in far-away forest monasteries,
     you should not think, through overestimation that you have completed the path.

 

 

Phusāmi nekkham­ma­su­khaṃ,
aputhuj­jana­sevitaṃ;
Bhikkhu vissāsamāpādi,
appatto āsavakkhayaṃ.

 

272. Oh monk, there is this bliss of renunciation not experienced by the ordinary people. You also should think, “I will attain that bliss”. Do not trust
     this existence until you have attained liberation.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Maggā­naṭ­ṭhaṅ­giko seṭṭho,
saccānaṃ caturo padā;
Virāgo seṭṭho dhammānaṃ,
dvipadānañca cakkhumā.

 

273. Of all paths, the Noble Eight Fold Path is the best. Of all truths, the Four Noble Truth is the best. Of all things, the passionless state, Nibbāna is
     the best. Of all humans, the one with eyes of the Dhamma, Buddha, is the best.

 

 

Eseva maggo natthañño,
Dassanassa visuddhiyā;
Etañhi tumhe paṭipajjatha,
Mārassetaṃ pamohanaṃ.

 

274. This is the only path for purifying one’s vision of truth; there is no other. Follow it and you will bewilder Māra.

 

 

Etañhi tumhe paṭipannā,
dukkhassantaṃ karissatha;
Akkhāto vo mayā maggo,
aññāya sallakantanaṃ.

 

275. By following the Noble Eight Fold Path you can put an end to suffering. I have taught you this path which pulls out arrows of defilements.

 

 

Tumhehi kiccamātappaṃ,
akkhātāro tathāgatā;
Paṭipannā pamokkhanti,
jhāyino mārabandhanā.

 

276. You, yourself, must make a strong effort to attain Nibbāna. Buddhas only point the way. Those who follow the path and those who meditate will be freed from Māra’s bonds.

 

 

“Sabbe saṅkhārā aniccā”ti,
yadā paññāya passati;
Atha nibbindati dukkhe,
esa maggo visuddhiyā.

 

277. “All conditioned things are impermanent”—when one sees this with wisdom, one gives up admiration for suffering which is disguised as happiness. This is the path to purification, Nibbāna.

 

 

“Sabbe saṅkhārā dukkhā”ti,
yadā paññāya passati;
Atha nibbindati dukkhe,
esa maggo visuddhiyā.

 

278. “All conditioned things are suffering”— when one sees this with wisdom, one gives up admiration for suffering which is disguised as happiness. This is the path to purification, Nibbāna.

 

 

“Sabbe dhammā anattā”ti,
yadā paññāya passati;
Atha nibbindati dukkhe,
esa maggo visuddhiyā.

 

279. “All things are not-self”—when one sees this with wisdom, one gives up admiration for suffering which is disguised as happiness. This is the path to purification, Nibbāna.

 

 

Uṭṭhānakālamhi anuṭṭhahāno,
Yuvā balī ālasiyaṃ upeto;
Saṃsan­na­saṅkap­pa­mano kusīto,
Paññāya maggaṃ alaso na vindati.

 

280. The inactive one who does not exert himself when he should, who though young and strong is full of laziness, with a mind full of vain thoughts—such an indolent person does not find the path to wisdom.

 

 

Vācānurakkhī manasā susaṃvuto,
Kāyena ca nākusalaṃ kayirā;
Ete tayo kammapathe visodhaye,
Ārādhaye magga­misip­pa­vedi­taṃ.

 

281. Let a person be watchful in speech, well restrained in mind, and not commit evil by the body. Let him purify these three courses of action and fulfill the path taught by the sages.

 

 

Yogā ve jāyatī bhūri,
ayogā bhūrisaṅkhayo;
Etaṃ dvedhāpathaṃ ñatvā,
bhavāya vibhavāya ca;
Tathāttānaṃ niveseyya,
yathā bhūri pavaḍḍhati.

 

282. Wisdom arises from calm and insight meditation. Without meditation wisdom decays. Knowing this two-way path for progress and decline, conduct yourself on the path which grows wisdom.

 

 

Vanaṃ chindatha mā rukkhaṃ,
vanato jāyate bhayaṃ;
Chetvā vanañca vanathañca,
nibbanā hotha bhikkhavo.

 

283. Oh monks, cut down the trees of defilements, but not the trees in the forest. From the trees of defilements, fear is born. Having cut down both large and small trees of defilements be deforested of defilements.

 

 

Yāva hi vanatho na chijjati,
Aṇumattopi narassa nārisu;
Paṭi­baddha­manova tāva so,
Vaccho khīrapakova mātari.

 

284. As long as the underbrush of desire, even the slightest, of a man towards a woman is not cut down, his mind is in bondage, like the suckling calf
     to its mother.

 

 

Ucchinda sinehamattano,
Kumudaṃ sāradikaṃva pāṇinā;
Santimaggameva brūhaya,
Nibbānaṃ sugatena desitaṃ.

 

285. Cut off craving as one plucks with his hand an autumn lotus. Cultivate only the path to excellent peace, Nibbāna, as taught by the Well Gone One, the Buddha.

 

 

Idha vassaṃ vasissāmi,
idha hemantagimhisu;
Iti bālo vicinteti,
antarāyaṃ na bujjhati.

 

286. “Here I will live in the rainy season, here in winter and summer”—thus thinks the fool. He does not realize the danger that death might intervene.

 

 

Taṃ putta­pasu­sammat­taṃ,
byāsat­ta­manasaṃ naraṃ;
Suttaṃ gāmaṃ mahoghova,
maccu ādāya gacchati.

 

287. Some people live clinging to and intoxicated by children and wealth. Suddenly they are carried away to death by Māra, as a great flood carries away a sleeping village to the ocean.

 

 

Na santi puttā tāṇāya,
na pitā nāpi bandhavā;
Anta­ke­nādhipan­nassa,
natthi ñātīsu tāṇatā.

 

288. For someone who is seized by Māra, there is no protection by relatives. No one can save him—not sons, not father, and not relatives.

 

 

Etamatthavasaṃ ñatvā,
paṇḍito sīlasaṃvuto;
Nibbānagamanaṃ maggaṃ,
khippameva visodhaye.

 

289. Realizing this truth, let the wise person restrain himself with virtue. Let him quickly clear the path to Nibbāna.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Mattā­su­kha­paric­cāgā,
passe ce vipulaṃ sukhaṃ;
Caje mattāsukhaṃ dhīro,
sampassaṃ vipulaṃ sukhaṃ.

