TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword

Translator's Preface

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Couples
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Mindfulness
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Brain
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Blooms
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Idiots
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Wise
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Arahat—The Worthy
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Thousands
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Bad
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Consequences
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Aging
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Self
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Globe
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Awakened One
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Joy
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Love
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Rage
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Contamination
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Good
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Journey
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Different Verses
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Wrong Way
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Elephant
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Craving
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Homeless Person
__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The Priest

The Dhammapada, for which Mr. Woodward provides a metrical translation here, is a valuable Buddhist scripture that deserves to be well-known. The Theosophical Society should be praised for securing such a skilled and understanding translator and for making it available in a format that's accessible to the public.

The Dhammapada is a section of the Khuddaka Nikāya within the Buddhist Canon and contains about 420 verses in the sloka meter. Every fully ordained bhikkhu[1] is expected to memorize this text, and its verses are often spoken by devout laypeople. A beginner studying Buddhism couldn't ask for a better introduction and should return to it repeatedly to truly grasp the essence of Buddha and his followers.

The scriptures of the Buddhist Canon are collectively known as the Ti-piṭaka (Sansk. Tri-piṭaka), which means "the Three Baskets or Treasuries." These sections are similar to the two Testaments of the Christian Bible and contain more than twice as much content (excluding repetitions). They are separately referred to as the Vinaya piṭaka, Sutta piṭaka, and Abhidhamma piṭaka, or the Basket of Discipline, the Basket of Discourses, and the Basket of Metaphysics. Buddhists hold these scriptures in the highest regard as they are believed to contain the words of the Buddha (Buddha-vacanam) and are said to have been recited at the first Council, traditionally held in Rājagaha, right after the Buddha's death around 540 B.C.

It seems more likely that they developed gradually and didn't take on their final form until about three centuries later, at the Council held under Emperor Asoka in Pāṭaliputra around 247 B.C. The account of the First Council in the last chapter of the Culla vagga suggests that the Basket of Metaphysics was either unknown or unrecognized at that time, and that the scriptures were a Dvi-piṭaka (Two Baskets) rather than a Ti-piṭaka (Three Baskets).

If the Culla vagga account is accepted, it seems that at this Council, specifically called by the Emperor to settle the holy texts, the five Nikāyas or sections that make up the second Basket were discussed between President Kassappa and Buddha's favorite student Ānanda. The Dhammapada is a book of the fifth Nikāya. The Mahāvansa (Ch. v, 68) dates it a few years before the Council, back to the time of the Emperor's conversion to Buddhism, when his teacher, Nigrodha, reportedly explained the Appamāda-vagga, which is the second chapter of the text. Therefore, it was known in the middle or early part of the third century B.C.

It appears to be a collection, made for the use of the believers, of verses thought to be the actual words of Buddha, brief improvisations in which he shared profound ideas and enhanced his teachings. These were well-known among the early Buddhists and have been selected from other texts for their significant ethical and spiritual worth. The importance of the Dhammapada for a detailed study of Buddhism is therefore quite substantial.

For a complete understanding of the work and the traditional Buddhist perspective on it, it should be studied alongside the insightful commentary by Buddhaghosa. Buddhism owes a significant debt to this remarkable individual, recognized by the name he is known by in the Buddhist community. According to the Mahāvansa (Ch. xxxvii, 174): "Because his eloquence (ghosa) was as profound as that of Buddha himself, he earned the title Buddha-ghosa (the Voice of Buddha), and he became as famous as Buddha throughout the world." He was an Indian Brahmin and an esteemed Vedic scholar and missionary. After converting to Buddhism, he became an equally passionate advocate of the new faith. He arrived in Ceylon from the birthplace of Buddhism, "the terrace of the great Bo-tree" in Buddha Gāya, at the beginning of the fifth century, i.e., almost a thousand years after Buddha's death. He came seeking the ancient commentaries on the Tripiṭakas. These commentaries had been brought to Ceylon by Emperor Asoka's son, the apostle Mahinda, who translated them into Sinhalese. They were passed down orally until they were written down during the reign of the Ceylon king, Vaṭṭāgamini (88-76 B.C.), at a gathering of learned bhikkhus at the cave-temple of Alu Vihāre in the Matale district.

The original Pali version was lost in India, so Buddhaghosa, while living in the Mahā-vihāre at Anuradhapura, translated it back from Sinhalese to Pali. His version replaced the Sinhalese text (which is now lost) and is the only existing record of the ancient tradition. He also wrote detailed commentaries (Aṭṭha kathā)[2] on nearly every part of the Tri-piṭaka and created the Visuddhi magga, a comprehensive and systematic text on Buddhist teachings, essentially a complete guide to Buddhist theology. His writings are considered authoritative in interpreting Buddhist scriptures, and he is seen as the second founder of Buddhism in Ceylon. He is also greatly respected in Burma as the one who introduced Buddhism there (450 of the Christian era), bringing the Buddhist scriptures from Ceylon.

Buddhaghosa's commentary on the Dhammapada outlines the occasions and the audiences that Buddha addressed while he traveled as a preacher with his followers through the region—specifically the mid-Ganges valley and the sub-Himalayan area in what are now the provinces of Agra, Oude, and Behar. His main messages were not about wealth, fame, or power, but about peace, happiness, and freedom from the pain of sorrow and death. His key message was: "Open your ears, the way to escape death is found." [3]

When he first reached enlightenment under the Bodhi tree (at Buddha Gāya), a descendant of which still thrives in Anuradhapura, the oldest historical tree in the world, Buddha is said to have burst into a song of triumph that is included in the anthology of the Dhammapada (153-4) and has been vibrantly translated by Mr. Woodward:

I've experienced countless cycles of life and death,
But I never found the creator I was searching for. Life's flow
It's just birth and death and more birth, full of sadness.
Now, homeowner, you're in the spotlight! You'll no longer be building!
All your rafters are damaged, your beam is cracked!
Everything that constituted this mortal self is gone;
The mind has conquered desire. I've made it across the river!

The approach he claimed to have discovered is called the Middle Way (Majjhimā Paṭipadā), which is a balanced path between a life of indulgence and a life of severe self-denial. It involves understanding the Four Noble Truths (cattāri ariya saccāni) related to suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the way to achieve that cessation. He asserts that all existence is suffering, the cause of suffering is desire, and the end of suffering is the cessation of desire, which can be reached through the Eightfold Path (aṭṭhangiko maggo) consisting of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration, along with inner peace.[4] The explanation and illustration of these Truths and the Path fill countless volumes of the Buddhist scriptures.

