The Dhammapada
A Collection of Verses
Being One of the Canonical Books of the Buddhists
Translated from Pali by F. Max Muller
From:
The Sacred Books of the East
Translated by Various Oriental Scholars
Edited by F. Max Muller
Volume X
Part I
[Note: The introduction, notes and index have been omitted.]
Contents
Chapter 1: The Twin Verses
Chapter 2: On Earnestness
Chapter 3: Thought
Chapter 4: Flowers
Chapter 5: The Fool
Chapter 6: The Wise Man (Pandita)
Chapter 7: The Venerable (Arhat)
Chapter 8: The Thousands
Chapter 9: Evil
Chapter 10: Punishment
Chapter 11: Old Age
Chapter 12: Self
Chapter 13: The World
Chapter 14: The Buddha (the Awakened)
Chapter 15: Happiness
Chapter 16: Pleasure
Chapter 17: Anger
Chapter 18: Impurity
Chapter 19: The Just
Chapter 20: The Way
Chapter 21: Miscellaneous
Chapter 22: The Downward Course
Chapter 23: The Elephant
Chapter 24: Thirst
Chapter 25: The Bhikshu (Mendicant)
Chapter 26 The Brahmana (Arhat)
Dhammapada
Chapter I
The Twin-Verses
1. All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is
founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man
speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel
follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage.
2. All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is
founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man
speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a
shadow that never leaves him.
3. “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,”–in those
who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease.
4. “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,”–in those
who do not harbour such thoughts hatred will cease.
5. For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by
love, this is an old rule.
6. The world does not know that we must all come to an end here;–but
those who know it, their quarrels cease at once.
7. He who lives looking for pleasures only, his senses uncontrolled,
immoderate in his food, idle, and weak, Mara (the tempter) will
certainly overthrow him, as the wind throws down a weak tree.
8. He who lives without looking for pleasures, his senses well
controlled, moderate in his food, faithful and strong, him Mara will
certainly not overthrow, any more than the wind throws down a rocky
mountain.
9. He who wishes to put on the yellow dress without having cleansed
himself from sin, who disregards temperance and truth, is unworthy of
the yellow dress.
10. But he who has cleansed himself from sin, is well grounded in all
virtues, and regards also temperance and truth, he is indeed worthy of
the yellow dress.
11. They who imagine truth in untruth, and see untruth in truth, never
arrive at truth, but follow vain desires.
12. They who know truth in truth, and untruth in untruth, arrive at
truth, and follow true desires.
13. As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, passion will break
through an unreflecting mind.
14. As rain does not break through a well-thatched house, passion will
not break through a well-reflecting mind.
15. The evil-doer mourns in this world, and he mourns in the next; he
mourns in both. He mourns and suffers when he sees the evil of his
own work.
16. The virtuous man delights in this world, and he delights in the
next; he delights in both. He delights and rejoices, when he sees the
purity of his own work.
17. The evil-doer suffers in this world, and he suffers in the next;
he suffers in both. He suffers when he thinks of the evil he has
done; he suffers more when going on the evil path.
18. The virtuous man is happy in this world, and he is happy in the
next; he is happy in both. He is happy when he thinks of the good he
has done; he is still more happy when going on the good path.
19. The thoughtless man, even if he can recite a large portion (of the
law), but is not a doer of it, has no share in the priesthood, but is
like a cowherd counting the cows of others.
20. The follower of the law, even if he can recite only a small
portion (of the law), but, having forsaken passion and hatred and
foolishness, possesses true knowledge and serenity of mind, he, caring
for nothing in this world or that to come, has indeed a share in the
priesthood.
Chapter II
On Earnestness
21. Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness
the path of death. Those who are in earnest do not die, those who are
thoughtless are as if dead already.
22. Those who are advanced in earnestness, having understood this
clearly, delight in earnestness, and rejoice in the knowledge of the
Ariyas (the elect).
23. These wise people, meditative, steady, always possessed of strong
powers, attain to Nirvana, the highest happiness.
24. If an earnest person has roused himself, if he is not forgetful,
if his deeds are pure, if he acts with consideration, if he restrains
himself, and lives according to law,–then his glory will increase.
25. By rousing himself, by earnestness, by restraint and control, the
wise man may make for himself an island which no flood can overwhelm.
26. Fools follow after vanity, men of evil wisdom. The wise man keeps
earnestness as his best jewel.
27. Follow not after vanity, nor after the enjoyment of love and lust!
He who is earnest and meditative, obtains ample joy.
28. When the learned man drives away vanity by earnestness, he, the
wise, climbing the terraced heights of wisdom, looks down upon the
fools, serene he looks upon the toiling crowd, as one that stands on a
mountain looks down upon them that stand upon the plain.
29. Earnest among the thoughtless, awake among the sleepers, the wise
man advances like a racer, leaving behind the hack.
30. By earnestness did Maghavan (Indra) rise to the lordship of the
gods. People praise earnestness; thoughtlessness is always blamed.
31. A Bhikshu (mendicant) who delights in earnestness, who looks with
fear on thoughtlessness, moves about like fire, burning all his
fetters, small or large.
32. A Bhikshu (mendicant) who delights in reflection, who looks with
fear on thoughtlessness, cannot fall away (from his perfect state)–he
is close upon Nirvana.
Chapter III
Thought
33. As a fletcher makes straight his arrow, a wise man makes straight
his trembling and unsteady thought, which is difficult to guard,
difficult to hold back.
34. As a fish taken from his watery home and thrown on dry ground, our
thought trembles all over in order to escape the dominion of Mara (the
tempter).
35. It is good to tame the mind, which is difficult to hold in and
flighty, rushing wherever it listeth; a tamed mind brings happiness.
36. Let the wise man guard his thoughts, for they are difficult to
perceive, very artful, and they rush wherever they list: thoughts well
guarded bring happiness.
37. Those who bridle their mind which travels far, moves about alone,
is without a body, and hides in the chamber (of the heart), will be
free from the bonds of Mara (the tempter).
38. If a man’s thoughts are unsteady, if he does not know the true
law, if his peace of mind is troubled, his knowledge will never be
perfect.
39. If a man’s thoughts are not dissipated, if his mind is not
perplexed, if he has ceased to think of good or evil, then there is no
fear for him while he is watchful.
40. Knowing that this body is (fragile) like a jar, and making this
thought firm like a fortress, one should attack Mara (the tempter)
with the weapon of knowledge, one should watch him when conquered, and
should never rest.
41. Before long, alas! this body will lie on the earth, despised,
without understanding, like a useless log.
42. Whatever a hater may do to a hater, or an enemy to an enemy, a
wrongly-directed mind will do us greater mischief.
43. Not a mother, not a father will do so much, nor any other
relative; a well-directed mind will do us greater service.
Chapter IV
Flowers
44. Who shall overcome this earth, and the world of Yama (the lord of
the departed), and the world of the gods? Who shall find out the
plainly shown path of virtue, as a clever man finds out the (right)
flower?
45. The disciple will overcome the earth, and the world of Yama, and
the world of the gods. The disciple will find out the plainly shown
path of virtue, as a clever man finds out the (right) flower.