 

290. One who expects greater happiness must be able to give up lesser happiness. The wise person looking for the greater, Nibbāna, renounces the lesser, sense pleasures.

 

 

Para­duk­khū­pa­dhā­nena,
attano sukhamicchati;
Vera­saṃsag­ga­saṃsaṭ­ṭho,
verā so na parimuccati.

 

291. Those who seek their own happiness by causing suffering for others are entangled with hate. They will never be free from hate.

 

 

Yañhi kiccaṃ apaviddhaṃ,
akiccaṃ pana karīyati;
Unnaḷānaṃ pamattānaṃ,
tesaṃ vaḍḍhanti āsavā.

 

292. If someone rejects the Dhamma practice and does, instead, what they should not, impurities increase for that conceited and negligent person.

 

 

Yesañca susamāraddhā,
niccaṃ kāyagatā sati;
Akiccaṃ te na sevanti,
kicce sātaccakārino;
Satānaṃ sampajānānaṃ,
atthaṃ gacchanti āsavā.

 

293. If someone’s mind is constantly well established with mindfulness of the body and does not do what he should not do, impurities are destroyed for that mindful person with full awareness.

 

 

Mātaraṃ pitaraṃ hantvā,
rājāno dve ca khattiye;
Raṭṭhaṃ sānucaraṃ hantvā,
anīgho yāti brāhmaṇo.

 

294. Having killed with wisdom, the mother called craving, the father called arrogance, the two warrior kings called eternalism and nihilism; and having destroyed the country called the internal and external sense bases, together with its treasurer called desire, the Brāhmin, free of suffering, goes to Nibbāna.

 

 

Mātaraṃ pitaraṃ hantvā,
rājāno dve ca sotthiye;
Veyaggha­pañca­maṃ hantvā,
anīgho yāti brāhmaṇo.

 

295. Having killed, with wisdom, the mother called craving, the father called arrogance, the two Brāhmin kings called eternalism and nihilism, the tiger called the five hindrances, the Brāhmin—free of suffering—goes to Nibbāna.

 

 

Suppabuddhaṃ pabujjhanti,
sadā gotamasāvakā;
Yesaṃ divā ca ratto ca,
niccaṃ buddhagatā sati.

 

296. Those disciples of Gotama Buddha, who day and night constantly practice the meditation on the qualities of the Buddha, wake up happily every day.

 

 

Suppabuddhaṃ pabujjhanti,
sadā gotamasāvakā;
Yesaṃ divā ca ratto ca,
niccaṃ dhammagatā sati.

 

297. Those disciples of Gotama Buddha, who day and night constantly practice the meditation on the qualities of the Dhamma, wake up happily every day.

 

 

Suppabuddhaṃ pabujjhanti,
sadā gotamasāvakā;
Yesaṃ divā ca ratto ca,
niccaṃ saṅghagatā sati.

 

298. Those disciples of Gotama Buddha, who day and night constantly practice the meditation on the qualities of the community of noble monks,
     wake up happily every day.

 

 

Suppabuddhaṃ pabujjhanti,
sadā gotamasāvakā;
Yesaṃ divā ca ratto ca,
niccaṃ kāyagatā sati.

 

299. Those disciples of Gotama Buddha, who day and night constantly practice mindfulness of the body, wake up happily every day.

 

 

Suppabuddhaṃ pabujjhanti,
sadā gotamasāvakā;
Yesaṃ divā ca ratto ca,
ahiṃsāya rato mano.

 

300. Those disciples of Gotama Buddha, whose minds by day and night delight in harmlessness, wake up happily every day.

 

 

Suppabuddhaṃ pabujjhanti,
sadā gotamasāvakā;
Yesaṃ divā ca ratto ca,
bhāvanāya rato mano.

 

301. Those disciples of Gotama Buddha, whose minds by day and night delight in calm and insight meditation, wake up happily every day.

 

 

Duppabbajjaṃ durabhiramaṃ,
Durāvāsā gharā dukhā;
Duk­kho­sa­mānasaṃ­vāso,
Duk­khā­nu­patitad­dhagū;
Tasmā na caddhagū siyā,
Na cadukkhānupatitosiyā.

 

302. Becoming a monk is difficult—it is hard to enjoy the monk life. Household life is also difficult—it is painful. Living with people who have different opinions is suffering. Wandering in the journey of rebirths is indeed suffering. Therefore, do not be a wanderer in saṁsāra; do not be a pursuer of suffering.

 

 

Saddho sīlena sampanno,
yaso­bho­gasamap­pito;
Yaṃ yaṃ padesaṃ bhajati,
tattha tattheva pūjito.

 

303. The lay disciple of the Buddha—endowed with faith, virtue, fame, and wealth—is respected wherever he goes.

 

 

Dūre santo pakāsenti,
himavantova pabbato;
Asantettha na dissanti,
rattiṃ khittā yathā sarā.

 

304. Good people are seen from afar by the Buddha, like the Himalaya Mountain is visible from afar. But foolish people are unseen, even close up,
     like arrows shot in the night.

 

 

Ekāsanaṃ ekaseyyaṃ,
eko caramatandito;
Eko damayamattānaṃ,
vanante ramito siyā.

 

305. One should live alone, one should sleep alone, and having tamed oneself alone without being lazy, one should live in the forest, delighting there.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Abhūtavādī nirayaṃ upeti,
Yo vāpi katvā na karomi cāha;
Ubhopi te pecca samā bhavanti,
Nihīnakammā manujā parattha.

 

306. The liar who accuses a good person goes to hell; so does the one who, having done wrong, says, “I did not do it”. Both these people of base
     actions become equal after death, by taking rebirth in hell.

 

 

Kāsāvakaṇṭhā bahavo,
pāpadhammā asaññatā;
Pāpā pāpehi kammehi,
nirayaṃ te upapajjare.

 

307. There are many people wearing robes but with no restraint and with evil behaviours. These wicked people, because of their evil deeds, will be reborn in hell.

 

 

Seyyo ayoguḷo bhutto,
tatto aggisikhūpamo;
Yañce bhuñjeyya dussīlo,
raṭṭha­piṇḍa­masaññato.

 

308. It is better to swallow flaming red-hot iron balls than to live as an immoral unrestrained monk and eat the alms-food of the people.

 

 

Cattāri ṭhānāni naro pamatto,
Āpajjati paradārūpasevī;
Apuññalābhaṃ na nikāmaseyyaṃ,
Nindaṃ tatīyaṃ nirayaṃ catutthaṃ.

