4. Apramādavarga
The Chapter about Heedfulness
(39 Verses)
[84 ≈ Dhp 21]
[stm.]
Apramādo hy amṛtapadaṁ, pramādo mṛtyunaḥ padam,
Heedfulness is the path to the deathless, heedlessness is the path to death,
apramattā na mriyante, ye pramattāḥ sadā mṛtāḥ. 4.1
the heedful do not die, (but) those who are heedless are always dead.
A-pramādaḥ (m. nom. sg.) heedfulness; hy (separator); amṛta-padam (n. acc. sg.) the path to the deathless; pramādaḥ (m. nom. sg.) heedlessness; mṛtyunaḥ (m. dat. sg.) to death; padam (n. nom. sg.) path; a-pramattāḥ (m. nom. pl. pp.) heedfulness; na (indec.) not; mriyante (3rd. pl. pres. pass.) die; ye (m. nom. pl. rel. pron.) those who; pramattāḥ (m. nom. pl. pp.) heedless; sadā (indec.) always; mṛtāḥ (m. nom. pl. pp.) dead.
Appamādo amatapadaṁ, pamādo maccuno padaṁ,
Heedfulness is the path to the deathless, heedlessness is the path to death,
appamattā na mīyanti, ye pamattā yathā matā.
the heedful do not die, (but) those who are heedless are as if dead.
[85 ≈ Dhp 22]
[adm.]
Etāṁ viśeṣatāṁ jñātvā hy apramādasya, paṇḍitaḥ,
Knowing this distinguishing feature of heedfulness, the wise one,
apramādaṁ pramudyeta nityam āryaḥ svagocaram. 4.2
the noble one, should constantly rejoice in heedfulness, which is his own domain.
Etām (f. acc. sg. dem. pron.) this; viśeṣatām (f. acc. sg.) distinguishing; jñātvā (abs.) having known; hy (separator); a-pramādasya (m. gen. sg.) of heedfulness; paṇḍitaḥ (m. nom. sg.) a wise one; a-pramādam (m. acc. sg.) heedfulness; pramudyeta (3rd. sg. opt.) should rejoice; nityam (indec.) constantly; āryaḥ (m. nom. sg.) noble one; sva-gocaram (m. acc. sg.) his own domain.
Etaṁ visesato ñatvā, appamādamhi paṇḍitā,
Knowing this distinguishing feature of heedfulness, the wise
appamāde pamodanti, ariyānaṁ gocare ratā.
rejoice in heedfulness, delighting in the noble ones’ domain.
[86 ≈ Dhp 23]
[stm.]
Apramattāḥ sātatikā, nityaṁ dṛḍhaparākramāḥ,
The heedful, persevering, constantly steadfast in their effort,
spṛśanti dhīrā Nirvāṇaṁ, yogakṣemam anuttaram. 4.3
the steadfast ones experience Nirvāṇa, the unsurpassed safety.
A-pramattāḥ (m. nom. pl. pp.) the heedful; sātatikāḥ (m. nom. pl.) persevering; nityam (indec.) always; dṛḍha-parākramāḥ (m. nom. pl.) steadfast in effort; spṛśanti (3rd. pl. pres.) experience; dhīrāḥ (m. nom. pl.) the steadfast ones; Nirvāṇam (n. acc. sg.) Nirvāṇa; yoga-kṣemam (m. acc. sg.) safety; an-uttaram (m. acc. sg.) unsurpassed.
Te jhāyino sātatikā, niccaṁ daḷhaparakkamā,
Those meditators, persevering, constantly steadfast in their effort,
phusanti dhīrā Nibbānaṁ, yogakkhemaṁ anuttaraṁ.
those steadfast ones experience Nibbāna, the unsurpassed safety. The commentary interprets this to mean: Yogakkhemaṁ anuttaran-ti ye cattāro yogā mahājanaṁ vaṭṭe osīdāpenti; the unsurpassed safety from the yokes means those four yokes which cause the multitude to sink in the cycle of existence. The four yokes are defined as the same as the four pollutants (āsavās): desire (kāma), existence (bhava), wrong views (diṭṭhi) and ignorance (avijjā).