It’s these ideals of self-discipline, self-improvement, and heroic effort, the values of wisdom, purity, and love, and the timeless principle of Karma, or cause and effect, and moral consequences—where every action, whether good or bad, ultimately comes back to the doer and produces results that either aid or hinder their progress—that are captured in the Dhammapada in bright, impactful verses that stick in the mind as a source of noble inspiration. They almost seem too lofty for everyday human experience, and only a few are able to fully live by these ideals of perfection without assistance.

Buddha didn't consider the weaknesses of humanity. His stoic agnosticism and self-reliant courage overlooked God, denied the existence of the soul, rejected worship and prayer, and positioned man as the master of his own fate. This way of thinking wasn't new to India, although it carried his unique influence. However, human needs and aspirations have made themselves known, and Buddhism has had to incorporate elements of doctrine and practice that he rejected. This has been particularly true in the regions where the Mahāyāna (the Great Vehicle) teachings are dominant.

In China, Amitābha (Boundless Light), who is considered an incarnation of Gautama Buddha, along with Kwanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, have captured the hearts of the Buddhist community. Kwanyin (Sansk. Kanyā, the Virgin) is the kind Sakti (Cosmic Power) of the Hindus,

Mother of many worlds,
Yet referred to as Virgin by the Vedas.

In Japan, Amitābha is the Eternal one who represents the Light, the Way, and the Life, and took human form to open the door of salvation for everyone. Kwanyin shares the authority of Heaven with him. In Tibet, these and other manifestations of divine beings are worshipped—Manju Sri, the embodiment of wisdom, Avalokitesvara, "the Lord who looks down" on the world with compassion to help and protect, Vajrapāna, and others, along with many minor deities.

In Ceylon, which claims to follow the truest form of Buddhism, the religion is blended with the worship of popular Hindu gods and elements of animism and demonology. Influenced by Mahāyānism, Buddha has become a god, seen as greater than others, but not worshipped as passionately. As Robert Knox[5] discovered during his twenty years living on the island in the seventeenth century, the common people turn to Buddha for spiritual matters and to the gods for worldly needs. His teachings seem to be more of a philosophical ideal.

Fifty years ago, Buddhism was experiencing one of its lowest points in history on the Island. The arrival of Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott, the founders of the Theosophical Society, along with their passionate promotion, significantly aided the efforts of the devoted Sri Sumangala to reverse this decline, leading to a renaissance with lasting impacts. Colonel Olcott, through his speeches and writings, helped to eliminate the widespread ignorance and apathy, and reminded Buddhists of the importance of their Faith.[6] He established the groundwork for an educational movement that has brought numerous Buddhist schools and colleges to many areas of the Island.

Mr. Woodward is one of the dedicated Theosophists continuing Colonel Olcott's mission in Ceylon, and is perhaps the greatest among them. Not being a Theosophist or Buddhist myself, I can speak about him more openly. Terms like self-sacrificing zeal and devotion seem common when describing him. They're often used for people who are good and passionate in their own ways but have the benefits of good incomes, comforts, supportive friends, and capable coworkers. Mr. Woodward (or, as his Sanskrit name goes, Vanapāla) wasn't given such advantages. His life was one of simple asceticism, self-denial, and dedicated service. An exemplary English gentleman, he uniquely blended Western and Eastern cultures, merging the active spirit of the West with the mysticism of the East. He is among the great advocates of Mahayānist Buddhism who spread its message and culture across the mountains and deserts of Asia to the Pacific Ocean. Mahinda College, Galle, where he was the foundation for almost twenty years, stands as a bright testament to him. But who can truly measure the positive impact of his presence? The memory of him will be a treasured keepsake for his friends, young and old, serving as inspiration for them all, and their appreciation and best wishes accompany him wholeheartedly to his home in Tasmania.

P. ARUNACHALAM

Ponklar, Colombo
October 1921.

I created this translation of the Dhammapada as a simple textbook for my students about seven or eight years ago while teaching Pāli as a religious lesson with my senior class in Ceylon. Its release was delayed for several years due to various reasons, and after leaving Ceylon in 1919, I couldn't correct the proofs because of the distance. I want to thank Mr. Fritz Kunz, B.A., of Adyar, Madras, for overseeing the publication. The long list of changes[1] comes from the fact that I didn't see the proofs until the entire book was printed and had wanted to revise certain verses in the meantime. The use of meter often makes it impossible to translate some philosophical and technical terms exactly, but I've tried to stay as close to the original as possible. I've followed the Pāli text of Fausböll (1900) and have greatly benefited from Dr. Dines Andersen's Glossary of the Words of the Dhammapada. The Pāli Text Society's edition of the text (by Sūriyogoḍa Sumaṅgala Thero) came out just after I finished, and I've made several changes based on that edition's readings.

F.L. WOODWARD

Chartley, West Tamar,
Tasmania
1921.

1.
All actions come from the mind,
The mind is their master, the product of the mind.
Anyone who speaks or acts with a negative mindset—
Experiences pain, just like a wheel follows the hoof of an ox.

2.
All actions come from the mind,
The mind is their master, born from the mind.
Anyone who speaks or acts with a clear mind—
Happiness comes to them and follows them like a shadow.

3.
"This person treated me badly: they hurt me and took advantage of me."
"Took advantage and stole." Holding onto these thoughts,
The hatred of these people never goes away.

4.
"This person treated me poorly, they hurt me and exploited me,
"Taking advantage and stealing." Letting go of those thoughts,
The hatred of these people fades quickly.

5.
Hatred is never resolved by hatred.
But through kindness; that's the eternal truth.[1]

6.
Others don’t get this—“We humans are mortal.”[2]
Those who understand this quickly resolve their conflicts.

7.
Looking for enjoyable sights, unfettered by their senses,
Overindulging in food without limits, lazy and uninspired,
Death takes hold of them, like strong winds uproot delicate trees.

8.
Those who master their senses, ignoring enticing visuals,
Those who eat in moderation are dependable and strong.
Death can't shake them: storms can't move mountains.

9-10.
Without acknowledging their own flaws, who would don the monk's yellow, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__?
Without truth and training, they don't deserve to wear the monk's robe.
If they let go of all their faults and are taught in virtues,
Committed to training and truth, they deserve the monk's robe.

11-12.
In the false, recognizing the truth, and in the truth, identifying falsehood,
People avoid the truth and instead live in a fantasy.
But recognizing truth for what it is and falsehood for what it is,
People constantly connect with the truth by living according to positive thoughts.

13-14.
Just like rain seeps through a badly made thatched roof,
Desire fills an untrained mind:
As rain doesn’t seep through a well-thatched roof,
Desire never infiltrates a well-trained mind.

15.
Here he mourns and later regrets: the wrongdoer endures twice the pain,
He feels sorrow and distress when he realizes how ugly his actions are.