 

309. Four results come to the reckless man who engages in sexual misconduct with another’s wife: accumulation of demerit, agitation, accusation,
     and rebirth in hell.

 

 

Apuññalābho ca gatī ca pāpikā,
Bhītassa bhītāya ratī ca thokikā;
Rājā ca daṇḍaṃ garukaṃ paṇeti,
Tasmā naro paradāraṃ na seve.

 

310. Evil is the rebirth of an evil-doer. Brief is the pleasure of the frightened man engaged with a frightened woman. If caught, the king will impose severe punishment. Therefore a man must not engage in sexual misconduct with another’s wife.

 

 

Kuso yathā duggahito,
hattha­mevānu­kantati;
Sāmaññaṃ dupparāmaṭṭhaṃ,
nirayā­yupakaḍ­ḍhati.

 

311. Just as kusa grass cuts the hand that wrongly grasps it, so does the monk-life or the nun-life wrongly lived drag one to hell.

 

 

Yaṃ kiñci sithilaṃ kammaṃ,
saṅkiliṭṭhañca yaṃ vataṃ;
Saṅkassaraṃ brahmacariyaṃ,
na taṃ hoti mahapphalaṃ.

 

312. Virtue practised in a loose way, the defiled monk-life and nun-life, or a chaste life lived dubiously—none of these lead to much success in the Buddha’s path.

 

 

Kayirā ce kayirāthenaṃ,
daḷhamenaṃ parakkame;
Sithilo hi paribbājo,
bhiyyo ākirate rajaṃ.

 

313. If any good quality is to be practised, let one do it again with strong effort. A careless monk-life or nun-life stirs up even more defilements.

 

 

Akataṃ dukkaṭaṃ seyyo,
pacchā tappati dukkaṭaṃ;
Katañca sukataṃ seyyo,
yaṃ katvā nānutappati.

 

314. Evil deeds are better left undone—evil deeds torment the doer later. Good deeds are better done—for, having done them, the doer has no regret later.

 

 

Nagaraṃ yathā paccantaṃ,
guttaṃ santarabāhiraṃ;
Evaṃ gopetha attānaṃ,
khaṇo vo mā upaccagā;
Khaṇātītā hi socanti,
nirayamhi samappitā.

 

315. Just as a border city is well guarded inside and out, so too guard yourself from evil— do not let slip this moment for spiritual practice. Those who let this moment pass suffer after they have fallen into hell.

 

 

Alajjitāye lajjanti,
lajjitāye na lajjare;
Micchā­diṭṭhi­sa­mādānā,
sattā gacchanti duggatiṃ.

 

316. No need to be ashamed of wearing clothes, but the Niganthas are ashamed of wearing cloth. One should indeed be ashamed of nakedness,
     but the Niganthas are not ashamed of nakedness. Those who take up wrong view take rebirth in the plane of misery.

 

 

Abhaye bhayadassino,
bhaye cābhayadassino;
Micchā­diṭṭhi­sa­mādānā,
sattā gacchanti duggatiṃ.

 

317. No need to be afraid of Nibbāna, but the Niganthas are afraid of Nibbāna. One should indeed be afraid of holding wrong views. Those who take up wrong views take rebirth in the plane of misery.

 

 

Avajje vajjamatino,
vajje cāvajjadassino;
Micchā­diṭṭhi­sa­mādānā,
sattā gacchanti duggatiṃ.

 

318. Finding fault in the noble Dhamma and seeing no fault in wrong teachings, those who take up wrong views take rebirth in the plane of misery.

 

 

Vajjañca vajjato ñatvā,
avajjañca avajjato;
Sammā­diṭṭhi­sa­mādānā,
sattā gacchanti suggatiṃ.

 

319. But knowing wrong teachings as wrong teachings and the noble Dhamma as noble Dhamma, those who take up right views take rebirth in the plane of bliss.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Ahaṃ nāgova saṅgāme,
cāpato patitaṃ saraṃ;
Ativākyaṃ titikkhissaṃ,
dussīlo hi bahujjano.

 

320. As a king elephant in battle endures arrows shot from bows all around, so I endure the verbal abuse of others. Indeed, many people in this world lack virtue.

 

 

Dantaṃ nayanti samitiṃ,
dantaṃ rājābhirūhati;
Danto seṭṭho manussesu,
yotivākyaṃ titikkhati.

 

321. The well-tamed elephant is the one whom people take into a crowd. The well-tamed elephant is the one even the king mounts. Best among humans is the tamed person who endures verbal abuse.

 

 

Varamassatarā dantā,
ājānīyā ca sindhavā;
Kuñjarā ca mahānāgā,
attadanto tato varaṃ.

 

322. Excellent are well-tamed mules, thoroughbred Sindhu horses, tusker elephants and king elephants. But even more excellent is the person who has tamed himself.

 

 

Na hi etehi yānehi,
gaccheyya agataṃ disaṃ;
Yathāttanā sudantena,
danto dantena gacchati.

 

323. Not by these vehicles, however, could one go to that place not gone to, Nibbāna, as one who is self-tamed goes by his own tamed and well-controlled mind.

 

 

Dhanapālo nāma kuñjaro,
Kaṭukabhedano dunnivārayo;
Baddho kabaḷaṃ na bhuñjati,
Sumarati nāgavanassa kuñjaro.

 

324. During mating time, the tusker elephant named Dhanapāla was uncontrollable. Tied down, he did not even eat, but he spent his time remembering only the forest where his mother elephant lived. He waited to attend on her needs showing her the quality of gratefulness.

 

 

Middhī yadā hoti mahagghaso ca,
Niddāyitā sam­pari­vatta­sāyī;
Mahāvarāhova nivāpapuṭṭho,
Punappunaṃ gabbhamupeti mando.

 

325. If a person is sluggish and gluttonous, sleeps rolling around on a bed, he is like a fat, grain-fed pig. That fool comes to sleep in a womb again and again.

 

 

Idaṃ pure cittamacāri cārikaṃ,
Yenicchakaṃ yatthakāmaṃ yathāsukhaṃ;
Tadajjahaṃ niggahessāmi yoniso,
Hatthip­pa­bhin­naṃ viya aṅkusaggaho.

 

326. Formerly, this mind wandered about where it wished, as it liked, and as it pleased, but now, I will thoroughly master it with wisdom as an elephant keeper controls with his stick an elephant in its mating time.

