Sentences of the Law
Book III. Thoughts, Citta Vagga
33, 34
Thoughts, unsteady, fickle, difficult to guard, difficult to control,
A wise man makes straight, even as a fletcher his arrow.
Like a fish thrown up on dry land from his watery home.
These thoughts writhe and quiver in their efforts to shake off the power of Māra.
35
Thoughts are unruly and flighty, and flit and flutter wherever they list.
It is a good thing to tame the thoughts; tamed thoughts bring happiness.
36
Thoughts are exceedingly hard to see, exceedingly subtle, and flit and flutter wherever they list.
A wise man should guard his thoughts; guarded thoughts bring happiness.
37
Thoughts wander afar, wander alone, are bodiless, seek a hiding place;
Whoso restrain their thoughts will obtain release from the bond of Māra.
38, 39
He whose heart abides not steadfast.
He who knows not the Good Law,
He whose faith flounders about,
Such a man lacks perfect wisdom.
He whose heart is unwetted by the rain of lust.
He whose heart is unsinged by the fire of ill-will.
He who has renounced both good and evil.
He who is vigilant, - such a man has nothing to fear.
40
Realizing that this body is fragile as a jar, establishing these thoughts as firm as a city,
One should attack Māra with the weapon of wisdom; one should stand guard over Māra when he is defeated; one should never rest.
41
In no long time this body will lie on the ground,
Despised, with consciousness departed, like a useless log.
42
Whatever a hater may do to a hater, or an enemy to an enemy,
Thoughts attached to falsehood will do a man yet more harm.
43
Neither mother nor father could do this, nor other relatives besides;
Thoughts well-directed could do this far better.