46. He who knows that this body is like froth, and has learnt that it
is as unsubstantial as a mirage, will break the flower-pointed arrow
of Mara, and never see the king of death.
47. Death carries off a man who is gathering flowers and whose mind is
distracted, as a flood carries off a sleeping village.
48. Death subdues a man who is gathering flowers, and whose mind is
distracted, before he is satiated in his pleasures.
49. As the bee collects nectar and departs without injuring the
flower, or its colour or scent, so let a sage dwell in his village.
50. Not the perversities of others, not their sins of commission or
omission, but his own misdeeds and negligences should a sage take
notice of.
51. Like a beautiful flower, full of colour, but without scent, are
the fine but fruitless words of him who does not act accordingly.
52. But, like a beautiful flower, full of colour and full of scent,
are the fine and fruitful words of him who acts accordingly.
53. As many kinds of wreaths can be made from a heap of flowers, so
many good things may be achieved by a mortal when once he is born.
54. The scent of flowers does not travel against the wind, nor (that
of) sandal-wood, or of Tagara and Mallika flowers; but the odour of
good people travels even against the wind; a good man pervades every
place.
55. Sandal-wood or Tagara, a lotus-flower, or a Vassiki, among these
sorts of perfumes, the perfume of virtue is unsurpassed.
56. Mean is the scent that comes from Tagara and sandal-wood;–the
perfume of those who possess virtue rises up to the gods as the
highest.
57. Of the people who possess these virtues, who live without
thoughtlessness, and who are emancipated through true knowledge, Mara,
the tempter, never finds the way.
58, 59. As on a heap of rubbish cast upon the highway the lily will
grow full of sweet perfume and delight, thus the disciple of the truly
enlightened Buddha shines forth by his knowledge among those who are
like rubbish, among the people that walk in darkness.
Chapter V
The Fool
60. Long is the night to him who is awake; long is a mile to him who
is tired; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true law.
61. If a traveller does not meet with one who is his better, or his
equal, let him firmly keep to his solitary journey; there is no
companionship with a fool.
62. “These sons belong to me, and this wealth belongs to me,” with
such thoughts a fool is tormented. He himself does not belong to
himself; how much less sons and wealth?
63. The fool who knows his foolishness, is wise at least so far. But
a fool who thinks himself wise, he is called a fool indeed.
64. If a fool be associated with a wise man even all his life, he will
perceive the truth as little as a spoon perceives the taste of soup.
65. If an intelligent man be associated for one minute only with a
wise man, he will soon perceive the truth, as the tongue perceives the
taste of soup.
66. Fools of little understanding have themselves for their greatest
enemies, for they do evil deeds which must bear bitter fruits.
67. That deed is not well done of which a man must repent, and the
reward of which he receives crying and with a tearful face.
68. No, that deed is well done of which a man does not repent, and the
reward of which he receives gladly and cheerfully.
69. As long as the evil deed done does not bear fruit, the fool thinks
it is like honey; but when it ripens, then the fool suffers grief.
70. Let a fool month after month eat his food (like an ascetic) with
the tip of a blade of Kusa grass, yet he is not worth the sixteenth
particle of those who have well weighed the law.
71. An evil deed, like newly-drawn milk, does not turn (suddenly);
smouldering, like fire covered by ashes, it follows the fool.
72. And when the evil deed, after it has become known, brings sorrow
to the fool, then it destroys his bright lot, nay, it cleaves his
head.
73. Let the fool wish for a false reputation, for precedence among the
Bhikshus, for lordship in the convents, for worship among other
people!
74. “May both the layman and he who has left the world think that this
is done by me; may they be subject to me in everything which is to be
done or is not to be done,” thus is the mind of the fool, and his
desire and pride increase.
75. “One is the road that leads to wealth, another the road that leads
to Nirvana;” if the Bhikshu, the disciple of Buddha, has learnt this,
he will not yearn for honour, he will strive after separation from the
world.
Chapter VI
The Wise Man (Pandita)
76. If you see an intelligent man who tells you where true treasures
are to be found, who shows what is to be avoided, and administers
reproofs, follow that wise man; it will be better, not worse, for
those who follow him.
77. Let him admonish, let him teach, let him forbid what is improper!-
-he will be beloved of the good, by the bad he will be hated.
78. Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low people for
friends: have virtuous people for friends, have for friends the best
of men.
79. He who drinks in the law lives happily with a serene mind: the
sage rejoices always in the law, as preached by the elect (Ariyas).
80. Well-makers lead the water (wherever they like); fletchers bend
the arrow; carpenters bend a log of wood; wise people fashion
themselves.
81. As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, wise people falter not
amidst blame and praise.
82. Wise people, after they have listened to the laws, become serene,
like a deep, smooth, and still lake.
83. Good people walk on whatever befall, the good do not prattle,
longing for pleasure; whether touched by happiness or sorrow wise
people never appear elated or depressed.
84. If, whether for his own sake, or for the sake of others, a man
wishes neither for a son, nor for wealth, nor for lordship, and if he
does not wish for his own success by unfair means, then he is good,
wise, and virtuous.
85. Few are there among men who arrive at the other shore (become
Arhats); the other people here run up and down the shore.
86. But those who, when the law has been well preached to them, follow
the law, will pass across the dominion of death, however difficult to
overcome.
87, 88. A wise man should leave the dark state (of ordinary life), and
follow the bright state (of the Bhikshu). After going from his home
to a homeless state, he should in his retirement look for enjoyment
where there seemed to be no enjoyment. Leaving all pleasures behind,
and calling nothing his own, the wise man should purge himself from
all the troubles of the mind.
89. Those whose mind is well grounded in the (seven) elements of
knowledge, who without clinging to anything, rejoice in freedom from
attachment, whose appetites have been conquered, and who are full of
light, are free (even) in this world.
Chapter VII
The Venerable (Arhat).
90. There is no suffering for him who has finished his journey, and
abandoned grief, who has freed himself on all sides, and thrown off
all fetters.
91. They depart with their thoughts well-collected, they are not happy
in their abode; like swans who have left their lake, they leave their
house and home.
92. Men who have no riches, who live on recognised food, who have
perceived void and unconditioned freedom (Nirvana), their path is
difficult to understand, like that of birds in the air.
93. He whose appetites are stilled, who is not absorbed in enjoyment,
who has perceived void and unconditioned freedom (Nirvana), his path
is difficult to understand, like that of birds in the air.
94. The gods even envy him whose senses, like horses well broken in by
the driver, have been subdued, who is free from pride, and free from
appetites.
95. Such a one who does his duty is tolerant like the earth, like
Indra’s bolt; he is like a lake without mud; no new births are in
store for him.
96. His thought is quiet, quiet are his word and deed, when he has
obtained freedom by true knowledge, when he has thus become a quiet
man.
97. The man who is free from credulity, but knows the uncreated, who
has cut all ties, removed all temptations, renounced all desires, he
is the greatest of men.
98. In a hamlet or in a forest, in the deep water or on the dry land,
wherever venerable persons (Arhanta) dwell, that place is delightful.