 

 

Appamādaratā hotha,
sacitta­ma­nurak­kha­tha;
Duggā uddha­ra­thattānaṃ,
paṅke sannova kuñjaro.

 

327. Delight in diligence! Guard your mind well! Draw yourself out of this bog of defilements as an elephant that has sunken in mud draws himself out of the mud.

 

 

Sace labhetha nipakaṃ sahāyaṃ,
Saddhiṃ caraṃ sādhu­vihāri­dhīraṃ;
Abhibhuyya sabbāni parissayāni,
Careyya tenattamano satīmā.

 

328. If you find an intelligent and grateful friend of good conduct, you should keep his company joyously and mindfully overcoming all dangers.

 

 

No ce labhetha nipakaṃ sahāyaṃ,
Saddhiṃ caraṃ sādhu­vihāri­dhīraṃ;
Rājāva raṭṭhaṃ vijitaṃ pahāya,
Eko care mātaṅgaraññeva nāgo.

 

329. If you do not find an intelligent and grateful friend of good conduct, you should live alone like a king who leaves behind his conquered kingdom,
     or like the elephant Mātanga who left his herd and lived alone.

 

 

Ekassa caritaṃ seyyo,
Natthi bāle sahāyatā;
Eko care na ca pāpāni kayirā,
Appossukko mātaṅgaraññeva nāgo.

 

330. Better it is to live alone. There is no companionship with evil friends. Live alone, at ease, doing no evil like the king elephant Mātanga who left his herd and lived alone.

 

 

Atthamhi jātamhi sukhā sahāyā,
Tuṭṭhī sukhā yā itarītarena;
Puññaṃ sukhaṃ jīvita­saṅ­kha­yamhi,
Sabbassa dukkhassa sukhaṃ pahānaṃ.

 

331. Happiness is having friends when need arises. Happiness is contentment with just what one has. Happiness is merit at the end of one’s life. Happiness is the abandoning of all suffering.

 

 

Sukhā matteyyatā loke,
atho petteyyatā sukhā;
Sukhā sāmaññatā loke,
atho brahmaññatā sukhā.

 

332. In this world, serving one’s mother is happiness, serving one’s father is happiness, serving monks and nuns is happiness, and serving liberated ones is happiness.

 

 

Sukhaṃ yāva jarā sīlaṃ,
sukhā saddhā patiṭṭhitā;
Sukho paññāya paṭilābho,
pāpānaṃ akaraṇaṃ sukhaṃ.

 

333. Happiness is virtue until life’s end; happiness is well established faith in the Buddha; happiness is the attainment of wisdom; and happiness is not doing evil.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Manujassa pamattacārino,
Taṇhā vaḍḍhati māluvā viya;
So plavatī hurā huraṃ,
Phalamicchaṃva vanasmi vānaro.

 

334. The craving of a person who lives negligently spreads like a creeping vine. Like a monkey who leaps from tree to tree in the forest seeking fruits, that person leaps from life to life, in this journey of misery.

 

 

Yaṃ esā sahate jammī,
taṇhā loke visattikā;
Sokā tassa pavaḍḍhanti,
abhivaṭṭhaṃva bīraṇaṃ.

 

335. Whoever is overcome by this miserable, wretched, and sticky craving, his sorrow grows like rapidly growing grass after rain.

 

 

Yo cetaṃ sahate jammiṃ,
taṇhaṃ loke duraccayaṃ;
Sokā tamhā papatanti,
udabinduva pokkharā.

 

336. Whoever overcomes this miserable, wretched craving that is difficult to overcome, from him sorrow falls away like water drips from a lotus leaf.

 

 

Taṃ vo vadāmi bhaddaṃ vo,
yāvantettha samāgatā;
Taṇhāya mūlaṃ khaṇatha,
usīratthova bīraṇaṃ;
Mā vo naḷaṃva sotova,
māro bhañji punappunaṃ.

 

337. This I say to you: Good luck to all assembled here! Dig up the root of craving like someone in search of the fragrant root of the bīrana grass. Do not let Māra crush you over and over again, as the flood crushes a bunch of bamboo trees on a bank of the river.

 

 

Yathāpi mūle anupaddave daḷhe,
Chinnopi rukkho punareva rūhati;
Evampi taṇhānusaye anūhate,
Nibbattatī dukkhamidaṃ punappunaṃ.

 

338. Just as a tree, though cut down, grows again if its roots are strong and remain uncut, so does suffering sprout again and again until the tendency of craving in the mind is rooted out.

 

 

Yassa chattiṃsati sotā,
manāpasavanā bhusā;
Mahāvahanti duddiṭṭhiṃ,
saṅkappā rāganissitā.

 

339. Thirty-six streams of craving flow through pleasurable objects. The misguided person who is entangled by this craving is carried away to hell by the flood of lustful thoughts.

 

 

Savanti sabbadhi sotā,
latā uppajja tiṭṭhati;
Tañca disvā lataṃ jātaṃ,
mūlaṃ paññāya chindatha.

 

340. The stream of craving flows through every sense base and the creeper of craving sprouts and grows throughout your life. In seeing that the creeper has sprouted in you, cut off its roots with the sword of wisdom.

 

 

Saritāni sinehitāni ca,
Somanassāni bhavanti jantuno;
Te sātasitā sukhesino,
Te ve jātijarūpagā narā.

 

341. When craving flows through objects, feelings of pleasure arise in beings. They get attached to that pleasure and seek more enjoyment. Undoubtedly, these people are bound to the journey of birth and old age.

 

 

Tasiṇāya purakkhatā pajā,
Parisappanti sasova bandhito;
Saṃ­yoja­na­saṅ­gasattakā,
Dukkhamupenti punappunaṃ cirāya.

 

342. Surrounded by craving, these people run around frightened like a trapped rabbit. Held by fetters and bonds of defilements, they suffer repeatedly over a long time.

 

 

Tasiṇāya purakkhatā pajā,
Parisappanti sasova bandhito;
Tasmā tasiṇaṃ vinodaye,
Ākaṅkhanta virāgamattano.

 

343. Surrounded by craving, these people run around frightened like a trapped rabbit. Therefore, the monk who wishes for passion-free Nibbāna should destroy his own craving.

 

 

Yo nibbanatho vanādhimutto,
Vanamutto vanameva dhāvati;
Taṃ puggalametha passatha,
Mutto bandhanameva dhāvati.