[87 ≈ Dhp 28]
[stm. + sim.]
Pramādam apramādena yadā nudati paṇḍitaḥ,
When the wise one eliminates heedlessness through heedfulness,
prajñāprāsādam āruhya, tv aśokaḥ, śokinīṁ prajām,
mounting the palace of wisdom, griefless, on grieving people,
parvatasthaiva bhūmisthāṁ dhīro bālān avekṣate. 4.4
on the fools, the steadfast one looks down, The syntax is awkward here as one of the objects sokiniṁ pajaṁ (grieving people) is on the previous line, it has to be brought forward in alignment with bālān (the fools) to understand the sense of the line. like one standing on a mountain looks down on those standing on the plains.
Pramādam (m. acc. sg.) heedlessness; a-pramādena (m. inst. sg.) through heedfulness; yadā (indec.) when; nudati (3rd. sg. pres.) eliminates; paṇḍitaḥ (m. nom. sg.) the wise one; prajñā-prāsādam (m. acc. sg.) the palace of wisdom; āruhya (abs.) mounting; tv (separator); a-śokaḥ (m. nom. sg.) griefless; śokinīm (f. acc. sg.) grieving; prajām (f. acc. sg.) the people; parvata-sthaḥ (m. nom. sg.) being on a mountain; iva (indec.) like; bhūmi-sthām (f. acc. sg.) standing on the plains; dhīraḥ (m. nom. sg.) the steadfast one; bālān (m. acc. pl.) fools; avekṣate (3rd. sg. pres. pass.) looks down upon.
Pamādaṁ appamādena yadā nudati paṇḍito,
When the wise one eliminates heedlessness through heedfulness,
paññāpāsādam-āruyha, asoko, sokiniṁ pajaṁ,
mounting the palace of wisdom, griefless, on grieving people,
pabbataṭṭho va bhummaṭṭhe dhīro bāle avekkhati.
on the fools, the steadfast one looks down, like one standing on a mountain looks down on those standing on the plains.
[88 ≈ Dhp 25]
[stm. + ana.]
Utthānenāpramādena, saṁyamena damena ca,
Through energy, heedfulness, and through restraint and training,
dvīpaṁ karoti medhāvī tam ogho nābhimardati. 4.5
the intelligent one makes an island that a flood cannot destroy.
Utthānena (n. inst. sg.) through energy; a-pramādena (m. inst. sg.) through heedfulness; saṁyamena (m. inst. sg.) through restraint; damena (m. inst. sg.) by training; ca (indec.) and; dvīpam (n. acc. sg.) an island; karoti (3rd. sg. pres.) makes; medhāvī (m. nom. sg.) the intelligent one; tam (n. acc. sg. dem. pron.) that; oghaḥ (m. nom. sg.) the flood; na (indec.) not; abhimardati (3rd. sg. pres.) destroys.
Uṭṭhānen’ appamādena, saṁyamena damena ca,
Through industry, heedfulness, and through restraint and self-control,
dīpaṁ kayirātha medhāvī yaṁ ogho nābhikīrati.
the intelligent one should make an island that a flood cannot overwhelm.
[89 ≈ Dhp 24]
[stm.]
Utthānavataḥ smṛtātmanaḥ, śubhacittasya niśāmyacāriṇaḥ,
For the one who is energetic, mindful of himself, discerning in conduct, for one of pure mind,
saṁyatasya hi Dharmajīvino, hy apramattasya yaśobhivardhate. 4.6
restrained, living by Dharma, and heedful, fame greatly increases.
Utthānavataḥ (m. gen. sg.) for the energetic one; smṛta-ātmanaḥ (m. gen. sg.) for one mindful of himself; śubha-cittasya (m. gen. sg.) for one of pure mind; niśāmya-cāriṇaḥ (m. gen. sg.) for one discerning in conduct; saṁyatasya (m. gen. sg. pp.) for the restrained one; hi (indec.) indeed; Dharma-jīvinaḥ (m. gen. sg.) for one living by the Dharma; hy (separator); a-pramattasya (m. gen. sg. pp.) for the heedful one; yaśaḥ (n. nom. sg.) fame; abhivardhate (3rd. sg. pres. pass.–>act.) increases.