16.
Happy now, he's happy later: by doing good, he feels twice as glad:
He feels joyful and extremely happy when he recognizes the purity of his actions.

17.
Here he suffers, and later he suffers more: wrongdoers experience double the suffering:
Thoughts of wrongdoing can be tormenting, and it's even worse when they lead to hell.[4]

18.
He finds joy both now and later: by doing good, he's twice as happy:
Thinking about his good deeds brings him comfort, especially as he approaches heaven.

19.
Even if they recite many verses,__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ if they don’t practice what they say,
Lazy people who rely on the work of others can't be part of the brotherhood.

20.
Living by his words, even if he shares only a few lines,
Free from anger, desire, and ignorance, genuinely wise, with liberated thoughts,
Disregarding this world or that one, he is part of the brotherhood.

21.
Mindfulness brings eternal life; ignoring it leads to death!
Mindful people live on forever; those who aren't mindful are as good as dead.

22.
Understanding this clearly, wise individuals find happiness in being present and aware;
With mindfulness, they happily explore the fields of the Worthy Ones.

23.
Thoughtful, persistent, always determined,
Wise individuals find the Blissful Haven and achieve the ultimate safety.

24.
People who are mindful enhance their good reputation by approaching challenges with a calm mindset,
Honest in actions, with careful thoughts and positive behavior.

25.
Let the wise person, who is diligent, aware, self-controlled, and balanced,
Build an island that the flood can never erase.

26.
The foolish follow blindly, those who lack understanding;
Like valuable gems, wise people protect the treasure of mindfulness.

27.
Don’t hold on to ignorance, and don’t get caught in the traps of desire;
With effort and awareness, wisdom brings true happiness to many.

28.
Check it out! The wise one who clears away the fog of laziness with awareness,
Reaching the heights of knowledge, looking down without regret.
To all the suffering beings, just like a mountain dweller gazes at the flatlands.

29.
Hardworking among the lazy, alert among the inactive,
Just like a runner outpacing a slow horse, the wise person outshines fools.

30.
Maghavā attained the kingship of the gods through mindfulness;
Mindfulness is always celebrated; carelessness is constantly criticized.

31.
Monks who find joy in mindfulness, recognizing the risks of being careless,
Like a fire raging onward, burn away their major and minor ties.

32.
Monks who find joy in mindfulness, recognizing the risks of carelessness,
Cannot fall into ruin; they are near the shore of Nibbāna.

33.
The restless, flickering mind,
Hard to manage and tough to restrain,
The wise train in ways that suit them,
Like an archer preparing an arrow to hit the target.

34.
Like a fish tossed onto dry ground;
Taken from its watery home in a pond,[1]
Struggling with this wandering mind
To move on from the world of Māra.[2]

35.
Intangible, hard to understand,
Zooming off wherever it likes,
The good is mastering the mind;
A well-trained mind is a valuable asset.

36.
Invisible, definitely very subtle,
Hurrying to satisfy its desires,
Let the wise person observe this mind;
A cautious mind is a valuable thing to discover.

37.
Roaming, living separately,
Without a physical form, hiding in the cave of the heart,[3]
Those who master this mindset
Let go of all the ties of Māra.

38.
If he doesn't understand the Pure Doctrine,
If he doubts his faith and feels uncertain,
If his mind isn't made up,
His cup of wisdom will never be full.

39.
If his mind is free from desire,
If his thoughts avoid the flames of anger,
If he avoids both evil and good,
The awake person has nothing to fear.

40.
"The body is simply a clay vessel;
"The mind should be built like a fortress," he might say,
Let him fight against Mara, prepared.
With the tools of wisdom, brave and steady.
Let him be victorious, take care of himself, and stay clear of strong emotions.

41.
Soon, oh! soon on the ground
This body will lie here, worthless,
Forgotten, lacking the senses
Just a bunch of sticks, ineffective for defense.

42.
Whatever damage an enemy might cause,
No matter what grudges he may have against you,
He will find it much worse.
The damage caused by a poorly trained mind.

43.
No, not a dad or mom.
Could cause just as much harm; not a relative or anyone else;
He will find much greater
The benefits of a well-trained mind.

44.
Who can really understand this world?
What about the world of death and the world of light?
Who can choose the way
Clear display of righteousness,
Like a skilled hand choosing a bright flower?

45.
The disciple__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ gets this world right.
And the realm of death and the world of light;
The follower chooses the path
Of righteousness shown well,
Like a skilled hand selecting a bright flower.

46.
Seeing this body as akin to foam,
Illusory, understood only via wisdom,
Scattering death's flowery arrows,
He will enter a place where death doesn’t exist.

47.
Gathering life's little joys here and there,
With his mind fixated on the wait for pleasure,
Death arrives and takes him away,
Like a flood washes away a sleeping village.

48.
Picking life’s flowers here and there,
Having his mind preoccupied with the delay of enjoyment,
Always wanting more,
Death makes him its servant and claims him.

49.
Like a bee moving from flower to flower,
Without damaging the fragrance or the color of the flower,
And only takes the taste,
Let the wise person walk through the village.

50.
Not worried about other people's mistakes and shortcomings,
Neither the things they have done, nor what they have failed to do,
Should the wise person worry?
Let them concentrate on their own actions, both those they've completed and those they haven't.

51.
The flower is beautiful with its shades and colors;
But without a fragrance, its beauty feels hollow.
Well-spoken words are so beautiful,
But how empty are the words that aren't backed up by actions.

52.
The flower is beautiful with its color and vibrancy;
But if it has a scent, its beauty is not superficial;
The words that are well-spoken are so beautiful;
Words that are truly well-spoken are the ones that are backed by actions.

53.
As you collect many flowers
To make lots of garlands and crowns;
A mortal being can do the same.
Plant seeds of kindness.

54.
The smell of flowers can't win.
Against the wind, nor that of sandalwood and tagara__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__;
The scent of the saints drifts against the wind;
The fragrance of the saints fills the air everywhere.

55.
Sweet is the sandalwood, and sweet is the tagara,
And the faint scent of the lily is sweet;
But of all the pleasant scents
The sweetest scent by far is that of the saint.

56.
How insignificant is the smell of wood?
Of sandalwood or jasmine! Their scent is so faint!
Yet the fragrance of saints lingers.
Even among the gods, you're the best.

57.
People who live morally, people who live thoughtfully,
Perfect in wisdom, have gone beyond rebirth:
Even if someone searches for the imprints of their feet,
Death cannot reach them:__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ their journey has come to an end.