 

344. There is a person who, turning away from the forest of defilements called household life, delights in the monk life. But after being freed from the forest of defilements called the household life, he runs back to it. Look at that person! Though freed, he runs back to that very bondage!

 

 

Na taṃ daḷhaṃ bandhanamāhu dhīrā,
Yadāyasaṃ dāruja­pabba­jañca;
Sārattarattā maṇikuṇḍalesu,
Puttesu dāresu ca yā apekkhā.

 

Etaṃ daḷhaṃ bandhanamāhu dhīrā,
Ohārinaṃ sithilaṃ duppamuñcaṃ;
Etampi chetvāna paribbajanti,
Anapekkhino kāmasukhaṃ pahāya.

 

345-346. If a person was bound with chains made of iron, shackles made of wood, and ropes made of hemp grass, those bonds are not called strong bonds by the wise. Instead, the infatuation and longing for jewels, ornaments, children, and wives—that, they say, is a far stronger bond, which pulls one downwards all the way to hell, and, though seemingly loose, is hard to remove. This, too, the wise cut off. By abandoning sense pleasures, and without any longing, they become monks and nuns.

 

 

Ye ­rāgarat­tā­nu­patanti sotaṃ,
Sayaṅkataṃ makkaṭakova jālaṃ;
Etampi chetvāna vajanti dhīrā,
Anapekkhino sabbadukkhaṃ pahāya.

 

347. Those who are obsessed with passion and have fallen into the flood of craving, are like a spider, caught in its own web. This, too, the wise cut off. In order to abandon all suffering, without any longing for sense pleasures, wise people become monks and nuns.

 

 

Muñca pure muñca pacchato,
Majjhe muñca bhavassa pāragū;
Sabbattha vimuttamānaso,
Na punaṃ jātijaraṃ upehisi.

 

348. Let go of regret over the past, let go of dreaming over the future, and let go of clinging to the present. Go beyond existence. With the mind liberated in every way, do not come again and again to the world of birth and old age.

 

 

Vitak­ka­mathi­tassa jantuno,
Tibbarāgassa subhānupassino;
Bhiyyo taṇhā pavaḍḍhati,
Esa kho daḷhaṃ karoti bandhanaṃ.

 

349. Some people are occupied with sensual thoughts. With a mind of strong lust, they focus on what is pleasant. In them, craving grows more and more. Indeed, they strengthen their bond of craving.

 

 

Vitakkūpasame ca yo rato,
Asubhaṃ bhāvayate sadā sato;
Esa kho byanti kāhiti,
Esa checchati mārabandhanaṃ.

 

350. He who delights in subduing lustful thoughts, who meditates on the impurities of the body and is constantly mindful—it is he who will make an end of craving and will cut Māra’s bond.

 

 

Niṭṭhaṅgato asantāsī,
vītataṇho anaṅgaṇo;
Acchindi bhavasallāni,
antimoyaṃ samussayo.

 

351. The monk who has reached the end goal, Nibbāna, is fearless, free from craving, taintless, and has plucked out the spikes called existence—for him, this is the last body.

 

 

Vītataṇho anādāno,
Nirutti­pada­kovido;
Akkharānaṃ sannipātaṃ,
Jaññā pubbāparāni ca;
Sa ve “antimasārīro,
Mahāpañño mahāpuriso” ti vuccati.

 

352. The monk who is free from craving and attachment, is skilled in teaching the true meanings of the Dhamma, and knows the meaning of words
     and phrases,—he, indeed, is the bearer of his final body. He is truly called the profoundly wise one, the great man.

 

 

Sabbābhibhū sabba­vidū­hamasmi,
Sabbesu dhammesu anūpalitto;
Sabbañjaho taṇhakkhaye vimutto,
Sayaṃ abhiññāya kamuddiseyyaṃ.

 

353. I have conquered all unwholesome things. I have realized everything. I am stained by nothing. Abandoning all, I am freed through the destruction of craving. Having thus, directly realized all by myself, whom shall I call my teacher?

 

 

Sabbadānaṃ dhammadānaṃ jināti,
Sabbarasaṃ dhammaraso jināti;
Sabbaratiṃ dhammarati jināti,
Taṇhakkhayo sabbadukkhaṃ jināti.

 

354. The gift of Dhamma surpasses all gifts. The taste of Dhamma surpasses all taste. The delight in Dhamma surpasses all delights. The destruction
     of cravings conquers all suffering.

 

 

Hananti bhogā dummedhaṃ,
no ca pāragavesino;
Bhogataṇhāya dummedho,
hanti aññeva attanaṃ.

 

355. Wealth destroys those who lack in wisdom, but, those who seek Nibbāna are not destroyed like that. The foolish person is destroyed by his own craving for wealth, as if he had made someone destroy him.

 

 

Tiṇadosāni khettāni,
rāgadosā ayaṃ pajā;
Tasmā hi vītarāgesu,
dinnaṃ hoti mahapphalaṃ.

 

356. Weeds are the ruin of fields; passion is the ruin of people. Therefore, what is offered to those free of passion bears great fruit.

 

 

Tiṇadosāni khettāni,
dosadosā ayaṃ pajā;
Tasmā hi vītadosesu,
dinnaṃ hoti mahapphalaṃ.

 

357. Weeds are the ruin of fields; hatred is the ruin of people. Therefore, what is offered to those free of hatred bears great fruit.

 

 

Tiṇadosāni khettāni,
mohadosā ayaṃ pajā;
Tasmā hi vītamohesu,
dinnaṃ hoti mahapphalaṃ.

 

358. Weeds are the ruin of fields; delusion is the ruin of people. Therefore, what is offered to those free of delusion bears great fruit.

 

 

Tiṇadosāni khettāni,
icchādosā ayaṃ pajā;
Tasmā hi vigaticchesu,
dinnaṃ hoti mahapphalaṃ.

 

359. Weeds are the ruin of fields; desire is the ruin of people. Therefore, what is offered to those free of desire bears great fruit.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Cakkhunā saṃvaro sādhu,
sādhu sotena saṃvaro;
Ghānena saṃvaro sādhu,
sādhu jivhāya saṃvaro.

 

360. Restraint of the eye is good. Good is restraint of the ear. Restraint of the nose is good. Good is restraint of the tongue.

 

 

Kāyena saṃvaro sādhu,
sādhu vācāya saṃvaro;
Manasā saṃvaro sādhu,
sādhu sabbattha saṃvaro;
Sabbattha saṃvuto bhikkhu,
sabbadukkhā pamuccati.