99. Forests are delightful; where the world finds no delight, there
the passionless will find delight, for they look not for pleasures.
Chapter VIII
The Thousands
100. Even though a speech be a thousand (of words), but made up of
senseless words, one word of sense is better, which if a man hears, he
becomes quiet.
101. Even though a Gatha (poem) be a thousand (of words), but made up
of senseless words, one word of a Gatha is better, which if a man
hears, he becomes quiet.
102. Though a man recite a hundred Gathas made up of senseless words,
one word of the law is better, which if a man hears, he becomes quiet.
103. If one man conquer in battle a thousand times thousand men, and
if another conquer himself, he is the greatest of conquerors.
104, 105. One’s own self conquered is better than all other people;
not even a god, a Gandharva, not Mara with Brahman could change into
defeat the victory of a man who has vanquished himself, and always
lives under restraint.
106. If a man for a hundred years sacrifice month after month with a
thousand, and if he but for one moment pay homage to a man whose soul
is grounded (in true knowledge), better is that homage than sacrifice
for a hundred years.
107. If a man for a hundred years worship Agni (fire) in the forest,
and if he but for one moment pay homage to a man whose soul is
grounded (in true knowledge), better is that homage than sacrifice for
a hundred years.
108. Whatever a man sacrifice in this world as an offering or as an
oblation for a whole year in order to gain merit, the whole of it is
not worth a quarter (a farthing); reverence shown to the righteous is
better.
109. He who always greets and constantly reveres the aged, four things
will increase to him, viz. life, beauty, happiness, power.
110. But he who lives a hundred years, vicious and unrestrained, a
life of one day is better if a man is virtuous and reflecting.
111. And he who lives a hundred years, ignorant and unrestrained, a
life of one day is better if a man is wise and reflecting.
112. And he who lives a hundred years, idle and weak, a life of one
day is better if a man has attained firm strength.
113. And he who lives a hundred years, not seeing beginning and end, a
life of one day is better if a man sees beginning and end.
114. And he who lives a hundred years, not seeing the immortal place,
a life of one day is better if a man sees the immortal place.
115. And he who lives a hundred years, not seeing the highest law, a
life of one day is better if a man sees the highest law.
Chapter IX
Evil
116. If a man would hasten towards the good, he should keep his
thought away from evil; if a man does what is good slothfully, his
mind delights in evil.
117. If a man commits a sin, let him not do it again; let him not
delight in sin: pain is the outcome of evil.
118. If a man does what is good, let him do it again; let him delight
in it: happiness is the outcome of good.
119. Even an evil-doer sees happiness as long as his evil deed has not
ripened; but when his evil deed has ripened, then does the evil-doer
see evil.
120. Even a good man sees evil days, as long as his good deed has not
ripened; but when his good deed has ripened, then does the good man
see happy days.
121. Let no man think lightly of evil, saying in his heart, It will
not come nigh unto me. Even by the falling of water-drops a water-pot
is filled; the fool becomes full of evil, even if he gather it little
by little.
122. Let no man think lightly of good, saying in his heart, It will
not come nigh unto me. Even by the falling of water-drops a water-pot
is filled; the wise man becomes full of good, even if he gather it
little by little.
123. Let a man avoid evil deeds, as a merchant, if he has few
companions and carries much wealth, avoids a dangerous road; as a man
who loves life avoids poison.
124. He who has no wound on his hand, may touch poison with his hand;
poison does not affect one who has no wound; nor is there evil for one
who does not commit evil.
125. If a man offend a harmless, pure, and innocent person, the evil
falls back upon that fool, like light dust thrown up against the wind.
126. Some people are born again; evil-doers go to hell; righteous
people go to heaven; those who are free from all worldly desires
attain Nirvana.
127. Not in the sky, not in the midst of the sea, not if we enter into
the clefts of the mountains, is there known a spot in the whole world
where death could not overcome (the mortal).
Chapter X
Punishment
129. All men tremble at punishment, all men fear death; remember that
you are like unto them, and do not kill, nor cause slaughter.
130. All men tremble at punishment, all men love life; remember that
thou art like unto them, and do not kill, nor cause slaughter.
131. He who seeking his own happiness punishes or kills beings who
also long for happiness, will not find happiness after death.
132. He who seeking his own happiness does not punish or kill beings
who also long for happiness, will find happiness after death.
133. Do not speak harshly to anybody; those who are spoken to will
answer thee in the same way. Angry speech is painful, blows for blows
will touch thee.
134. If, like a shattered metal plate (gong), thou utter not, then
thou hast reached Nirvana; contention is not known to thee.
135. As a cowherd with his staff drives his cows into the stable, so
do Age and Death drive the life of men.
136. A fool does not know when he commits his evil deeds: but the
wicked man burns by his own deeds, as if burnt by fire.
137. He who inflicts pain on innocent and harmless persons, will soon
come to one of these ten states:
138. He will have cruel suffering, loss, injury of the body, heavy
affliction, or loss of mind,
139. Or a misfortune coming from the king, or a fearful accusation, or
loss of relations, or destruction of treasures,
140. Or lightning-fire will burn his houses; and when his body is
destroyed, the fool will go to hell.
141. Not nakedness, not platted hair, not dirt, not fasting, or lying
on the earth, not rubbing with dust, not sitting motionless, can
purify a mortal who has not overcome desires.
142. He who, though dressed in fine apparel, exercises tranquillity,
is quiet, subdued, restrained, chaste, and has ceased to find fault
with all other beings, he indeed is a Brahmana, an ascetic (sramana),
a friar (bhikshu).
143. Is there in this world any man so restrained by humility that he
does not mind reproof, as a well-trained horse the whip?
144. Like a well-trained horse when touched by the whip, be ye active
and lively, and by faith, by virtue, by energy, by meditation, by
discernment of the law you will overcome this great pain (of reproof),
perfect in knowledge and in behaviour, and never forgetful.
145. Well-makers lead the water (wherever they like); fletchers bend
the arrow; carpenters bend a log of wood; good people fashion
themselves.
Chapter XI
Old Age
146. How is there laughter, how is there joy, as this world is always
burning? Why do you not seek a light, ye who are surrounded by
darkness?
147. Look at this dressed-up lump, covered with wounds, joined
together, sickly, full of many thoughts, which has no strength, no
hold!
148. This body is wasted, full of sickness, and frail; this heap of
corruption breaks to pieces, life indeed ends in death.
149. Those white bones, like gourds thrown away in the autumn, what
pleasure is there in looking at them?
150. After a stronghold has been made of the bones, it is covered with
flesh and blood, and there dwell in it old age and death, pride and
deceit.
151. The brilliant chariots of kings are destroyed, the body also
approaches destruction, but the virtue of good people never approaches
destruction,–thus do the good say to the good.
152. A man who has learnt little, grows old like an ox; his flesh
grows, but his knowledge does not grow.