Uṭṭhānavato satīmato, sucikammassa nisammakārino,
For the one who is industrious, mindful, of pure deeds, considerate,
saññatassa ca Dhammajīvino, appamattassa yasobhivaḍḍhati.
restrained, living by Dhamma, and heedful, fame greatly increases.
[90]
[adm.]
Adhicetasi mā pramadyata, pratataṁ maunapadeṣu śikṣata,
Do not be heedless regarding higher thought, you must train diligently in the paths of the sage,
śokā na bhavanti tāyino, hy upaśāntasya, sadā smṛtātmanaḥ. 4.7
there are no griefs for such a one, for the one at peace, ever mindful of himself.
Adhicetasi (n. loc. sg.) regarding higher thought; mā (indec.) do not; pramadyataḥ (2nd. sg. imp.) be heedless!; pratatam (indec.) diligently; mauna-padeṣu (n. loc. pl.) in the paths of the sage; śikṣata (2nd. sg. imp.) must train; śokāḥ (m. nom. pl.) griefs; na (indec.) not; bhavanti (3rd. pl. pres.) are; tāyinaḥ (m. gen. sg.) for such a one; hy (separator); upaśāntasya (m. gen. sg. pp.) for one who is peaceful; sadā (indec.) always; smṛta-ātmanaḥ (m. gen. sg.) for one mindful of himself.
[91 ≈ Dhp 167]
[adm.]
Hīnāṁ dharmāṁ na seveta, pramādena na saṁvaset,
One should not pursue lowly thoughts, one should not live with heedlessness,
mithyādṛṣṭiṁ na roceta, na bhavel lokavardhanaḥ. 4.8
one should not approve of a wrong view, one should not foster worldliness.
Hīnām (m. acc. pl. adj.–>adv.) lowly; dharmān (m. acc. pl.) thoughts; na (indec.) not; seveta (3rd. sg. opt.) one should pursue; pramādena (m. inst. sg.) with heedlessness; na (indec.) not; saṁvaset (3rd. sg. opt.) should live; mithyā-dṛṣṭim (f. acc. sg.) a wrong view; na (indec.) not; roceta (3rd. sg. opt.) should approve of; na (indec.) not; bhavet (3rd. sg. opt.) should be; loka-vardhanaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one who fosters worldliness.
Hīnaṁ dhammaṁ na seveyya, pamādena na saṁvase,
One should not pursue a lowly thoughts, one should not live with heedlessness,
micchādiṭṭhiṁ na seveyya, na siyā lokavaḍḍhano.
one should not pursue a wrong view, one should not foster worldliness.
[92]
[stm.]
Samyagdṛṣṭir adhīmātrā laukikī yasya vidyate,
One in whom worldly right view beyond measure is found,
api jātisahasrāṇi, nāsau gacchati durgatim. 4.9
even for thousands of births, that one does not go to a bad destination.
Samyag-dṛṣṭiḥ (f. nom. sg.) right view; adhimātrā (f. nom. sg.) beyond measure; laukikī (f. nom. sg.) worldly; yasya (m. gen. sg. rel. pron.) in whom; vidyate (3rd. sg. pres. pass.) is found; api (indec.) even; jāti-sahasrāṇi (n. nom. pl.) thousands of births; na (indec.) not; asau (m. nom. sg. dem. pron.) that one; gacchati (3rd. sg. pres.) goes; dur-gatim (f. acc. sg.) a bad destination.
[93 ≈ Dhp 26]
[stm. + sim.]
Pramādam anuvartante bālā durmedhaso janāḥ,
Fools, unintelligent people, indulge in heedlessness,
apramādaṁ tu medhāvī, dhanaṁ śreṣṭhīva rakṣati. 4.10
but the intelligent one guards heedfulness, like one guards the greatest wealth.
