page 17

The Dhammapada

16. Preference

He who applies himself to what is not really an appropriate subject for application, and fails to apply himself to what is, missing the real purpose to grasp after what appeals to him, may well envy the man who does apply himself. 209

Never have anything to do with likes and dislikes. The absence of what one likes is painful, as is the presence of what one dislikes. 210

Therefore don't take a liking to anything. To lose what one likes is hard, but there are no bonds for those who have no likes and dislikes. 211

From preference arises sorrow, from preference arises fear, but he who is freed from preference has no sorrow and certainly no fear. 212

From affection arises sorrow, from affection arises fear, but he who is freed from affection has no sorrow and certainly no fear. 213

From pleasure arises sorrow, from pleasure arises fear, but he who is freed from pleasure has no sorrow and certainly no fear. 214

From sensuality arises sorrow, from sensuality arises fear, but he who is freed from sensuality has no sorrow and certainly no fear. 215

From craving arises sorrow, from craving arises fear, but he who is freed from craving has no sorrow and certainly no fear. 216

Well may people hold dear the man who is endowed with morality and insight, who is well established in righteousness, a seer of the truth, and applying himself to his own business. 217

He whose longing has been aroused for the indescribable, whose mind has been quickened by it, and whose thought is not attached to sensuality is truly called one who is bound upstream. 218

When a man who has been away a long time at last comes home safely from far away, his family, friends and acquaintances rejoice to see him back. In the same way, when a man who has done good goes from this world to the next, his good deeds receive him like relations welcoming a loved one back again. 219, 220

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