153, 154. Looking for the maker of this tabernacle, I shall have to
run through a course of many births, so long as I do not find (him);
and painful is birth again and again. But now, maker of the
tabernacle, thou hast been seen; thou shalt not make up this
tabernacle again. All thy rafters are broken, thy ridge-pole is
sundered; the mind, approaching the Eternal (visankhara, nirvana), has
attained to the extinction of all desires.
155. Men who have not observed proper discipline, and have not gained
treasure in their youth, perish like old herons in a lake without
fish.
156. Men who have not observed proper discipline, and have not gained
treasure in their youth, lie, like broken bows, sighing after the
past.
Chapter XII
Self
157. If a man hold himself dear, let him watch himself carefully;
during one at least out of the three watches a wise man should be
watchful.
158. Let each man direct himself first to what is proper, then let him
teach others; thus a wise man will not suffer.
159. If a man make himself as he teaches others to be, then, being
himself well subdued, he may subdue (others); one’s own self is indeed
difficult to subdue.
160. Self is the lord of self, who else could be the lord? With self
well subdued, a man finds a lord such as few can find.
161. The evil done by oneself, self-begotten, self-bred, crushes the
foolish, as a diamond breaks a precious stone.
162. He whose wickedness is very great brings himself down to that
state where his enemy wishes him to be, as a creeper does with the
tree which it surrounds.
163. Bad deeds, and deeds hurtful to ourselves, are easy to do; what
is beneficial and good, that is very difficult to do.
164. The foolish man who scorns the rule of the venerable (Arahat), of
the elect (Ariya), of the virtuous, and follows false doctrine, he
bears fruit to his own destruction, like the fruits of the Katthaka
reed.
165. By oneself the evil is done, by oneself one suffers; by oneself
evil is left undone, by oneself one is purified. Purity and impurity
belong to oneself, no one can purify another.
166. Let no one forget his own duty for the sake of another’s, however
great; let a man, after he has discerned his own duty, be always
attentive to his duty.
Chapter XIII
The World
167. Do not follow the evil law! Do not live on in thoughtlessness! Do
not follow false doctrine! Be not a friend of the world.
168. Rouse thyself! do not be idle! Follow the law of virtue! The
virtuous rests in bliss in this world and in the next.
169. Follow the law of virtue; do not follow that of sin. The virtuous
rests in bliss in this world and in the next.
170. Look upon the world as a bubble, look upon it as a mirage: the
king of death does not see him who thus looks down upon the world.
171. Come, look at this glittering world, like unto a royal chariot;
the foolish are immersed in it, but the wise do not touch it.
172. He who formerly was reckless and afterwards became sober,
brightens up this world, like the moon when freed from clouds.
173. He whose evil deeds are covered by good deeds, brightens up this
world, like the moon when freed from clouds.
174. This world is dark, few only can see here; a few only go to
heaven, like birds escaped from the net.
175. The swans go on the path of the sun, they go through the ether by
means of their miraculous power; the wise are led out of this world,
when they have conquered Mara and his train.
176. If a man has transgressed one law, and speaks lies, and scoffs at
another world, there is no evil he will not do.
177. The uncharitable do not go to the world of the gods; fools only
do not praise liberality; a wise man rejoices in liberality, and
through it becomes blessed in the other world.
178. Better than sovereignty over the earth, better than going to
heaven, better than lordship over all worlds, is the reward of the
first step in holiness.
Chapter XIV
The Buddha (The Awakened)
179. He whose conquest is not conquered again, into whose conquest no
one in this world enters, by what track can you lead him, the
Awakened, the Omniscient, the trackless?
180. He whom no desire with its snares and poisons can lead astray, by
what track can you lead him, the Awakened, the Omniscient, the
trackless?
181. Even the gods envy those who are awakened and not forgetful, who
are given to meditation, who are wise, and who delight in the repose
of retirement (from the world).
182. Difficult (to obtain) is the conception of men, difficult is the
life of mortals, difficult is the hearing of the True Law, difficult
is the birth of the Awakened (the attainment of Buddhahood).
183. Not to commit any sin, to do good, and to purify one’s mind, that
is the teaching of (all) the Awakened.
184. The Awakened call patience the highest penance, long-suffering
the highest Nirvana; for he is not an anchorite (pravragita) who
strikes others, he is not an ascetic (sramana) who insults others.
185. Not to blame, not to strike, to live restrained under the law, to
be moderate in eating, to sleep and sit alone, and to dwell on the
highest thoughts,–this is the teaching of the Awakened.
186. There is no satisfying lusts, even by a shower of gold pieces; he
who knows that lusts have a short taste and cause pain, he is wise;
187. Even in heavenly pleasures he finds no satisfaction, the disciple
who is fully awakened delights only in the destruction of all desires.
188. Men, driven by fear, go to many a refuge, to mountains and
forests, to groves and sacred trees.
189. But that is not a safe refuge, that is not the best refuge; a man
is not delivered from all pains after having gone to that refuge.
190. He who takes refuge with Buddha, the Law, and the Church; he who,
with clear understanding, sees the four holy truths:–
191. Viz. pain, the origin of pain, the destruction of pain, and the
eightfold holy way that leads to the quieting of pain;–
192. That is the safe refuge, that is the best refuge; having gone to
that refuge, a man is delivered from all pain.
193. A supernatural person (a Buddha) is not easily found, he is not
born everywhere. Wherever such a sage is born, that race prospers.
194. Happy is the arising of the awakened, happy is the teaching of
the True Law, happy is peace in the church, happy is the devotion of
those who are at peace.
195, 196. He who pays homage to those who deserve homage, whether the
awakened (Buddha) or their disciples, those who have overcome the host
(of evils), and crossed the flood of sorrow, he who pays homage to
such as have found deliverance and know no fear, his merit can never
be measured by anybody.
Chapter XV
Happiness
197. Let us live happily then, not hating those who hate us! among men
who hate us let us dwell free from hatred!
198. Let us live happily then, free from ailments among the ailing!
among men who are ailing let us dwell free from ailments!
199. Let us live happily then, free from greed among the greedy! among
men who are greedy let us dwell free from greed!
200. Let us live happily then, though we call nothing our own! We
shall be like the bright gods, feeding on happiness!
201. Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. He who has
given up both victory and defeat, he, the contented, is happy.
202. There is no fire like passion; there is no losing throw like
hatred; there is no pain like this body; there is no happiness higher
than rest.
203. Hunger is the worst of diseases, the body the greatest of pains;
if one knows this truly, that is Nirvana, the highest happiness.
204. Health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the best riches;
trust is the best of relationships, Nirvana the highest happiness.
205. He who has tasted the sweetness of solitude and tranquillity, is
free from fear and free from sin, while he tastes the sweetness of
drinking in the law.
206. The sight of the elect (Arya) is good, to live with them is
always happiness; if a man does not see fools, he will be truly happy.
207. He who walks in the company of fools suffers a long way; company
with fools, as with an enemy, is always painful; company with the wise
is pleasure, like meeting with kinsfolk.
208. Therefore, one ought to follow the wise, the intelligent, the
learned, the much enduring, the dutiful, the elect; one ought to
follow a good and wise man, as the moon follows the path of the stars.