58-9.
On a pile of manure by the side of the road,
Just like a lily can blossom and flourish,
Delighting the senses with its natural scent:
So, illuminated by the wisdom of those who understand,
Among those who thrive in the manure

FNanchor_4_25

60.
The night feels endless for someone who's awake,
A league feels long to a tired traveler,
The cycle of births is extensive.
For those who don’t understand the truth about the Norm.

61.
If someone can't find a travel companion,
Someone equal to or better than him,
It's safer to keep going alone;
What kind of connection can there be with a fool?

62.
"I am the father of sons! I have wealth!"
The fool thinks he's smart in his ignorance and gets worried.
He doesn't own himself;
He can't really claim ownership of sons or wealth either.

63.
The wise person recognizes their own foolishness;
The fool who thinks he is wise is truly foolish.

64.
Even if a fool spends his entire life next to a wise man,
He never becomes any wiser,
Because he doesn’t grasp the Norm and its importance,
Like a spoon that never experiences the flavor of the soup.

65.
But a wise person who spends even a minute with the wise,
Quickly understands the Norm and its importance,
Like the tongue quickly tasting the broth.

66.
Fools roam around believing they are their own worst enemy,
And do bad things that will have painful consequences;

67.
A bad deed is poorly done when it causes sadness during the process,
Its results will lead to sadness and problems;

68.
A good deed is truly accomplished when it brings joy in the process.
Its results will be met with happiness and joy.

69.
“Oh, how sweet!” thinks the fool, before his evil deeds pay off.
When those evil actions lead to consequences, he discovers what sorrow feels like.

70.
Even though month after month with the sharp grass blade[1]
The fool eats his rice one grain at a time,
He doesn't even gain a quarter of what
Those who are grounded in Dhamma achieve.

71.
An evil act, like milk, doesn’t transform into curds,
But it burns the fool—like a hot coal beneath the ashes.

72.
Since his understanding is wasted on a fool,
His good fortune is completely gone.
It’s all on him; he’s overwhelmed by his own foolishness.

73-4.
If a fool craves respect that he hasn't earned,
The best seats in the monks' hall,__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ are reserved for those who have earned respect from the Order,
And admiration from everyday people who eagerly seek it;
“May the monks and laypeople appreciate my actions.”
“And follow my every desire—”
If those are the thoughts of the fool,
His pride and longing only increase within him.

75.
"Success in this life is one thing, reaching Nibbāna is something else:"
When a monk, a follower of the Buddha, understands
This truth is that he doesn’t seek honor and steers clear of it.
The paths of the world and a life lived in isolation.

76.
If you come across a wise person,
Like a guide to secret treasures,
Pointing out your flaws and weaknesses,
Follow them; this kind of company
Brings wealth, not misery.

77.
Anyone who offers advice and guidance,
And prevents you from making mistakes,
Is valued by the good,
But the evil do not care for them.

78.
Stay away from evil;
Don’t befriend the wicked;
Choose virtuous people as your companions;
Follow the Ideal People.

79.
Those who appreciate the sweetness of the Good Norm
Live in happiness with a peaceful mind;
In the Norm explained by saints
Smart people always find joy.

80.
Irrigators manage the water,
Fletchers straighten the arrows.
Carpenters level the wood,
But the wise have self-control.

81.
Just like a solid rock always
Remains steady in the wind,
Wise people stay grounded,
Unaffected by praise or criticism.

82.
Like a deep, clear body of water
That remains untouched by the wind,
Listening to the Good Vibe
Smart people find peace.

83.
When good people are nearby,
They don't participate in small talk;
When they encounter pain or pleasure,
Exude a calm, carefree vibe.

84.
They don't long for sons or riches.
For themselves or for others,
Do not crave power, and do not pursue what is unjust.
Self-serving advancement;
They are honorable, wise, and fair.

85.
Few of us mortals
Reached the far shore
Over there. But we others
On this side, walk back and forth.

86.
Those who cling to the teachings
Of the Norm explained clearly
Will arrive at the shore and cross over.
The challenging realm of Death.

87-8.
Leaving the state of darkness,
Let the wise welcome the pure;
Giving up your home for the homeless
Loneliness, where happiness is scarce,
Let them yearn for endless happiness.
Letting go of all desire,
Owning nothing and grounded in wisdom,
Purify their hearts from the marks of desire.

89.
Those with balanced minds
In the seven aspects of Wisdom,[1]
Who have let go of desire,
Detached, they celebrate.
Lifeless yet glowing,
Even in this world, they are free.[2]

90.
The person whose life is whole, without sadness, without suffering.
Whoever has sorted out all their problems will never experience pain again.

91.
For them, home life offers no happiness; they remain focused on the mind.
Like a swan departing from the wetlands, every home they leave behind.

92.
Those who don’t hoard treasures, eating what is known,[1]
Those who contemplate the Void, formless and unconditioned Space,
Like a bird flying in the sky, their paths are difficult to track.

93.
Those whose impurities have disappeared, self-reliant and independent,
Those who think about the Void, which is formless and unconditioned Space,
Just like a bird flying in the sky, it's difficult to follow their paths.

94.
The person whose senses are now calm, like a trained horse
(Pride left behind, impurities__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ removed), is celebrated among the gods.

95.
Like stable ground that doesn’t wobble, like the frame of a door,
Like a pool that’s clear of mud, such a saint is no longer born.

96.
Calm the mind of that person, and soothe their thoughts, words, and actions,
Freed by complete knowledge, released from life's demands.

97.
Independent and self-sufficient, knowledgeable about the Uncreate[4]
Who has broken the chains of action, freed from the cycle of rebirth,
All their desires have faded away; they are the noblest of all beings.

98.
In the village or the woods, on the water or on the ground,
Where the deserving ones live, there you will find the joys of the earth.

99.
Ah! The forests are wonderful! where those who seek worldly pleasures find no happiness,
There, those without passion find enjoyment, untouched by the tricks of the senses.

100.
Even if someone speaks a thousand words,
All meaningless phrases strung together,
It's better to say one phrase.
That calms the listener.

101.
Even if a song has a thousand words,
All the empty lyrics stitched together,
It's better to sing one verse.
That soothes the listener.

102.
Even if someone sings a hundred songs,
All blank lyrics strung together,
It's better to recite one verse of the Norm __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
That brings peace to the person listening.

103.
Even if someone wins a thousand times
A thousand soldiers in battle,
The one who masters themselves
Is the greatest conqueror.

104.
It's better to master oneself.
Rather than to conquer all these people;
If one can control themselves
And always stay in control,

105.
Neither the gods nor demigods __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Nor the Lord of the underworld[2]
Nor the Supreme God __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ can
Reverse their victory.

106.
Even if someone prays for a hundred years
Month after month with gifts,
If only for a moment
They idolize someone's feet.
Who has self-mastery,
Their worship is much better
To a lifetime of offerings.