 

361. Restraint of the body is good. Good is the restraint of speech. Restraint of the mind is good. Good is restraint in all circumstances. The monk who restrains in every way is freed from all suffering.

 

 

Hatthasaṃyato pādasaṃyato,
Vācāsaṃyato saṃyatuttamo;
Ajjhattarato samāhito,
Eko santusito tamāhu bhikkhuṃ.

 

362. The one with hands restrained, feet restrained, speech restrained, who is foremost among the restrained, delights in inward stillness, keeps to himself, and is content; he is called a monk.

 

 

Yo mukhasaṃyato bhikkhu,
mantabhāṇī anuddhato;
Atthaṃ dhammañca dīpeti,
madhuraṃ tassa bhāsitaṃ.

 

363. If a monk restrains his mouth, speaks insightfully, and is humble, he can illuminate the meanings and the Dhamma. Sweet is his speech.

 

 

Dhammārāmo dhammarato,
dhammaṃ anuvicintayaṃ;
Dhammaṃ anussaraṃ bhikkhu,
saddhammā na parihāyati.

 

364. The monk who dwells in the Dhamma, delights in the Dhamma, reflects on the Dhamma and recollects the Dhamma does not fall away from the true Dhamma.

 

 

Salābhaṃ nātimaññeyya,
nāññesaṃ pihayaṃ care;
Aññesaṃ pihayaṃ bhikkhu,
samādhiṃ nādhigacchati.

 

365. A monk should not despise what he has received from donors, nor envy the gains of others. The monk who envies the gains of others does not attain the stillness of mind.

 

 

Appalābhopi ce bhikkhu,
salābhaṃ nātimaññati;
Taṃ ve devā pasaṃsanti,
suddhājīviṃ atanditaṃ.

 

366. A monk who does not despise what he has received from donors, even though it be little, who is pure in livelihood and energetic, is praised even by the gods.

 

 

Sabbaso nāmarūpasmiṃ,
yassa natthi mamāyitaṃ;
Asatā ca na socati,
sa ve “bhikkhū”ti vuccati.

 

367. He who has no notion of “mine” for mentality and materiality, who does not sorrow on the absence of them—he is truly called a monk.

 

 

Mettāvihārī yo bhikkhu,
pasanno buddhasāsane;
Adhigacche padaṃ santaṃ,
saṅ­khā­rū­pasa­maṃ sukhaṃ.

 

368. The monk who dwells in loving-kindness and is deeply pleased with the Buddha’s path attains the destruction of formations, Nibbāna.

 

 

Siñca bhikkhu imaṃ nāvaṃ,
sittā te lahumessati;
Chetvā rāgañca dosañca,
tato nibbānamehisi.

 

369. Oh monk, from the boat of life, empty the water of inferior intentions! Emptied, it will sail lightly. Cutting off passion and hatred, you will quickly
     go to Nibbāna.

 

 

Pañca chinde pañca jahe,
pañca cuttari bhāvaye;
Pañca saṅgātigo bhikkhu,
“ oghatiṇṇo”ti vuccati.

 

370. Cut off the five lower bonds, abandon the five higher bonds, and cultivate the five spiritual facilities. The monk who has overcome the five bonds called passion, hatred, delusion, conceits, and views is called “the one who has crossed the flood”.

 

 

Jhāya bhikkhu mā pamādo,
Mā te kāmaguṇe ramessu cittaṃ;
Mā lohaguḷaṃ gilī pamatto,
Mā kandi “dukkhamidan”ti dayhamāno.

 

371. Oh monk, meditate! Do not be negligent! Do not let your mind whirl about in sense pleasures! Negligent, gone to hell, do not swallow red-hot iron balls, and then being burnt do not cry out, “Oh this is painful!”

 

 

Natthi jhānaṃ apaññassa,
paññā natthi ajhāyato;
Yamhi jhānañca paññā ca,
sa ve nibbānasantike.

 

372. There is no singleness of mind for one without wisdom. There is no wisdom for one without singleness of mind. He, who has both singleness of mind and wisdom, indeed, is close to Nibbāna.

 

 

Suññāgāraṃ paviṭṭhassa,
santacittassa bhikkhuno;
Amānusī rati hoti,
sammā dhammaṃ vipassato.

 

373. The monk who has entered an empty hut and has calmed his mind, who contemplates the true nature of the five groups of clinging, in him there arises a delight that transcends all human delights.

 

 

Yato yato sammasati,
khandhānaṃ udayabbayaṃ;
Labhatī pītipāmojjaṃ,
amataṃ taṃ vijānataṃ.

 

374. Whenever one sees with insight the arising and passing of the five groups of clinging, he is full of joy and happiness. To the person who has realized the truth, this joy is the sweetest taste.

 

 

Tatrāyamādi bhavati,
idha paññassa bhikkhuno;
Indriyagutti santuṭṭhi,
pātimokkhe ca saṃvaro.

 

375. These three factors form the bases for a monk in contemplating the true nature of the five groups of clinging: guarding the senses, contentment, and restraint according to the monastic rules.

 

 

Mitte bhajassu kalyāṇe,
suddhājīve atandite;
Paṭi­san­thā­ra­vut­yassa,
ācārakusalo siyā;
Tato pāmojjabahulo,
dukkhassantaṃ karissati.

 

376. Associate with noble friends who live purely and energetically, be skillful in conduct and duties, and engage in Dhamma discussion. Thus, full of joy, make an end to this suffering.

 

 

Vassikā viya pupphāni,
maddavāni pamuñcati;
Evaṃ rāgañca dosañca,
vippamuñcetha bhikkhavo.

 

377. Just as the jasmine creeper sheds its withered flowers, so, oh monk, shed passion and hatred from your mind!

 

 

Santakāyo santavāco,
santavā susamāhito;
Vantalokāmiso bhikkhu,
“upasanto”ti vuccati.

 

378. The monk who is calm in body, calm in speech, peaceful, stilled in mind, and has rejected sense desire, he truly is called “the calm one.”

 

 

Attanā codayattānaṃ,
paṭimaṃsetha attanā;
So attagutto satimā,
sukhaṃ bhikkhu vihāhisi.

 

379. By oneself one must censure oneself and investigate oneself. Oh monk, guarding yourself and establishing mindfulness, live at ease.

 

 

Attā hi attano nātho,
Attā hi attano gati,
tasmā saṃ­ya­ma­mattānaṃ;
Assaṃ bhadraṃva vāṇijo.