Pramādam (m. acc. sg.) heedlessness; anuvartante (3rd. pl. pres.) indulge in; bālāḥ (m. nom. pl.) fools; dur-medhasaḥ (m. nom. pl.) the unintelligent; janāḥ (m. nom. pl.) people; a-pramādam (m. acc. sg.) heedfulness; tu (indec.) but; medhāvī (m. nom. sg.) the intelligent one; dhanam (n. acc. coll. sg.) wealth; śreṣṭham (n. acc. sg.) greatest; iva (indec.) like; rakṣati (3rd. sg. pres.) guards.
Pamādam-anuyuñjanti bālā dummedhino janā,
Fools, unintelligent people, practice heedlessness,
appamādañ-ca medhāvī dhanaṁ seṭṭhaṁ va rakkhati.
but the intelligent one guards heedfulness like one guards the greatest wealth.
[94 cf. Dhp 26 above]
[stm.]
Pramādam anuvartante bālā durmedhaso janāḥ,
Fools, unintelligent people, indulge in heedlessness,
apramattaḥ, sadā dhyāyī, prāpnute hy āsravakṣayam. 4.11
the heedful one, the meditator, always attains the destruction of the pollutants.
Pramādam (m. acc. sg.) heedlessness; anuvartante (3rd. pl. pres.) indulge in; bālāḥ (m. nom. pl.) fools; dur-medhasaḥ (m. nom. pl.) the unintelligent; janāḥ (m. nom. pl.) people; a-pramattaḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) the heedful one; sadā (indec.) always; dhyāyī (m. nom. sg.) the meditating one; prāpnute (3rd. sg. pres.) attains; hy (separator); āsrava-kṣayam (m. acc. sg.) the destruction of the pollutants.
[95 ≈ Dhp 27]
[adm.]
Pramādaṁ nānuyujyeta, na kāmaratisaṁstavam,
One should not apply oneself to heedlessness, nor take intimate delight in desire,
apramattaḥ sadā dhyāyī, prāpnute hy acalaṁ sukham. 4.12
the heedful one, the meditator, always attains unmoving happiness.
Pramādam (m. acc. sg.) heedlessness; na (indec.) not; anuyujyeta (3rd. sg. opt. mid.) should apply oneself to; na (indec.) nor; kāma-rati-saṁstavam (m. acc. sg.) intimate delight in sensual pleasures; a-pramattaḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) the heedful one; sadā (indec.) always; dhyāyī (m. nom. sg.) the meditating one; prāpnute (3rd. sg. pres.) attains; hy (separator); a-calam (n. acc. sg.) unmoving; sukham (n. acc. coll. sg.) happiness.
Mā pamādam-anuyuñjetha, mā kāmaratisanthavaṁ,
Do not practice heedlessness, you must not take intimate delight in desire,
appamatto hi jhāyanto, pappoti vipulaṁ sukhaṁ.
the heedful one, the meditator, attains great happiness.
[96]
[adm. + sim.]
Nāyaṁ pramādakālaḥ syād, aprāpte hy āsravakṣaye,
This should not be the time for heedlessness, while the destruction of the pollutants is unattained, This is a locative absolute construction, giving the meaning: While…
Māraḥ pramattam anveti, siṁhaṁ vā mṛgramātṛkā. 4.13
Māra follows the heedless, like a lion follows a mother deer.
Na (indec.) not; ayam (m. nom. sg. dem. pron.) this; pramāda-kālaḥ (m. nom. sg.) a time for heedlessness; syāt (3rd. sg. opt.) should be; aprāpte (m. loc. abs. sg. pp.) while not attained; hy (separator); āsrava-kṣaye (m. loc. abs. sg.) in the destruction of the pollutants; Māraḥ (m. nom. sg.) Māra; pramattam (m. acc. sg. pp.) the heedless one; anveti (3rd. sg. pres.) follows; siṁham (m. acc. sg.) a lion; vā (indec.) like; mṛga-mātṛkām (f. acc. sg.) a mother deer.
[97 ≈ Dhp 309]
[stm.]