107.
Even if someone spends a hundred years
Tending the sacred fire, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
If only for a moment
They idolize someone's feet.
Who has mastered themselves;
That worship is way better
Than their lifetime of services.

108.
Not all sacrifices
That are created in the world
In a year, to achieve something,
Are worth a quarter
Worship offered
To a virtuous person.

109.
Respect those who value.
Older individuals,
Receives four blessings:
Life, beauty, joy, and strength.

110.
Even if someone lives for a hundred years,
Unethical and out of control,
It's better to live for a day,
Ethical and self-disciplined.

111.
Even if someone lives for a hundred years
Recklessly and impulsively,
It's better to live for a day
Smart and well-managed.

112.
Even if someone lives for a hundred years
Without motivation or ambition,
It's better to live for a day
Pursuing with intent.

113.
Even if someone lives for a hundred years
Blind to rise and fall, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
It's better to live for a day
Watching the ups and downs.

114.
Even if someone lives to be a hundred years old
And doesn't see the Deathless State,[6]
It's better to live for a day
And witness the Deathless State.

115.
Even if someone lives for a hundred years
And doesn’t recognize the Supreme Norm,
It's better to live for a day
And see the supreme law.

116.
Act quickly to do good; steer your thoughts away from bad;
Being lazy about doing good makes a person more eager to do bad things.

117.
If you make a mistake, stop and let it go;
Don't find happiness in it; bad actions lead to sadness.

118.
If you do good, dedicate your life to doing good;
Find joy in it; doing good brings happiness.

119.
Sinners find joy while their wrongdoings are fresh;
When those sins grow, sorrow becomes evident.

120.
Good people notice wrongdoing when their good actions are fresh;
When good things come to fruition, happiness becomes evident.

121.
Don't think, "It won't happen to me";
Just like water fills a pot slowly, drop by drop,
Good people gradually develop their goodness.

122.
Don't think, "Good things can't happen to me";
Just like water fills a pot drop by drop,
Bad people gradually gather their own troubles.

123.
Just like the leader of a rich caravan,
Those with few guards are afraid of robbers;
Just as someone who loves life should steer clear of poison,
Be wise and safeguard yourself against harmful actions.

124.
You can deal with poison if your hand
Has no wounds; unbroken skin fears no poison;
There's no harm in someone who doesn't cause harm.

125.
Whoever harms an innocent creature,
In whom no blame can be found,
That fool's bad actions will catch up with him.
Like fine dust carried by the wind comes back again.

126.
Some people are born into a life on Earth;
Bad people go to hell, and good people go to heaven;
But holy saints are never reincarnated.

127.
Not in the air or in the middle of the ocean,
Nor hiding in a cave in the mountains,
Nor can you be anywhere on Earth
A place to escape your wrongdoings.

128.
Not in the air and not in the middle of the ocean,
Nor hiding in a cave in the mountains,
You can't be anywhere on Earth either.
Where death won't pursue or defeat you.

129.
All beings fear punishment, and everyone fears death;
Think of them as you would yourself; do not hit or kill.

130.
Everyone fears punishment; everyone cherishes their life;
Treat them as you would treat yourself; do not hit or kill.

131.
Whoever mistreats pleasure-seeking individuals,
They won't find happiness by looking for it just for themselves.

132.
Whoever treats pleasure-seeking individuals well,
You will find happiness when you search for it for yourself.

133.
Avoid using harsh words; when addressed harshly,
People might react; conflict is tough,
And you might have to deal with consequences for your harsh words.

134.
If you can keep from talking too much,
Silent as a broken gong, you have then
Achieved Nirvana; you are free from conflict.

135.
Just like a herder uses a stick to steer his cattle,
Death and aging have a significant impact on human lives.

136.
The idiot who does something wrong doesn't realize their mistake;
Their own actions consume them, just like a fire.

137.
Whoever hurts the innocent and defenseless
You will soon face one of these ten challenges;

138.
Severe pain, sickness, or physical deterioration,
Severe disaster or a troubled mind;

139.
Oppression from the leader, or defamation,
Loss of family, loss of everything we owned,

140.
His house was hit by lightning or fire;
At death, the poor fool finds himself reborn in hell.

141.
Not exposed skin, not messy hair or dirt,
Not too long fasting, nor sleeping on the ground,
No dust or squatting on your heels.
Can clear away a person filled with doubt.

142.
But someone who leads a calm and peaceful life,
Even if well-dressed, disciplined, and composed,
Living the right way,
Putting aside any harm to living beings,
Is a genuine seeker, a minimalist, and a person of integrity!

143.
Who in this world is so held back by shame?
That, like a racehorse struck by a whip,
Can blame be taken lightly?

144.
Through faith and virtue, effort, and thought
In perfect harmony, searching for the truth,
Mastering knowledge and forming good habits,
Achieving complete clarity of your thoughts,
You will get through this overwhelming pain.

145.
Just like farmers manage the flow of water,
As archers align their arrows,
As carpenters shape wood to suit their needs,
Righteous people discipline and refine themselves.

146.
Laugh and celebrate while the world is burning?
Oh, surrounded by darkness, will you not search for light?

147.
Look at this body covered in sores,
Feeling weak and trapped in endless thoughts.
Temporary, unstable, unsteady!

148.
Worn-out body, burdened by illness,
Fragile, decaying mass, just life in death!

149.
What joy is there in staring at these bleached bones,
Like worthless gourds thrown away in the fall!—

150.
A town made of bones and hidden beneath
With flesh and blood, the home and living space
Of aging and death, pride and hypocrisy!

151.
Just like a fancy royal carriage
Eventually, this body ages and falls into decay;
But Truth and Norm can't be affected by aging,
The holy ones really know no decay.

152.
Just like an ox, the foolish person grows old;
His body is growing, but his mind isn't developing.

153-4.
I went through many cycles of birth and death,
I'm not able to find the builder I was looking for. Life's journey.
Life involves birth, death, and rebirth, and it is filled with sorrow.
Now, builder of the house, you are recognized! You will build no longer!
All your rafters are damaged, and your beam is cracked!
Everything that made up this human self is gone;
The mind has overcome desire; I have made it across the stream![1]

155.
Those who have never walked the path in youth
Of righteousness, nor collected the wealth of wisdom.
Like herons in a pond without fish, they waste away.

156.
Those who have never walked the path in their youth
Of righteousness, nor accumulated wisdom's riches.
Like broken bows, they lie crying for their lost days.

157.
Do you care about yourself? Then make sure to take care of yourself.
Be smart and stay vigilant for one of the three watches.[1]

158.
First, prioritize getting fit; then, help others.
This way, you'll gain wisdom and stay clear of criticism.

159.
Make sure you practice what you preach to others.
When you control yourself, you can influence others; but mastering yourself is difficult.

