DHAMMAPADA
(Dhp 3). Cittavagga: The Mind
translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu © 1997–2009
33-37
hard to guard,
to hold in check:
the mind.
The sage makes it straight —
like a fletcher,
the shaft of an arrow.
Like a fish
pulled from its home in the water
& thrown on land:
this mind flips & flaps about
to escape Mara’s sway.
Hard to hold down,
nimble,
alighting wherever it likes:
the mind.
Its taming is good.
The mind well-tamed
brings ease.
So hard to see,
so very, very subtle,
alighting wherever it likes:
the mind.
The wise should guard it.
The mind protected
brings ease.
Wandering far,
going alone,
bodiless,
lying in a cave:
the mind.
Those who restrain it:
from Mara’s bonds
they’ll be freed.
not knowing true Dhamma,
serenity
set adrift:
discernment doesn’t grow full.
unassaulted
awareness,
abandoning merit & evil,
wakeful,
there is no danger
no fear.
is like a clay jar,
securing this mind
like a fort,
attack Mara
with the spear of discernment,
then guard what’s won
without settling there,
without laying claim.
will lie on the ground
cast off,
bereft of consciousness,
like a useless scrap
of wood.
to an enemy,
or a foe to a foe,
the ill-directed mind
can do to you
even worse.
Whatever a mother, father
or other kinsman
might do for you,
the well-directed mind
can do for you
even better.
Provenance: ©1997 Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Transcribed from a file provided by the translator.
This Access to Insight edition is ©1997–2009 John T. Bullitt.
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