Sthānāni catvāri naraḥ pramatta, āpadyate yaḥ paradārasevī:
There are four states the man who is heedless, who consorts with other men’s wives, undergoes:
apuṇyalābhaṁ, hy anikāmaśayyāṁ, nindāṁ tṛtīyaṁ, narakaṁ caturtham. 4.14
he gains demerit, restless sleep, blame as third, and (rebirth in) purgatory as fourth.
Sthānāni (n. nom. pl.) states; catvāri (n. nom. pl. num.) four; naraḥ (m. nom. sg.) a man; pramattaḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) heedless; āpadyate (3rd. sg. pres. pass.) undergoes; yaḥ (m. nom. sg. rel. pron.) one who; para-dāra-sevī (m. nom. sg.) one who consorts with another’s wife; a-puṇya-lābham (m. acc. sg.) the gaining of demerit; hy (euphonic particle); anikāma-śayyām (f. acc. sg.) an unpleasant bed; nindām (f. acc. sg.) blame; tṛtīyam (n. nom. sg.) the third; narakam (m. acc. sg.) purgatory; caturtham (n. nom. sg.) the fourth.
Cattāri ṭhānāni naro pamatto, āpajjatī paradārūpasevī:
There are four states the man who is heedless, who consorts with other men’s wives, undergoes:
apuññalābhaṁ, na nikāmaseyyaṁ, nindaṁ tatīyaṁ, nirayaṁ catutthaṁ.
he gains demerit, restless sleep, blame as third, and (rebirth in) the purgatory as fourth.
[98.i ≈ Dhp 310]
[adm.]
Apuṇyalābhaṁ ca gatiṁ ca pāpikāṁ, bhītasya bhītābhir athālpikāṁ ratim,
There is the As in many verse texts bhavati is assumed, even when not written. gaining of demerit and a bad destination, the meagre delight of a frightened man with frightened women,
nindāṁ ca paśyaṁ nṛpateś ca daṇḍaṁ – parasya dārāṇi vivarjayeta. 4.15
and seeing blame and a king’s punishment – one should avoid another’s wives. We may have expected a word indicating consequence in this line (compare tasmā in the parallel), but it is left out, and instead we simply have an advisory statement.
A-puṇya-lābham (m. acc. sg.) the gaining of demerit; ca (indec.) and; gatim (f. acc. sg.) destination; ca (indec.) and; pāpikām (f. acc. sg.) demerit; bhītasya (m. gen. sg. pp.) of a frightened man; bhītābhiḥ (f. inst. pl. pp.) with frightened women; atha (indec.) and and; alpikām (f. acc. sg.) meager; ratim (f. acc. sg. pp.) delight; nindām (f. acc. sg.) blame; ca (indec.) and; paśyan (m. nom. sg. prp.) seeing; nṛpateḥ (m. gen. sg.) of a king; ca (indec.) and; daṇḍam (m. acc. sg.) punishment; parasya (m. gen. sg.) of another; dārān (m. acc. pl.) wives; vivarjayeta (3rd. sg. opt.) one should avoid.
Apuññalābho ca gatī ca pāpikā, bhītassa bhītāya ratī ca thokikā,
There is the gaining of demerit and a bad destination, the meagre delight of a frightened man with a frightened woman,
rājā ca daṇḍaṁ garukaṁ paṇeti, tasmā naro paradāraṁ na seve.
and a king who applies heavy punishment, therefore a man should not consort with another’s wife.
[98.ii cf. Dhp 310 above]
[stm.]
Apuṇyalābhaś ca gatiś ca pāpikā, bhītasya bhītābhir athālpikā ratiḥ,
There is the gaining of demerit and a bad destination, the meagre delight of a frightened man with frightened women,
rājā ca daṇḍaṁ gurukaṁ dadāti – kāyasya bhedād narakeṣu pacyate. 4.15
and a king who gives heavy punishment – upon the break up of the body he is tormented in the purgatories. In the previous verse we were warned what would happen; here we see the consequences of not heeding that warning.