160.
You are in control of your own life; who else could possibly control you?
By mastering yourself, you achieve a hard-fought victory.

161.
The damage caused by a person, originating from within that person,
Destroys the foolish person, just like a lightning strike shatters a stone jar.[2]

162.
Someone who is overwhelmed by sins, like a vine choking a tree,
They end up doing to themselves what even their enemies would wish.

163.
It’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt yourself;
But what's right and healthy is difficult to achieve.

164.
Anyone who disregards the advice of wise, just individuals
They bring destruction upon themselves through their own corruption,
Like bamboo trees that produce fruit and then fade away.

165.
Evil is committed by oneself; one is tainted by oneself;
Wrongdoing that isn't committed by oneself doesn't create impurity;
Each person is pure for themselves; each person is impure for themselves;
You can't clear someone else's negativity.

166.
Mind your own affairs and don’t worry about others', no matter how important they may seem; __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Having a clear understanding of your own issues leads to greater success.

167.
Don't follow a useless path;
Don't be lazy;
Don't fall for misleading teachings;
Redirect your attention from material things.

168-9.
Stand up! Get up! Put laziness aside;
Follow the path of what is right;
Blessed is the person who lives righteously,
Here and in the afterlife.

170.
Like a bubble on the water,
Like a mirage in the sand,
The person who looks down on the world like this,
Death the king can't see.

171.
Check it out! This world in all its beauty,
Like a fancy royal carriage,
Where a lot of fools are seated,
Has no authority over the wise.

172.
Once lazy,
But it's not like that anymore,
Lights up the world with splendor,
Like the moon breaking free from the clouds.

173.
Who, after doing wrong,
Covers his mistakes with good,
Lights up the world with beauty,
Like the moon breaking free from the clouds.

174.
This entire world is covered in darkness;
Few are those who can see;
Like the birds that break free from the trap,
Few people reach heaven.

175.
Look! The swans are flying along the sun's path,
Flying through the air magically;
Sage individuals leaving the world behind
Defeat Death and all his powers.

176.
Whoever breaks a minor rule with lies;
One who rejects future life
Will commit every evil act.

177.
Greedy people don't make it to heaven;
Fools don't care about kindness;
Someone who embraces charity
Finds happiness in heaven because of it.

178.
Authority on earth and happiness in heaven,
The sovereignty of all worlds—
He surpasses all of this.
Who has joined the stream?

179.
The Enlightened One, the unbeatable Champion,
Whose victory nothing in this world can take away.
Who wanders His expansive realm without a sign.
What ways can you guide Him to rebirth?[1]

180.
Free from the traps of desire's vast reach,
The Awakened One, who cannot be drawn by desire,
Who wanders His expansive realm without a sign.
What ways can you guide Him to be reborn?

181.
Those wise individuals who commit themselves to meditation,
Celebrate the joy of freedom, with minds guided, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
The gods envy them, those All-Awakened Ones.[2]

182.
Being born as a human is really tough;
It's hard to earn a living in this world;
Understanding the true doctrine is difficult; __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
The toughest part is being an All-Awakened One.

183.
"Don't do any evil;"
"Establish yourself in goodness; cleanse your thoughts."
This is the message from the Awakened Ones.

184.
Patience is the greatest form of self-discipline;
Nirvana, say the enlightened ones, is the greatest.

185.
"Don’t insult or hurt anyone, and live with self-control;"
Eat modestly; sleep and meditate by yourself;
"Keep your thoughts focused during meditation."
This is the message from the Awakened Ones.

186.
"Desire is never fulfilled, even when surrounded by wealth;
"Pleasure is temporary, and the pains of desire are intense."
Whoever says this and gets it is wise.

187.
He experiences no joy even in heavenly pleasures;
His happiness comes from letting go of all desire,
That follower of the All-Awakened Ones.

188.
Frightened people hold on to many a refuge,
Mountains, forests, thickets, and sacred trees;

189.
These are not a safe haven, nor a guaranteed way out,
Through these, we are not freed from all pain.

190.
Whoever seeks shelter in the Awakened One,
The Doctrine and the Brotherhood understand
With clear understanding of the Four Noble Truths,

191.
The reality of sadness, the reason for sadness, and the resolution of sadness,
The Noble Eightfold Path that leads to this—

192.
This is the safe haven, the guaranteed getaway;
This alone can free us from our troubles.

193.
It's hard to find someone of noble birth;
He isn't born in every country; the place
The place where that Sage is born is truly lucky.[4]

194.
Blessed is the arrival of the Awakened Ones;
Blessed is their teaching of the True Doctrine;
Blessed is the unity of the Brotherhood;
Living together in harmony is a blessing.

195.
The Awakened Ones and their followers,
Deserving of respect, have conquered everything.
The forces of evil crossed the sea of sorrow.

196.
Whoever worships Them, the honorable Ones,
In whom desires are satisfied and fears are eased,
No one can completely capture the worth of that person.

[1]

197.
Oh, how joyfully we live
Stay calm in the chaos!
Oh, how joyfully we spend our days.
Among those consumed by rage!

198.
Oh, how happy we are
Healthy among the ill!
Oh, how joyfully we spend our days.
Staying healthy among the sick!

199.
Oh, how happily we live
Free from greed in a world full of greed!
Oh, how joyfully we spend our days.
Among the greedy, yet unaffected by greed!

200.
Oh, how joyfully we live
Who wants for nothing at all!
Like ever-bright gods above,
The joys we nourish will last forever.

201.
Hate follows success;
The vanquished sit in sorrow.
But the peaceful live happily,
Moving beyond both victory and loss.

202.
There’s no fire like desire;
No wrongdoing brings as much misfortune as hate;
No pain is worse than physical pain;
No happiness compares to total peace.

203.
Hunger is the biggest plague,
Living in a body is the biggest burden;
Whoever truly understands this can say:
"Nirvana is the Ultimate Bliss."

204.
Health is the greatest asset;
Happiness is the greatest wealth;
A true friend is the best relative.
Nirvana is the Ultimate Bliss.

205.
Whoever enjoys the sweet taste
In solitude, one finds peace,
Is free from fear, free from wrongdoing,
Enjoying the sweetness of the Norm.

206.
It’s great to see the saints;
Being with them is a blessing;
If you never see the foolish,
A person can live happily.

207.
The group of fools
Always causes distress.
Living with fools is painful,
Like being with a foe,
But being around wise people brings happiness,
Like hanging out with family.

208.
If someone is kind and wise,
Expert in advanced knowledge,
Patient, responsible, a saint,
Honorable and wise; if such a person is out there,
Follow their path, just like the moon
Follow the path of the stars.

