Sentences of the Law

Book II. Heedfulness, Appamāda Vagga

21, 22, 23

Heedfulness is the Way to the Deathless; heedlessness is the way to death.
The heedful never die, but they that are heedless are, as it were, dead already.

Knowing this clearly, they that are advanced in heedfulness
Delight in heedfulness, and rejoice in the state of the Elect.

They that devote themselves to meditation, they that are persevering, they that put forth resolute effort.
They, the wise, attain Nibbāna, the highest bliss.

24

If a man exert himself, if he be ever mindful, if his deeds be pure, if he be circumspect of conduct,
If he control himself, if he live in accordance with the Law, if he be heedful, his glory ever increases.

25

By rousing himself, by heedfulness, by controlling himself, by restraining himself,
A wise man may make for himself an island which the flood can never overwhelm.

26, 27

Simpletons, folk of little intelligence, are given to heedlessness;
But the intelligent man preserves heedfulness as his greatest treasure.

Give not yourselves up to heedlessness; indulge not in lust and sensual pleasure;
For he that is heedful and practices meditation attains profound happiness.

28

When the wise man banishes heedlessness by heedfulness,
He climbs the terrace of wisdom, and free from sorrow, looks upon the sorrowing folk of the world.
Steadfast, as though standing on a mountain-top, he gazes upon the simpletons standing on the ground below.

29

Heedful among the heedless, watchful among the sleeping,
Even as a racer outstrips a hack, even so goes a wise man.

30

By heedfulness Maghavā attained leadership of the gods;
All men praise heedfulness; heedlessness is ever reprobated.

31

A monk who delights in heedfulness and views heedlessness with fear
Advances like a fire, consuming attachments both small and great.

32

A monk who delights in heedfulness and views heedlessness with fear,
Is not liable to fall away, but is nigh even unto Nibbāna.