A-puṇya-lābham (m. acc. sg.) the gaining of demerit; ca (indec.) and; gatim (f. acc. sg.) destination; ca (indec.) and; pāpikām (f. acc. sg.) bad; bhītasya (m. gen. sg. pp.) of a frightened man; bhītābhiḥ (f. inst. pl. pp.) with frightened (women); atha (indec.) and; alpikām (f. acc. sg.) meager; ratiḥ (f. nom. sg. pp.) delight; rājā (m. nom. sg.) a king; ca (indec.) and; daṇḍam (m. acc. sg.) punishment; gurukam (m. acc. sg.) heavy; dadāti (3rd. sg. pres.) gives; kāyasya (m. gen. sg.) of the body; bhedāt (m. abl. sg.) upon the break up; narakeṣu (m. loc. pl.) in the purgatories; pacyate (3rd. sg. pres. pass.) is tormented.
[99 ≈ SN 2.22:4]
[adm. + sim.]
Pratiyatyeva tat kuryād yaj jāned dhitam This illustrates a euphonic rule, whereby -d at the end of a word will geminate a d at the beginning of the next word if it begins with h-. Compare tasmād dhi, yadvad dhi, etad dhi elsewhere in this text. ātmanaḥ,
One should carefully do that which one knows is beneficial for oneself,
na śākaṭikacintābhir, mandaṁ dhīraḥ parākramet. 4.16
not with a cart-driver’s thoughts, foolishly, should a steadfast one strive.
Pratiyatyā (indec.) carefully; eva (indec.) indeed; tat (n. acc. sg. dem. pron.) that; kuryāt (3rd. sg. opt.) one should do; yat (n. acc. sg. rel. pron.) that which; jānet (3rd. sg. opt.) one should know; hitam (n. acc. sg.) beneficial; ātmanaḥ (m. gen. sg.) for oneself; na (indec.) not; śākaṭika-cintābhiḥ (f. inst. pl.) with a cart-driver’s thoughts; mandam (indec.) foolishly; dhīraḥ (m. nom. sg.) the steadfast; parākramet (3rd. sg. opt.) should strive.
Paṭikacceva taṁ kayirā, yaṁ jaññā hitam-attano,
First of all one should do that which one knows is beneficial for oneself,
na sākaṭikacintāya, mantā dhīro parakkame.
not with a cart-driver’s thought, should a steadfast, thinking man proceed.
[100-101 ≈ SN 2.22:5-6]
[stm. + sim.]
Yathā śākaṭiko mārgaṁ samaṁ hitvā mahāpatham,
Just as a cart-driver, having abandoned the even path, a highway,
viṣamaṁ mārgam āgamya, cchinnākṣaḥ śocate bhṛśam, 4.17
and coming to a path that is uneven, grieves intensely like one with a broken axle,
Yathā (indec.) just as; śākaṭikaḥ (m. nom. sg.) a cart-driver; mārgam (m. acc. sg.) the path; samam (m. acc. sg.) even; hitvā (abs.) having abandoned; mahā-patham (m. acc. sg.) a highway; viṣamam (m. acc. sg.) uneven; mārgam (m. acc. sg.) the path; āgamya (abs.) having come; chinna-akṣaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one with a broken axle; śocate (3rd. sg. pres.) one grieves; bhṛśam (indec.) intensely.
evaṁ Dharmād apakramya, hy adharmam anuvartya ca,
so, departing from the Dharma, and following what is not Dharma,
bālo mṛtyuvaśaṁ prāptac, chinnākṣa iva śocate. 4.18
a fool, having come into the power of death, grieves like one with a broken axle.
Evam (indec.) so; Dharmāt (m. abl. sg.) from the Dharma; apakramya (abs.) having departed; hy (separator); a-dharmam (m. acc. sg.) not Dharma; anuvartya (abs.) following; ca (indec.) and; bālaḥ (m. nom. sg.) a fool; mṛtyu-vaśam (m. acc. sg.) the power of death; prāptaḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) come into; chinna-akṣaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one with a broken axle; iva (indec.) like; śocate (3rd. sg. pres.) one grieves.