209.
Anyone who directs their thoughts unproductively,
Disregarding discipline,
Misses their goals and holds on to what they love,
Then envies those who dedicate themselves to meditation.

210.
Don't get too attached to the things you love or hate.
Being without close company,
Being around people we dislike brings us misery.

211.
Don't chase after love; losing what you care about leads to sadness;
Both are temporary.
People who are indifferent have no connections.

212.
Sorrow and fear arise from what we love.
If you are free from what you love,
How can you feel sadness? How can you be scared?

213.
From things we treasure, sorrow and fear come.
If you're free from what you hold dear,
How can you feel sadness or fear?

214.
Sorrow and fear come from pleasure.
No longer controlled by pleasure,
How can you feel sadness or fear?

215.
Sorrow and fear arise from desire.
If you’re free from all craving,
How can you feel sad? How can you be scared?

216.
Sadness and fear arise from yearning.
If you release your yearning,
You won't feel fear or sadness in your heart.

217.
A person who is honest and plays by the rules, speaking the truth,
Who takes care of their own business,[1]
That’s the person everyone adores.

218.
In whom the desire for the Nameless__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ has emerged,
Whose mind it has captured,
Whose thoughts are no longer conflicted by strong emotions,
That person is referred to as "a Climber of the Stream."[3]

219.
Just like when someone from a distant place
Finally home safe,
Family, friends, and loved ones waiting to welcome them;

220.
When someone has performed good deeds on earth,
When they have moved on,
All their good deeds, like family, are waiting for that person.

221.
Release your anger and set aside your pride;
Break all your chains;[1]
Detach from Identity and Form,[2]
The one who claims nothing as his own
Will never know sadness.

222.
The person who manages their growing anger,
Like a driver managing a wild team,
Is a true driver in my opinion;
Others just hold the reins.

Soothe anger with kindness,
Give generously to the stingy;
Truth conquers lies;
Repay bad deeds with kindness.

224.
Speak the truth calmly;
Give, even if it's small.
By following these three principles,
You will see the blessed gods.

225.
Wise ones harm no living being;
Self-control is their practice
Those people enter the Deathless Realm,[3]
Where all pain is forgotten.

226.
Always alert, day and night
Keep learning and gaining wisdom;
In those who seek peace __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
All cravings disappear. [5]

227.
There’s an old saying, Atula,
"They criticize the person who stays quiet,
Or the person who talks too much;
And they blame the person who seeks a compromise;
"Everyone in this world has something to answer for."

228.
There has never been, and there definitely won't be,
There is no longer among people,
A being who is fully blamed,
Nor someone who is completely praised.

229-30.
But there are people who are praised by wise individuals,
Watching them every day,
Living a perfect life, following sacred paths,
Considerate and insightful, like Jambu gold,[6]
Who would have the nerve to blame such a saint?
Not even the gods, nor Brahmā,
Don’t praise him.

231.
Watch out for angry actions;
Stay composed.
Reject all physical wrongdoings;
Walk the path with your body.

232. Be careful with your words when you're angry;
Stay calm;
Stop all harmful speech;
Stay on track in your speech.

233. Be careful of angry thoughts;
Stay calm;
Let go of negative thoughts;
Follow the Path in your thinking.

234.
In body, wise people are self-disciplined;
In both thoughts and words;
And they are genuinely referred to as Sages.
Who are disciplined in everything.

235.
Look! You are now a pale and shriveled leaf;
Death's messengers are nearby;
You are at the threshold of Death,
Yet you have no supplies for the trip.

236.
So create a stronghold for yourself;
Act quickly; be smart; when all the dirt
And dust is blown away, the saints
We'll welcome you to Happy Land.

237.
Your life has come to an end; you are close
The King of Death; for your home
You have no place to rest on the way,
And yet you haven't made any plans for the trip.

238.
Create a stronghold for yourself;
Act fast; be smart; clear away the dust.
And marks from travel; clean off the rust;
Then you will see no more birth and decay.

239.
A wise and thoughtful person acknowledges their mistakes.
Consistently, one by one,
In the correct sequence and removes all of them,
Just as a blacksmith removes the impurities from silver,

240.
Just like iron rust builds up
On its own, and gradually destroys itself;
So with the person who sins; day by day.
Their own actions bring about their downfall,

241.
Texts that aren't frequently repeated are quickly forgotten;
A neglected home quickly deteriorates;
Laziness ruins beauty; neglectful habits
Bring destruction to the one who is on guard.

242.
The problem with women is their impurity,
And gifts ruined by greed,
And a human, often stained by mistakes,
Finds destruction here and loss in the afterlife.

243.
However, there is a flaw that is much worse than any other.
What is that flaw? It's ignorance.
Free yourselves from this, O beggars!
Clean off this stain and remain pure.

244.
Life appears simple for those who live __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
Shameless and reckless like a crow,
A critic, who navigates through this life
Arrogant, shameless, and full of wrongdoings.

245.
But life isn't easy for someone who is held back.
By shame, those who aim to walk the right path,
All alone, removed from the public eye;
Who lives righteously and has the ability to see.

246-7.
The person who takes a life and speaks nothing but lies;
Who steals and dishonors someone else's wife;
A slave to alcohol, he even in this life
Undermines the foundation of his own wealth.

248.
Oh man, I know this: "It's hard to control evil behaviors."
Don't let your greed
And evil, the source of suffering,
Submit to your masters, or you will face prolonged suffering.

249.
People give based on their trust and faith.
Anyone who gazes at the food intended for others
With dissatisfaction and envy
Can't find peace of mind, day or night.

250.
But whoever ignores what others receive,
Whoever's heart is free from jealousy,
In whom the source of envy is eliminated,
Finds peace of mind all day and night.

251.
There's no fire that burns as intensely as desire;
No beast like hatred can consume;
No trap is as powerful as foolishness to catch you.
No flood can wash away greed.

252.
It's easy to notice other people's mistakes;
It's tough to recognize your own mistakes;
A person will pick apart other people's faults like separating chaff;
But just like a cheating gambler conceals the dice,
They make sure to hide their own flaws.

253.
Those who are constantly looking for someone else's mistakes,
Irritable and quick to get offended,
In them, their passions will flourish, and so
They drift further away from purging their sins.

254.
The sky's path leaves no traces; no visible signs.
Does the traveler of the Path show;
The crowd is held back by how things look;
Those who have reached the Goal are free from everything.

255.
The way of the sky leaves no trails; no visible signs.
Does the traveler of the Path reveal:
Nothing lasts; everything that is physical eventually fades away;
But nothing can disturb the Fully Awakened Ones.

