page 21

The Dhammapada

20. The Way

Of paths the Eightfold one is best, and of truths the Fourfold. Dispassion is the best of mental states, and of human beings the best is the seer. 273

This indeed is the Way -- there is no other -- for the purification of one's vision. Follow this way. It leads to Mara's confusion. 274

Following this Path you will put an end to suffering. I have taught you the Way after realising the removal of the arrow myself. 275

Making the effort is your affair. The Buddhas have pointed out the Way. Those who are on the way and practising meditation will be freed from Mara's bonds. 276

All processes are impermanent. When one sees this with understanding, then one is disillusioned with the things of suffering. This is the Path of Purification. 277

All processes are painful. When one sees this with understanding, then one is disillusioned with the things of suffering. This is the Path of Purification. 278

All processes are out of my control. When one sees this with understanding, then one is disillusioned with the things of suffering. This is the Path of Purification. 279

Since he will not exert himself at the time for exertion, and although young and strong is full of indolence and irresolution and idleness, the lazy man is incapable of recognising the way of wisdom. 280

Be guarded in speech, restrained of mind and not doing anything wrong physically. Perfect these three forms of action, and fulfil the way taught by the sages. 281

From meditation springs wisdom. From lack of meditation, loss of wisdom. Recognising these alternative roads of progress and decline, one should so direct oneself so that one's wisdom will increase. 282

Cut down the forest, not just a tree. Out of the forest of desire springs danger. By cutting down both the forest of desire and the brushwood of longing, be rid of the forest (pun on the word "nirvana"), bhikkhus. 283

So long as the least desire of a man for women has not been eradicated, he is fettered in mind, like a sucking calf to its mother. 284

Pluck out your desire, like one does an autumn lotus with one's hand. Devote yourself to the path of peace, the nirvana proclaimed by the Blessed One. 285

"Here I will spend the rainy season, and here the hot season." This is the way a fool thinks. It does not occur to him what may happen in between. 286

Death comes and snatches away the man infatuated with children and livestock, while his mind is still full of desire, like a great flood sweeping away a sleeping village. 287

There are no children to take refuge in then, no father or any other relative. When a man is seized by that terminator, Death, there is no taking refuge in family. 288

When he has seen the implications of this, a wise man, restrained by morality, should quickly develop the path leading to nirvana. 289

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