Yathā sākaṭiko maṭṭhaṁ samaṁ hitvā mahāpathaṁ,
Just as a cart-driver, having abandoned the smooth, even highway,
visamaṁ maggam-āruyha, akkhacchinno va jhāyati,
and mounted a path that is uneven, worries like one with a broken axle,
evaṁ Dhammā apakkamma, adhammam-anuvattiya,
so, departing from Dhamma, and following what is not Dhamma,
mando maccumukhaṁ patto, akkhacchinno va jhāyati.
a fool, having fallen into the mouth of death, worries like one with a broken axle.
[102 ≈ Dhp 292a-d; Dhp 253e-f]
[stm.]
Yat kṛtyaṁ tad apaviddham, akṛtyaṁ kriyate punaḥ,
What is to be done, that is rejected, what is not to be done is done again,
uddhatānāṁ pramattānāṁ, teṣāṁ vardhanti āsravāḥ,
for the arrogant and the heedless, their pollutants increase,
āsravās teṣu vardhante, ārāt te hy āsravakṣayāt. 4.19
the pollutants grow in them, they are far from the pollutants’ destruction.
Yat (n. nom. sg. rel. pron.) what; kṛtyam (n. nom. sg. gerund.) is to be done; tat (n. nom. sg. dem. pron.) that; apaviddham (n. nom. sg. pp.) is rejected; a-kṛtyam (n. nom. sg. gerund.) what is not to be done; kriyate (3rd. sg. pres. pass.) is done; punaḥ (indec.) again; uddhatānām (m. gen. pl. pp.) for the arrogant; pramattānām (m. gen. pl. pp.) for the heedless; teṣām (m. gen. pl. dem. pron.) their; vardhanti (3rd. pl. pres.) increase; āsravāḥ (m. nom. pl.) the pollutants; āsravāḥ (m. nom. pl.) the pollutants; teṣu (m. loc. pl. dem. pron.) in them; vardhante (3rd. pl. pres. pass.–>act.) grow; ārāt (indec.) far; te (m. nom. pl. pers. pron.) they; hy (separator); āsrava-kṣayāt (m. abl. sg.) from the destruction of the pollutants.
Yaṁ hi kiccaṁ tad-apaviddhaṁ, akiccaṁ pana kayirati,
What should be done, that is rejected, but what is not to be done is done,
unnalānaṁ pamattānaṁ, tesaṁ vaḍḍhanti āsavā,
for the arrogant and the heedless, their pollutants increase,
————
āsavā tassa vaḍḍhanti, ārā so āsavakkhayā.
for him the pollutants increase, he is far from the pollutants’ destruction.
[103 ≈ Dhp 293]
[stm.]
Yeṣāṁ tu susamārabdhā nityaṁ kāyagatā smṛtiḥ,
But for whom mindfulness directed toward the body has been constantly and well undertaken,
akṛtyaṁ te na kurvanti, kṛtye sātatyakāriṇaḥ,
they do not do what should not be done, they perseve in doing what should be done,
smṛtānāṁ saṁprajānānām astaṁ gacchanti āsravāḥ. 4.20
for the mindful and clearly comprehending the pollutants go to rest.
Yeṣām (m. gen. pl. rel. pron.) for whom; tu (indec.) but; su-samārabdhā (f. nom. sg. pp.) well undertaken; nityam (indec.) constantly; kāya-gatā (f. nom. sg.) directed toward the body; smṛtiḥ (f. nom. sg.) mindful; a-kṛtyam (n. acc. sg. gerund.) what should not be done; te (m. nom. pl. pers. pron.) they; na (indec.) not; kurvanti (3rd. pl. pres.) they do; kṛtye (n. loc. sg.) in what should be done; sātatya-kāriṇaḥ (m. nom. pl.) persevering; smṛtānām (m. gen. pl. pp.) for the mindful; saṁprajānānām (m. gen. pl. prp.) for the clearly comprehending; astam (indec.) resting place; gacchanti (3rd. pl. pres.) they go; āsravāḥ (m. nom. pl.) the pollutants.