 

380. Oneself, indeed, is one’s own protector. One does, indeed, make one’s own destiny. Therefore, control yourself as the skilled merchant controls
     a fine horse.

 

 

Pāmojjabahulo bhikkhu,
pasanno buddhasāsane;
Adhigacche padaṃ santaṃ,
saṅ­khā­rū­pasa­maṃ sukhaṃ.

 

381. Due to Dhamma practise, the monk who is filled with joy and pleased with the Buddha’s path, attains peace, the destruction of formations, Nibbāna.

 

 

Yo have daharo bhikkhu,
yuñjati buddhasāsane;
Somaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti,
abbhā muttova candimā.

 

382. Even a young monk engaged in the Buddha’s path illuminates this world like the moon freed from clouds.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Chinda sotaṃ parakkamma,
kāme panuda brāhmaṇa;
Saṅkhārānaṃ khayaṃ ñatvā,
akataññūsi brāhmaṇa.

 

383. Oh Brāhmin, dry up this river of craving! Oh Brāhmin, dispel sense desire! Realizing the destruction of all the conditioned things, oh Brāhmin, become ungrateful to the five groups of clinging.

 

 

Yadā dvayesu dhammesu,
pāragū hoti brāhmaṇo;
Athassa sabbe saṃyogā,
atthaṃ gacchanti jānato.

 

384. When the Brāhmin has reached the full culmination of calm and insight meditations, all bonds come to their end; realizing this truth, he becomes liberated.

 

 

Yassa pāraṃ apāraṃ vā,
pārāpāraṃ na vijjati;
Vītaddaraṃ visaṃyuttaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

385. He for whom there is neither this shore called internal sense bases nor the other shore called the external sense bases, nor both shores, and he who is released from defilements and free of distress, him do I call true Brāhmin.

 

 

Jhāyiṃ virajamāsīnaṃ,
kata­kicca­ma­nāsa­vaṃ;
Uttamat­tha­manup­pattaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

386. He who meditates, freed of the stain of defilements, who has completed the path to Nibbāna, is free from impurities, and has reached the
     highest goal, liberation, him do I call a true Brāhmin.

 

 

Divā tapati ādicco,
rattimābhāti candimā;
Sannaddho khattiyo tapati,
jhāyī tapati brāhmaṇo;
Atha sabba­maho­rattiṃ,
buddho tapati tejasā.

 

387. The sun shines by day, the moon glows at night. The warrior king shines in armour. A true Brāhmin shines in meditation. But all day and all night, the Buddha shines in splendour.

 

 

Bāhitapāpoti brāhmaṇo,
Samacariyā samaṇoti vuccati;
Pabbā­ja­yamattano malaṃ,
Tasmā “pabbajito”ti vuccati.

 

388. Because he has discarded evil, he is called a Brāhmin; because he is engaged in Dhamma and pure conduct, he is called a monk; and because he drives out his defilements, this person is called a monk.

 

 

Na brāhmaṇassa pahareyya,
nāssa muñcetha brāhmaṇo;
Dhī brāhmaṇassa hantāraṃ,
tato dhī yassa muñcati.

 

389. One should not strike the liberated one, the true Brāhmin. He does not show anger, which no longer exists in him. Shame on the person who hits the true Brāhmin and a greater shame on the person who shows anger!

 

 

Na brāhma­ṇas­seta­da­kiñci seyyo,
Yadā nisedho manaso piyehi;
Yato yato hiṃsamano nivattati,
Tato tato sammatimeva dukkhaṃ.

 

390. The quality of patience in a Brāhmin is not an insignificant quality. The hateful person enjoys hating. The liberated Brāhmin turns his mind away from thoughts of harming. To the extent the thoughts of harming wears away, to that extent does his suffering subside.

 

 

Yassa kāyena vācāya,
manasā natthi dukkaṭaṃ;
Saṃvutaṃ tīhi ṭhānehi,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

391. He who does no evil by body, speech, and mind, and is restrained in these three ways—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yamhā dhammaṃ vijāneyya,
sammā­sambud­dha­desitaṃ;
Sakkaccaṃ taṃ namasseyya,
aggihuttaṃva brāhmaṇo.

 

392. Just as a Brāhmin worships a fire ritual, so does the grateful person respectfully worship his teacher from whom he learnt the Dhamma that was taught by the fully enlightened Buddha.

 

 

Na jaṭāhi na gottena,
na jaccā hoti brāhmaṇo;
Yamhi saccañca dhammo ca,
so sucī so ca brāhmaṇo.

 

393. Not by matted hair, nor by clan, and nor by birth does one become a Brāhmin. The one who realizes the Four Noble Truths, follows Dhamma,
     and leads a pure life, is a true Brāhmin.

 

 

Kiṃ te jaṭāhi dummedha,
kiṃ te ajinasāṭiyā;
Abbhantaraṃ te gahanaṃ,
bāhiraṃ parimajjasi.

 

394. Oh one with little wisdom, what use is matted hair? What use is an antelope skin robe? Within you is the tangle of defilements; only outside
     do you groom.

 

 

Paṃsu­kūla­dharaṃ jantuṃ,
kisaṃ dhama­ni­san­tha­taṃ;
Ekaṃ vanasmiṃ jhāyantaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

395. The person who wears a robe made of discarded rags, who is lean, with veins showing all over the body, and who meditates alone in the forest—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Na cāhaṃ brāhmaṇaṃ brūmi,
yonijaṃ mattisambhavaṃ;
Bhovādi nāma so hoti,
sace hoti sakiñcano;
Akiñcanaṃ anādānaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

396. I do not call him a Brāhmin because he was merely conceived into a Brāhmin mother’s womb and was born from that Brāhmin mother. He is someone with defilements; therefore he is a venerable sir only by name. But he who is free from defilements and clinging —him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Sabba­saṃ­yoja­naṃ chetvā,
yo ve na paritassati;
Saṅgātigaṃ visaṃyuttaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

397. He, who, has cut off all bonds, does not tremble at all, and, who has overcome all ties of defilements and is released from them—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Chetvā naddhiṃ varattañca,
sandānaṃ sahanukkamaṃ;
Ukkhitta­pali­ghaṃ buddhaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

398. He who has cut off the rope called hatred, the strong cord called craving, the great chain called wrong views, and he who has lifted up and destroyed the crossbar called ignorance and is enlightened—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Akkosaṃ vadhabandhañca,
aduṭṭho yo titikkhati;
Khantībalaṃ balānīkaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