Chapter XVI
Pleasure
209. He who gives himself to vanity, and does not give himself to
meditation, forgetting the real aim (of life) and grasping at
pleasure, will in time envy him who has exerted himself in meditation.
210. Let no man ever look for what is pleasant, or what is unpleasant.
Not to see what is pleasant is pain, and it is pain to see what is
unpleasant.
211. Let, therefore, no man love anything; loss of the beloved is
evil. Those who love nothing and hate nothing, have no fetters.
212. From pleasure comes grief, from pleasure comes fear; he who is
free from pleasure knows neither grief nor fear.
213. From affection comes grief, from affection comes fear; he who is
free from affection knows neither grief nor fear.
214. From lust comes grief, from lust comes fear; he who is free from
lust knows neither grief nor fear.
215. From love comes grief, from love comes fear; he who is free from
love knows neither grief nor fear.
216. From greed comes grief, from greed comes fear; he who is free
from greed knows neither grief nor fear.
217. He who possesses virtue and intelligence, who is just, speaks the
truth, and does what is his own business, him the world will hold
dear.
218. He in whom a desire for the Ineffable (Nirvana) has sprung up,
who is satisfied in his mind, and whose thoughts are not bewildered by
love, he is called urdhvamsrotas (carried upwards by the stream).
219. Kinsmen, friends, and lovers salute a man who has been long away,
and returns safe from afar.
220. In like manner his good works receive him who has done good, and
has gone from this world to the other;–as kinsmen receive a friend on
his return.
Chapter XVII
Anger
221. Let a man leave anger, let him forsake pride, let him overcome
all bondage! No sufferings befall the man who is not attached to name
and form, and who calls nothing his own.
222. He who holds back rising anger like a rolling chariot, him I call
a real driver; other people are but holding the reins.
223. Let a man overcome anger by love, let him overcome evil by good;
let him overcome the greedy by liberality, the liar by truth!
224. Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked
for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
225. The sages who injure nobody, and who always control their body,
they will go to the unchangeable place (Nirvana), where, if they have
gone, they will suffer no more.
226. Those who are ever watchful, who study day and night, and who
strive after Nirvana, their passions will come to an end.
227. This is an old saying, O Atula, this is not only of to-day: `They
blame him who sits silent, they blame him who speaks much, they also
blame him who says little; there is no one on earth who is not
blamed.’
228. There never was, there never will be, nor is there now, a man who
is always blamed, or a man who is always praised.
229, 230. But he whom those who discriminate praise continually day
after day, as without blemish, wise, rich in knowledge and virtue, who
would dare to blame him, like a coin made of gold from the Gambu
river? Even the gods praise him, he is praised even by Brahman.
231. Beware of bodily anger, and control thy body! Leave the sins of
the body, and with thy body practise virtue!
232. Beware of the anger of the tongue, and control thy tongue! Leave
the sins of the tongue, and practise virtue with thy tongue!
233. Beware of the anger of the mind, and control thy mind! Leave the
sins of the mind, and practise virtue with thy mind!
234. The wise who control their body, who control their tongue, the
wise who control their mind, are indeed well controlled.
Chapter XVIII
Impurity
235. Thou art now like a sear leaf, the messengers of death (Yama)
have come near to thee; thou standest at the door of thy departure,
and thou hast no provision for thy journey.
236. Make thyself an island, work hard, be wise! When thy impurities
are blown away, and thou art free from guilt, thou wilt enter into the
heavenly world of the elect (Ariya).
237. Thy life has come to an end, thou art come near to death (Yama),
there is no resting-place for thee on the road, and thou hast no
provision for thy journey.
238. Make thyself an island, work hard, be wise! When thy impurities
are blown away, and thou art free from guilt, thou wilt not enter
again into birth and decay.
239. Let a wise man blow off the impurities of his self, as a smith
blows off the impurities of silver one by one, little by little, and
from time to time.
240. As the impurity which springs from the iron, when it springs from
it, destroys it; thus do a transgressor’s own works lead him to the
evil path.
241. The taint of prayers is non-repetition; the taint of houses, non-
repair; the taint of the body is sloth; the taint of a watchman,
thoughtlessness.
242. Bad conduct is the taint of woman, greediness the taint of a
benefactor; tainted are all evil ways in this world and in the next.
243. But there is a taint worse than all taints,–ignorance is the
greatest taint. O mendicants! throw off that taint, and become
taintless!
244. Life is easy to live for a man who is without shame, a crow hero,
a mischief-maker, an insulting, bold, and wretched fellow.
245. But life is hard to live for a modest man, who always looks for
what is pure, who is disinterested, quiet, spotless, and intelligent.
246. He who destroys life, who speaks untruth, who in this world takes
what is not given him, who goes to another man’s wife;
247. And the man who gives himself to drinking intoxicating liquors,
he, even in this world, digs up his own root.
248. O man, know this, that the unrestrained are in a bad state; take
care that greediness and vice do not bring thee to grief for a long
time!
249. The world gives according to their faith or according to their
pleasure: if a man frets about the food and the drink given to others,
he will find no rest either by day or by night.
250. He in whom that feeling is destroyed, and taken out with the very
root, finds rest by day and by night.
251. There is no fire like passion, there is no shark like hatred,
there is no snare like folly, there is no torrent like greed.
252. The fault of others is easily perceived, but that of oneself is
difficult to perceive; a man winnows his neighbour’s faults like
chaff, but his own fault he hides, as a cheat hides the bad die from
the gambler.
253. If a man looks after the faults of others, and is always inclined
to be offended, his own passions will grow, and he is far from the
destruction of passions.
254. There is no path through the air, a man is not a Samana by
outward acts. The world delights in vanity, the Tathagatas (the
Buddhas) are free from vanity.
255. There is no path through the air, a man is not a Samana by
outward acts. No creatures are eternal; but the awakened (Buddha) are
never shaken.
Chapter XIX
The Just
256, 257. A man is not just if he carries a matter by violence; no, he
who distinguishes both right and wrong, who is learned and leads
others, not by violence, but by law and equity, and who is guarded by
the law and intelligent, he is called just.
258. A man is not learned because he talks much; he who is patient,
free from hatred and fear, he is called learned.
259. A man is not a supporter of the law because he talks much; even
if a man has learnt little, but sees the law bodily, he is a supporter
of the law, a man who never neglects the law.
260. A man is not an elder because his head is grey; his age may be
ripe, but he is called `Old-in-vain.’
261. He in whom there is truth, virtue, love, restraint, moderation,
he who is free from impurity and is wise, he is called an elder.
262. An envious greedy, dishonest man does not become respectable by
means of much talking only, or by the beauty of his complexion.
263. He in whom all this is destroyed, and taken out with the very
root, he, when freed from hatred and wise, is called respectable.
264. Not by tonsure does an undisciplined man who speaks falsehood
become a Samana; can a man be a Samana who is still held captive by
desire and greediness?
265. He who always quiets the evil, whether small or large, he is
called a Samana (a quiet man), because he has quieted all evil.