256.
He isn't just someone who judges based on personal taste.
Those who thoughtfully consider right and wrong make choices.
He is referred to as a righteous man.

257.
Not by his choice, but with an open mind.
Following the rules, being considerate, and leading others,
He is known as a righteous man.

258.
A person isn't wise just because they speak frequently.
Patient and harmless, without any fear,
He is referred to as a wise person.

259.
You can't uphold the rules just by talking a lot.
Who observes the rules in action,__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ even if he
Has limited knowledge, but puts in a lot of effort to understand the rules,
That's the person who enforces the rules.

260.
Having gray hair doesn't mean someone is old.[2]
Even though he is old, if he has wasted all of his time,
He might be called foolish.

261.
True, good, safe, balanced, modest,
Wise and free from any flaws,
He is referred to as an elder.

262.
Not only through words or appearances,
If he's stingy, greedy, or dishonest,
Is anyone really respected?

263.
In the version where these issues are fixed,
Who has let go of his sins, who reflects,
That man is truly respected.

264.
Having a shaved head doesn't mean someone is a monk.[3]
If a person is dishonest and reckless,
Driven by desire and longing, how can he
Be referred to as a monk?

265.
But if he addresses his flaws, both major and minor,
Since he has put an end to all wicked habits,
He's a monk.

266.
He isn't a beggar who asks for food.[4]
Not someone who begs but someone who adheres to the rules,
He's homeless.

267.
He who has dismissed good and evil,
Who wisely lives righteously in this world,
He is homeless.

268.
He isn't a wise person just because he stays silent,[5]
If he is careless and unfocused.
But the one who balances and understands the truth,
Who wisely picks the good and turns away from the bad,
Anyone who sees both sides in this world is truly
A wise person.

270.
A person who harms living beings is not a good person.[6]
By being gentle to all beings
A person is called valuable.

271-2
Not only by being good or through rituals,
Not through extensive knowledge or ecstatic experiences,
Nor by a lonely life,
I don't find Bliss by sleeping alone.
Of freedom that is understood only by the enlightened.
By getting rid of all desire, the beggar[7]
Builds confidence.

273.
The best is the Eightfold Path: the four truths;[1]
Liberation from desire in the highest levels of existence.
Lucky is the person who has the clarity to understand.

274.
This is the way; no other route can take you there.
To clear the mind and find the truth.
Follow this path and free yourselves from the many troubles of Māra.

275.
Follow this path to find relief from sorrow.
Follow this path because I have revealed it.
I’ve demonstrated it after figuring out how to take off the thorns.[2]

276.
You have to put in the effort; Buddhas just show the path.
To those who put in the work. Those dedicated to meditation.
Those who walk this path are free from every bond of Māra.

277.
"Everything that is created is temporary."
Whoever reads this with their inner eye open
Quickly gets tired of feeling sad. This is the Path of Purity.

278.
"Everything that is created is born from sorrow";
Whoever sees this with their inner eye opened,
Easily grows weary of sadness. This is the Path of Purity.

279.
"All states that are created are without a self"; __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
Whoever sees this with their inner vision awakened,
Quickly gets tired of sadness. This is the Path of Purity.

280.
Whoever doesn’t put in effort when it’s time to put in effort,
Even though young and strong, they tend to be lazy and make foolish decisions,
Those who are weak in will and thought will never discover the path to knowledge.

281.
People who are careful with their words and thoughts, and who do no harm
With their body, cleansing the threefold path,[4]
Will follow the Path of Wisdom laid out by the sages.

282.
Wisdom comes from deep meditation,
But it can be lost due to a distracted mind; understanding this
Two paths of loss and gain, let him survive,
Let him guide his life in a way that allows wisdom to flourish.

283.
Cut down trees and brush, and let go of your desires![5]
From this jungle, fear of danger comes up;
Clear it away, you beggars, and let go of desire!

284.
If there’s even a hint, no matter how small,
Of a man's desire for a woman, like a calf.
Holding onto its mother, the mind will be trapped.

285.
Eliminate self-love on your own.
Just like picking an autumn lily;
Follow the Path of Peace that He who has walked it proclaimed.

286.
"I'll stay here during the rainy season;
"And here in heat and cold." That's what the fool thinks,
Little aware of the dangers that could befall him.

287.
Feeling weighed down by concerns for his sons and herds,
Attached to life, Death arrives and takes him away,
Like a flood washing away a quiet village.[6]

288.
Not all of his sons can protect that man;
No, nor can any relative protect him now;
How can family help him when Death has a grip?

289.
The wise person, when they realize this truth,
Held back by righteous living in line with the Norm,
Will soon clear the way to Perfect Bliss.

290.
If by letting go of a small pleasure
You see more happiness,
Choose the bigger gain wisely.
And focus on the greater good.

291.
Those who inflict pain on others,
Pursuing their own selfish happiness,
Are weighed down by the chains of hate
And can never escape that hate.

292. People who neglect their responsibilities,[1]
Doing what shouldn’t be done,
Arrogant and reckless in wrongdoing,
Get more corrupt.

293.
Those who protect their bodies,
Always monitor and safeguard;
Those who ignore others' needs,
Never stray from your duty;
Self-disciplined individuals who aspire,
Give it your all,
Fulfill your desires.

294.
Killing dad, killing mom,
With two famous warrior kings,
And a kingdom with all its people, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__
A Brāhmana stays blameless.

295.
Killing dad, killing mom,
With two kings of honorable name,
And a fifth who stands out as the best,[3]
A Brāhmana stays blameless.

296.
Those who stay alert day and night,
Meditate on Buddha,
Are followers of Gautama.

297.
Those who stay alert day and night,
Reflect on the Dhamma,
Are followers of Buddha.

298.
Those who stay alert day and night,
Reflect on the Sangha,
Are followers of Buddha.

299.
Those who stay alert day and night,
Meditate on your body.
Are followers of Gautama.

300.
Those who stay alert day and night,
Enjoy being harmless,
Are followers of Gautama.

301.
Those who stay alert day and night,
Enjoy the bliss,
Are followers of Buddha.

302.
Oh, it's hard to let go of the world,
But living a solitary life is tough;
It's hard to stay in certain places.
With people who don't get it;
It's hard to keep switching back and forth;
Stop being a drifter.[4]
Stop letting pain control you!


303.
Loyal and respected,
Filled with honor and fame,
He is admired and respected,
Wherever he chooses to live.

304.
Holy saints shine brightly
Like the mountain tops of the Himalayas;
Like the arrow that shoots through the darkness,
Evil people are never seen.

305.
Sitting alone, lying alone,
Acting independently and energetically;
Self-control, discover happiness
At the end of desire.