399. He who endures abuse, beating, and punishment without hating and who has patience as his power and as his mighty army—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Akkodhanaṃ vatavantaṃ,
sīlavantaṃ anussadaṃ;
Dantaṃ antimasārīraṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

400. He who is free from anger, observant in proper conduct and duties, virtuous, without craving, self-controlled, and bears his final body—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Vāri pok­kha­ra­pat­teva,
āraggeriva sāsapo;
Yo na limpati kāmesu,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

401. Like a slipping water drop on a lotus leaf or a mustard seed falling off the point of a needle, he who is not attached to sense pleasures—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yo dukkhassa pajānāti,
idheva khayamattano;
Pannabhāraṃ visaṃyuttaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

402. He who realizes for himself that his suffering will come to an end in this very life, who has laid aside the burden of defilements and is released from them—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Gambhīrapaññaṃ medhāviṃ,
maggāmaggassa kovidaṃ;
Uttamat­tha­manup­pattaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

403. He who has profound wisdom, who is extremely wise, skilled in distinguishing the right path and wrong path, and has reached the highest goal, liberation—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Asaṃsaṭṭhaṃ gahaṭṭhehi,
anāgārehi cūbhayaṃ;
Anoka­sā­ri­map­pic­chaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

404. He who does not mingle with householders, monks and nuns, is without craving, and is with few wishes—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Nidhāya daṇḍaṃ bhūtesu,
tasesu thāvaresu ca;
Yo na hanti na ghāteti,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

405. He who has given up violence towards beings both fearless and fearful, who neither kills nor influences others to kill—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Aviruddhaṃ viruddhesu,
attadaṇḍesu nibbutaṃ;
Sādānesu anādānaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

406. He who is friendly among those who oppose, is peaceful among the violent, and does not cling among those who cling—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yassa rāgo ca doso ca,
māno makkho ca pātito;
Sāsaporiva āraggā,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

407. He whose passion, hatred, conceit, and ungratefulness have fallen off from his mind like a mustard seed from the point of a needle—him do I call a Brahman.

 

 

Akakkasaṃ viññāpaniṃ,
giraṃ saccamudīraye;
Yāya nābhisaje kañci,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

408. He who speaks gentle, beneficial, sweet, and truthful words, who never makes others angry— him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yodha dīghaṃ va rassaṃ vā,
aṇuṃ thūlaṃ subhāsubhaṃ;
Loke adinnaṃ nādiyati,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

409. He who in this world does not steal anything, be it long or short, large or small, beautiful or not—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Āsā yassa na vijjanti,
asmiṃ loke paramhi ca;
Nirāsāsaṃ visaṃyuttaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

410. He who has no desire for this world or the next and who is desire-free and has been released from defilements—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yassālayā na vijjanti,
aññāya akathaṅkathī;
Ama­togadha­manup­pattaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

411. He who has no craving, who through perfect realization is free from doubts, and has plunged into the deathless, Nibbāna—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yodha puññañca pāpañca,
ubho saṅgamupaccagā;
Asokaṃ virajaṃ suddhaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

412. He who has transcended ties of both merit and demerit here in this life, and is sorrowless, taintless, and pure—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Candaṃva vimalaṃ suddhaṃ,
vippa­sanna­ma­nāvi­laṃ;
Nandī­bhava­parik­khī­ṇaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

413. He who, like the full moon, is spotless and pure, extremely serene and still, and has destroyed craving for existence—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yomaṃ palipathaṃ duggaṃ,
saṃsāraṃ mohamaccagā;
Tiṇṇo pāraṅgato jhāyī,
anejo akathaṃkathī;
Anupādāya nibbuto,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

414. He who has passed beyond the troublesome road of defilements, this difficult path, this journey of rebirths, this delusion; who has crossed over and reached the other shore; who is a meditator, free from craving, free from doubt, and clinging to nothing; and who has become cooled—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yodha kāme pahantvāna,
anāgāro paribbaje;
Kāmabha­va­parik­khī­ṇaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

415. He who, having given up sense pleasures here, has renounced the household life and has become a monk or a nun and has destroyed both cravings for sense pleasures and existence—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yodha taṇhaṃ pahantvāna,
anāgāro paribbaje;
Taṇhā­bhava­parik­khī­ṇaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

416. He who, having given up craving for sense pleasures here, has renounced the household life, has become a monk or a nun, and has destroyed craving and repeated existence—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Hitvā mānusakaṃ yogaṃ,
dibbaṃ yogaṃ upaccagā;
Sabba­yoga­visaṃ­yuttaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

417. He who, having given up human bondage, and having gone beyond heavenly bondage, is released from all bondage—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Hitvā ratiñca aratiñca,
sītibhūtaṃ nirūpadhiṃ;
Sabba­lo­kā­bhi­bhuṃ vīraṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

418. He who, having given up liking for sense pleasures and disliking for meditation, has become cooled, without defilements, and is a true hero who has conquered all the worlds—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Cutiṃ yo vedi sattānaṃ,
upapattiñca sabbaso;
Asattaṃ sugataṃ buddhaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

419. He who, in every way knows the passing away and rebirth of beings, is totally detached from all existence, has gone on the path of Nibbāna,
     and is enlightened—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yassa gatiṃ na jānanti,
devā gandhab­ba­mānusā;
Khīṇāsavaṃ arahantaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

420. He whose track no god, no angel, or no human can trace, the liberated one whose impurities are destroyed—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Yassa pure ca pacchā ca,
majjhe ca natthi kiñcanaṃ;
Akiñcanaṃ anādānaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

421. He who has no defilements with regard to the past, present and future, who is undefiled and clings to nothing—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Usabhaṃ pavaraṃ vīraṃ,
mahesiṃ vijitāvinaṃ;
Anejaṃ nhātakaṃ buddhaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

422. He who is like the best type of bull, the excellent, the great hero, the great sage, the conqueror of Māra’s army, free from craving, has cleansed defilements, and is enlightened—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

 

Pubbenivāsaṃ yo vedi,
saggāpāyañca passati;
Atho jātikkhayaṃ patto,
abhiññāvosito muni;
Sabba­vosita­vosānaṃ,
tamahaṃ brūmi brāhmaṇaṃ.

 

423. He who remembers his former lives, who sees heaven and hell with his divine eye, who has attained the end of rebirth and attained the higher knowledges, and who has reached the full culmination of spiritual excellence, Nibbāna—him do I call a Brāhmin.

 

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!