266. A man is not a mendicant (Bhikshu) simply because he asks others
for alms; he who adopts the whole law is a Bhikshu, not he who only
begs.
267. He who is above good and evil, who is chaste, who with knowledge
passes through the world, he indeed is called a Bhikshu.
268, 269. A man is not a Muni because he observes silence (mona, i.e.
mauna), if he is foolish and ignorant; but the wise who, taking the
balance, chooses the good and avoids evil, he is a Muni, and is a Muni
thereby; he who in this world weighs both sides is called a Muni.
270. A man is not an elect (Ariya) because he injures living
creatures; because he has pity on all living creatures, therefore is a
man called Ariya.
271, 272. Not only by discipline and vows, not only by much learning,
not by entering into a trance, not by sleeping alone, do I earn the
happiness of release which no worldling can know. Bhikshu, be not
confident as long as thou hast not attained the extinction of desires.
Chapter XX
The Way
273. The best of ways is the eightfold; the best of truths the four
words; the best of virtues passionlessness; the best of men he who has
eyes to see.
274. This is the way, there is no other that leads to the purifying of
intelligence. Go on this way! Everything else is the deceit of Mara
(the tempter).
275. If you go on this way, you will make an end of pain! The way was
preached by me, when I had understood the removal of the thorns (in
the flesh).
276. You yourself must make an effort. The Tathagatas (Buddhas) are
only preachers. The thoughtful who enter the way are freed from the
bondage of Mara.
277. `All created things perish,’ he who knows and sees this becomes
passive in pain; this is the way to purity.
278. `All created things are grief and pain,’ he who knows and sees
this becomes passive in pain; this is the way that leads to purity.
279. `All forms are unreal,’ he who knows and sees this becomes
passive in pain; this is the way that leads to purity.
280. He who does not rouse himself when it is time to rise, who,
though young and strong, is full of sloth, whose will and thought are
weak, that lazy and idle man will never find the way to knowledge.
281. Watching his speech, well restrained in mind, let a man never
commit any wrong with his body! Let a man but keep these three roads
of action clear, and he will achieve the way which is taught by the
wise.
282. Through zeal knowledge is gotten, through lack of zeal knowledge
is lost; let a man who knows this double path of gain and loss thus
place himself that knowledge may grow.
283. Cut down the whole forest (of lust), not a tree only! Danger
comes out of the forest (of lust). When you have cut down both the
forest (of lust) and its undergrowth, then, Bhikshus, you will be rid
of the forest and free!
284. So long as the love of man towards women, even the smallest, is
not destroyed, so long is his mind in bondage, as the calf that drinks
milk is to its mother.
285. Cut out the love of self, like an autumn lotus, with thy hand!
Cherish the road of peace. Nirvana has been shown by Sugata (Buddha).
286. `Here I shall dwell in the rain, here in winter and summer,’ thus
the fool meditates, and does not think of his death.
287. Death comes and carries off that man, praised for his children
and flocks, his mind distracted, as a flood carries off a sleeping
village.
288. Sons are no help, nor a father, nor relations; there is no help
from kinsfolk for one whom death has seized.
289. A wise and good man who knows the meaning of this, should quickly
clear the way that leads to Nirvana.
Chapter XXI
Miscellaneous
290. If by leaving a small pleasure one sees a great pleasure, let a
wise man leave the small pleasure, and look to the great.
291. He who, by causing pain to others, wishes to obtain pleasure for
himself, he, entangled in the bonds of hatred, will never be free from
hatred.
292. What ought to be done is neglected, what ought not to be done is
done; the desires of unruly, thoughtless people are always increasing.
293. But they whose whole watchfulness is always directed to their
body, who do not follow what ought not to be done, and who steadfastly
do what ought to be done, the desires of such watchful and wise people
will come to an end.
294. A true Brahmana goes scatheless, though he have killed father and
mother, and two valiant kings, though he has destroyed a kingdom with
all its subjects.
295. A true Brahmana goes scatheless, though he have killed father and
mother, and two holy kings, and an eminent man besides.
296. The disciples of Gotama (Buddha) are always well awake, and their
thoughts day and night are always set on Buddha.
297. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their thoughts
day and night are always set on the law.
298. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their thoughts
day and night are always set on the church.
299. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their thoughts
day and night are always set on their body.
300. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their mind day
and night always delights in compassion.
301. The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their mind day
and night always delights in meditation.
302. It is hard to leave the world (to become a friar), it is hard to
enjoy the world; hard is the monastery, painful are the houses;
painful it is to dwell with equals (to share everything in common) and
the itinerant mendicant is beset with pain. Therefore let no man be
an itinerant mendicant and he will not be beset with pain.
303. Whatever place a faithful, virtuous, celebrated, and wealthy man
chooses, there he is respected.
304. Good people shine from afar, like the snowy mountains; bad people
are not seen, like arrows shot by night.
305. He alone who, without ceasing, practises the duty of sitting
alone and sleeping alone, he, subduing himself, will rejoice in the
destruction of all desires alone, as if living in a forest.
Chapter XXII
The Downward Course
306. He who says what is not, goes to hell; he also who, having done a
thing, says I have not done it. After death both are equal, they are
men with evil deeds in the next world.
307. Many men whose shoulders are covered with the yellow gown are
ill-conditioned and unrestrained; such evil-doers by their evil deeds
go to hell.
308. Better it would be to swallow a heated iron ball, like flaring
fire, than that a bad unrestrained fellow should live on the charity
of the land.
309. Four things does a wreckless man gain who covets his neighbour’s
wife,–a bad reputation, an uncomfortable bed, thirdly, punishment,
and lastly, hell.
310. There is bad reputation, and the evil way (to hell), there is the
short pleasure of the frightened in the arms of the frightened, and
the king imposes heavy punishment; therefore let no man think of his
neighbour’s wife.
311. As a grass-blade, if badly grasped, cuts the arm, badly-practised
asceticism leads to hell.
312. An act carelessly performed, a broken vow, and hesitating
obedience to discipline, all this brings no great reward.
313. If anything is to be done, let a man do it, let him attack it
vigorously! A careless pilgrim only scatters the dust of his passions
more widely.
314. An evil deed is better left undone, for a man repents of it
afterwards; a good deed is better done, for having done it, one does
not repent.
315. Like a well-guarded frontier fort, with defences within and
without, so let a man guard himself. Not a moment should escape, for
they who allow the right moment to pass, suffer pain when they are in
hell.
316. They who are ashamed of what they ought not to be ashamed of, and
are not ashamed of what they ought to be ashamed of, such men,
embracing false doctrines enter the evil path.
317. They who fear when they ought not to fear, and fear not when they
ought to fear, such men, embracing false doctrines, enter the evil
path.
318. They who forbid when there is nothing to be forbidden, and forbid
not when there is something to be forbidden, such men, embracing false
doctrines, enter the evil path.
319. They who know what is forbidden as forbidden, and what is not
forbidden as not forbidden, such men, embracing the true doctrine,
enter the good path.
Chapter XXIII
The Elephant
320. Silently shall I endure abuse as the elephant in battle endures
the arrow sent from the bow: for the world is ill-natured.
