Book XIII. The World, Loka Vagga
167
One should not follow a life of evil, one should not dwell together with heedlessness,
One should not follow false views, one should not look with high regard upon the world.
168, 169
A man should exert himself, and should not live the life of Heedlessness.
A man should live righteously; for by living righteously
A man rests happily, both in this world and in the next.
A man should live righteously, not unrighteously;
For by living righteously a man rests happily, both in this world and in the next.
170
As a bubble, as a mirage, so should one view the world;
If a man so look upon the world, the King of Death sees him not.
171
Come, look upon this world; it resembles the gaudy chariot of a king;
In it simpletons sink down, but the discerning cherish no attachment for it.
172
He who, heedless before, heedless is no more,
Illumines this world as does the moon freed from a cloud.
173
He whose past misdeeds are covered by good deeds,
Illumines this world as does the moon freed from a cloud.
174
Blind is this world; few are there here that see;
As few go to heaven as birds escape from a net.
175
Swans follow the track of the sun; they that possess magical power go through the air;
The resolute are conducted out of this world, having conquered Māra and his train.
176
If a man break one commandment, if he speak lies,
If he abandon the next world, there is no evil deed he will not commit.
177
The niggardly go not to the World of the Gods; simpletons applaud not almsgiving;
But the wise man applauds almsgiving, and therefore wins happiness in the world beyond.
178
In comparison with sovereignty over the earth, in comparison with going to heaven,
In comparison with supremacy over all the worlds, the Fruit of Conversion is of supreme excellence.