321. They lead a tamed elephant to battle, the king mounts a tamed
elephant; the tamed is the best among men, he who silently endures
abuse.
322. Mules are good, if tamed, and noble Sindhu horses, and elephants
with large tusks; but he who tames himself is better still.
323. For with these animals does no man reach the untrodden country
(Nirvana), where a tamed man goes on a tamed animal, viz. on his own
well-tamed self.
324. The elephant called Dhanapalaka, his temples running with sap,
and difficult to hold, does not eat a morsel when bound; the elephant
longs for the elephant grove.
325. If a man becomes fat and a great eater, if he is sleepy and rolls
himself about, that fool, like a hog fed on wash, is born again and
again.
326. This mind of mine went formerly wandering about as it liked, as
it listed, as it pleased; but I shall now hold it in thoroughly, as
the rider who holds the hook holds in the furious elephant.
327. Be not thoughtless, watch your thoughts! Draw yourself out of
the evil way, like an elephant sunk in mud.
328. If a man find a prudent companion who walks with him, is wise,
and lives soberly, he may walk with him, overcoming all dangers,
happy, but considerate.
329. If a man find no prudent companion who walks with him, is wise,
and lives soberly, let him walk alone, like a king who has left his
conquered country behind,–like an elephant in the forest.
330. It is better to live alone, there is no companionship with a
fool; let a man walk alone, let him commit no sin, with few wishes,
like an elephant in the forest.
331. If an occasion arises, friends are pleasant; enjoyment is
pleasant, whatever be the cause; a good work is pleasant in the hour
of death; the giving up of all grief is pleasant.
332. Pleasant in the world is the state of a mother, pleasant the
state of a father, pleasant the state of a Samana, pleasant the state
of a Brahmana.
333. Pleasant is virtue lasting to old age, pleasant is a faith firmly
rooted; pleasant is attainment of intelligence, pleasant is avoiding
of sins.
Chapter XXIV
Thirst
334. The thirst of a thoughtless man grows like a creeper; he runs
from life to life, like a monkey seeking fruit in the forest.
335. Whomsoever this fierce thirst overcomes, full of poison, in this
world, his sufferings increase like the abounding Birana grass.
336. He who overcomes this fierce thirst, difficult to be conquered in
this world, sufferings fall off from him, like water-drops from a
lotus leaf.
337. This salutary word I tell you, `Do ye, as many as are here
assembled, dig up the root of thirst, as he who wants the sweet-
scented Usira root must dig up the Birana grass, that Mara (the
tempter) may not crush you again and again, as the stream crushes the
reeds.’
338. As a tree, even though it has been cut down, is firm so long as
its root is safe, and grows again, thus, unless the feeders of thirst
are destroyed, the pain (of life) will return again and again.
339. He whose thirst running towards pleasure is exceeding strong in
the thirty-six channels, the waves will carry away that misguided man,
viz. his desires which are set on passion.
340. The channels run everywhere, the creeper (of passion) stands
sprouting; if you see the creeper springing up, cut its root by means
of knowledge.
341. A creature’s pleasures are extravagant and luxurious; sunk in
lust and looking for pleasure, men undergo (again and again) birth and
decay.
342. Men, driven on by thirst, run about like a snared hare; held in
fetters and bonds, they undergo pain for a long time, again and again.
343. Men, driven on by thirst, run about like a snared hare; let
therefore the mendicant drive out thirst, by striving after
passionlessness for himself.
344. He who having got rid of the forest (of lust) (i.e. after having
reached Nirvana) gives himself over to forest-life (i.e. to lust), and
who, when removed from the forest (i.e. from lust), runs to the forest
(i.e. to lust), look at that man! though free, he runs into bondage.
345. Wise people do not call that a strong fetter which is made of
iron, wood, or hemp; far stronger is the care for precious stones and
rings, for sons and a wife.
346. That fetter wise people call strong which drags down, yields, but
is difficult to undo; after having cut this at last, people leave the
world, free from cares, and leaving desires and pleasures behind.
347. Those who are slaves to passions, run down with the stream (of
desires), as a spider runs down the web which he has made himself;
when they have cut this, at last, wise people leave the world free
from cares, leaving all affection behind.
348. Give up what is before, give up what is behind, give up what is
in the middle, when thou goest to the other shore of existence; if thy
mind is altogether free, thou wilt not again enter into birth and
decay.
349. If a man is tossed about by doubts, full of strong passions, and
yearning only for what is delightful, his thirst will grow more and
more, and he will indeed make his fetters strong.
350. If a man delights in quieting doubts, and, always reflecting,
dwells on what is not delightful (the impurity of the body, &c.), he
certainly will remove, nay, he will cut the fetter of Mara.
351. He who has reached the consummation, who does not tremble, who is
without thirst and without sin, he has broken all the thorns of life:
this will be his last body.
352. He who is without thirst and without affection, who understands
the words and their interpretation, who knows the order of letters
(those which are before and which are after), he has received his last
body, he is called the great sage, the great man.
353. `I have conquered all, I know all, in all conditions of life I am
free from taint; I have left all, and through the destruction of
thirst I am free; having learnt myself, whom shall I teach?’
354. The gift of the law exceeds all gifts; the sweetness of the law
exceeds all sweetness; the delight in the law exceeds all delights;
the extinction of thirst overcomes all pain.
355. Pleasures destroy the foolish, if they look not for the other
shore; the foolish by his thirst for pleasures destroys himself, as if
he were his own enemy.
356. The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by passion:
therefore a gift bestowed on the passionless brings great reward.
357. The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by hatred:
therefore a gift bestowed on those who do not hate brings great
reward.
358. The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by vanity:
therefore a gift bestowed on those who are free from vanity brings
great reward.
359. The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by lust:
therefore a gift bestowed on those who are free from lust brings great
reward.
Chapter XXV
The Bhikshu (Mendicant)
360. Restraint in the eye is good, good is restraint in the ear, in
the nose restraint is good, good is restraint in the tongue.
361. In the body restraint is good, good is restraint in speech, in
thought restraint is good, good is restraint in all things. A
Bhikshu, restrained in all things, is freed from all pain.
362. He who controls his hand, he who controls his feet, he who
controls his speech, he who is well controlled, he who delights
inwardly, who is collected, who is solitary and content, him they call
Bhikshu.
363. The Bhikshu who controls his mouth, who speaks wisely and calmly,
who teaches the meaning and the law, his word is sweet.
364. He who dwells in the law, delights in the law, meditates on the
law, follows the law, that Bhikshu will never fall away from the true
law.
365. Let him not despise what he has received, nor ever envy others: a
mendicant who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.
366. A Bhikshu who, though he receives little, does not despise what
he has received, even the gods will praise him, if his life is pure,
and if he is not slothful.
367. He who never identifies himself with name and form, and does not
grieve over what is no more, he indeed is called a Bhikshu.
368. The Bhikshu who acts with kindness, who is calm in the doctrine
of Buddha, will reach the quiet place (Nirvana), cessation of natural
desires, and happiness.
369. O Bhikshu, empty this boat! if emptied, it will go quickly;
having cut off passion and hatred thou wilt go to Nirvana.
370. Cut off the five (senses), leave the five, rise above the five.
A Bhikshu, who has escaped from the five fetters, he is called
Oghatinna, `saved from the flood.’
371. Meditate, O Bhikshu, and be not heedless! Do not direct thy
thought to what gives pleasure that thou mayest not for thy
heedlessness have to swallow the iron ball (in hell), and that thou
mayest not cry out when burning, `This is pain.’
372. Without knowledge there is no meditation, without meditation
there is no knowledge: he who has knowledge and meditation is near
unto Nirvana.
373. A Bhikshu who has entered his empty house, and whose mind is
tranquil, feels a more than human delight when he sees the law
clearly.
374. As soon as he has considered the origin and destruction of the
elements (khandha) of the body, he finds happiness and joy which
belong to those who know the immortal (Nirvana).
375. And this is the beginning here for a wise Bhikshu: watchfulness
over the senses, contentedness, restraint under the law; keep noble
friends whose life is pure, and who are not slothful.
376. Let him live in charity, let him be perfect in his duties; then
in the fulness of delight he will make an end of suffering.
377. As the Vassika plant sheds its withered flowers, men should shed
passion and hatred, O ye Bhikshus!
378. The Bhikshu whose body and tongue and mind are quieted, who is
collected, and has rejected the baits of the world, he is called
quiet.
379. Rouse thyself by thyself, examine thyself by thyself, thus self-
protected and attentive wilt thou live happily, O Bhikshu!
380. For self is the lord of self, self is the refuge of self;
therefore curb thyself as the merchant curbs a good horse.
381. The Bhikshu, full of delight, who is calm in the doctrine of
Buddha will reach the quiet place (Nirvana), cessation of natural
desires, and happiness.
382. He who, even as a young Bhikshu, applies himself to the doctrine
of Buddha, brightens up this world, like the moon when free from
clouds.
Chapter XXVI
The Brahmana (Arhat)
383. Stop the stream valiantly, drive away the desires, O Brahmana!
When you have understood the destruction of all that was made, you
will understand that which was not made.
384. If the Brahmana has reached the other shore in both laws (in
restraint and contemplation), all bonds vanish from him who has
obtained knowledge.
385. He for whom there is neither this nor that shore, nor both, him,
the fearless and unshackled, I call indeed a Brahmana.
386. He who is thoughtful, blameless, settled, dutiful, without
passions, and who has attained the highest end, him I call indeed a
Brahmana.
387. The sun is bright by day, the moon shines by night, the warrior
is bright in his armour, the Brahmana is bright in his meditation; but
Buddha, the Awakened, is bright with splendour day and night.
388. Because a man is rid of evil, therefore he is called Brahmana;
because he walks quietly, therefore he is called Samana; because he
has sent away his own impurities, therefore he is called Pravragita
(Pabbagita, a pilgrim).
389. No one should attack a Brahmana, but no Brahmana (if attacked)
should let himself fly at his aggressor! Woe to him who strikes a
Brahmana, more woe to him who flies at his aggressor!
390. It advantages a Brahmana not a little if he holds his mind back
from the pleasures of life; when all wish to injure has vanished, pain
will cease.
391. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who does not offend by body, word,
or thought, and is controlled on these three points.
392. After a man has once understood the law as taught by the Well-
awakened (Buddha), let him worship it carefully, as the Brahmana
worships the sacrificial fire.
393. A man does not become a Brahmana by his platted hair, by his
family, or by birth; in whom there is truth and righteousness, he is
blessed, he is a Brahmana.
394. What is the use of platted hair, O fool! what of the raiment of
goat-skins? Within thee there is ravening, but the outside thou
makest clean.
395. The man who wears dirty raiments, who is emaciated and covered
with veins, who lives alone in the forest, and meditates, him I call
indeed a Brahmana.
396. I do not call a man a Brahmana because of his origin or of his
mother. He is indeed arrogant, and he is wealthy: but the poor, who
is free from all attachments, him I call indeed a Brahmana.
397. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who has cut all fetters, who never
trembles, is independent and unshackled.
398. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who has cut the strap and the thong,
the chain with all that pertains to it, who has burst the bar, and is
awakened.
399. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who, though he has committed no
offence, endures reproach, bonds, and stripes, who has endurance for
his force, and strength for his army.
400. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who is free from anger, dutiful,
virtuous, without appetite, who is subdued, and has received his last
body.
401. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who does not cling to pleasures,
like water on a lotus leaf, like a mustard seed on the point of a
needle.
402. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who, even here, knows the end of his
suffering, has put down his burden, and is unshackled.
403. Him I call indeed a Brahmana whose knowledge is deep, who
possesses wisdom, who knows the right way and the wrong, and has
attained the highest end.
404. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who keeps aloof both from laymen and
from mendicants, who frequents no houses, and has but few desires.
405. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who finds no fault with other
beings, whether feeble or strong, and does not kill nor cause
slaughter.
406. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who is tolerant with the intolerant,
mild with fault-finders, and free from passion among the passionate.
407. Him I call indeed a Brahmana from whom anger and hatred, pride
and envy have dropt like a mustard seed from the point of a needle.
408. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who utters true speech, instructive
and free from harshness, so that he offend no one.
409. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who takes nothing in the world that
is not given him, be it long or short, small or large, good or bad.
410. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who fosters no desires for this
world or for the next, has no inclinations, and is unshackled.
411. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who has no interests, and when he
has understood (the truth), does not say How, how? and who has reached
the depth of the Immortal.
412. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who in this world is above good and
evil, above the bondage of both, free from grief from sin, and from
impurity.
413. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who is bright like the moon, pure,
serene, undisturbed, and in whom all gaiety is extinct.
414. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who has traversed this miry road,
the impassable world and its vanity, who has gone through, and reached
the other shore, is thoughtful, guileless, free from doubts, free from
attachment, and content.
415. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who in this world, leaving all
desires, travels about without a home, and in whom all concupiscence
is extinct.
416. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who, leaving all longings, travels
about without a home, and in whom all covetousness is extinct.
417. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who, after leaving all bondage to
men, has risen above all bondage to the gods, and is free from all and
every bondage.
418. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who has left what gives pleasure and
what gives pain, who is cold, and free from all germs (of renewed
life), the hero who has conquered all the worlds.
419. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who knows the destruction and the
return of beings everywhere, who is free from bondage, welfaring
(Sugata), and awakened (Buddha).
420. Him I call indeed a Brahmana whose path the gods do not know, nor
spirits (Gandharvas), nor men, whose passions are extinct, and who is
an Arhat (venerable).
421. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who calls nothing his own, whether
it be before, behind, or between, who is poor, and free from the love
of the world.
422. Him I call indeed a Brahmana, the manly, the noble, the hero, the
great sage, the conqueror, the impassible, the accomplished, the
awakened.
423. Him I call indeed a Brahmana who knows his former abodes, who
sees heaven and hell, has reached the end of births, is perfect in
knowledge, a sage, and whose perfections are all perfect.