Yesañ-ca susamāraddhā niccaṁ kāyagatā sati,
For whom mindfulness directed toward the body has been constantly and well undertaken,
akiccaṁ te na sevanti, kicce sātaccakārino,
they do not practice what should not to be done, they perseve in doing what should be done,
satānaṁ sampajānānaṁ atthaṁ gacchanti āsavā.
for the mindful and clearly comprehending the pollutants go to rest.
[104 ≈ Dhp 259]
[stm.]
Na tāvatā Dharmadharo, yāvatā bahu bhāṣate,
One is not on that account an upholder of Dharma, to the extent that one speaks much,
yas tv ihālpam api śrutvā, Dharmaṁ kāyena vai spṛśet,
but the one who, having heard a little here, would experience Dharma personally,
sa vai Dharmadharo bhavati, yo Dharme na pramādyate. 4.21
he is indeed an upholder of Dharma, the one who is not heedless regarding Dharma.
Na (indec.) not; tāvatā (indec.) on account of; Dharma-dharaḥ (m. nom. sg.) upholder of Dharma; yāvatā (indec.) to the extent; bahu (n. nom. sg.) much; bhāṣate (3rd. sg. pres.) speaks; yaḥ (m. nom. sg. rel. pron.) one who; tu (indec.) but; iha (indec.) here; alpam (n. acc. sg.) a little; api (indec.) even; śrutvā (abs.) having heard; Dharmam (m. acc. sg.) the Dharma; kāyena (m. inst. sg.) personally; vai (indec.) indeed; spṛśet (3rd. sg. opt.) would experience; saḥ (m. nom. sg. dem. pron.) that one; vai (indec.) indeed; Dharma-dharaḥ (m. nom. sg.) upholder of Dharma; bhavati (3rd. sg. pres.) is; yaḥ (m. nom. sg. rel. pron.) one who; Dharme (m. loc. sg.) regarding the Dharma; na (indec.) not; pramādyate (3rd. sg. pres. pass.) is heedless.
Na tāvatā Dhammadharo, yāvatā bahu bhāsati,
One is not on that account a Dhamma-bearer, to the extent that one speaks much,
yo ca appam-pi sutvāna, Dhammaṁ kāyena passati,
but the one who, having heard a little, sees Dhamma personally,
sa ve Dhammadharo hoti, yo Dhammaṁ nappamajjati.
he is truly a Dhamma-bearer, the one who is not heedless regarding Dhamma.
[105 ≈ Dhp 19]
[stm. + sim.]
Subahv apīha sahitaṁ bhāṣamāṇo, na tatkaro bhavati naraḥ pramattaḥ,
Even if the heedless person recites abundant scriptures here, but does not act accordingly,
gopaiva gāḥ saṁgaṇayaṁ pareṣāṁ, na bhāgavāṁ cchrāmaṇyārthasya bhavati. 4.22
like a cowboy counting others’ cattle, he is not one who partakes of the goal of the ascetic life.
Su-bahū (n. acc. sg.) abundant; api (indec.) even; iha (indec.) here; sahitam (n. acc. sg.) the scriptures; bhāṣamāṇaḥ (m. nom. sg. prp.) reciting; na (indec.) not; tatkaraḥ (m. nom. sg.) acting accordingly; bhavati (3rd. sg. pres.) is; naraḥ (m. nom. sg.) a man; pramattaḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) heedless; gopaḥ (m. nom. sg.) a herdsman; iva (indec.) like; gāḥ (f. acc. pl.) cattle; saṁgaṇayan (m. nom. sg. prp.) counting; pareṣām (m. gen. pl.) of others; na (indec.) not; bhāgavān (m. nom. sg.) a partaker; śrāmaṇya-arthasya (m. gen. sg.) of the goal of the ascetic life; bhavati (3rd. sg. pres.) is.
Bahum-pi ce sahitaṁ bhāsamāno, na takkaro hoti naro pamatto,
Even if the heedless person recites many scriptures here, but does not act accordingly,
gopo va gāvo gaṇayaṁ paresaṁ, na bhāgavā sāmaññassa hoti.
like a cowboy counting others’ cattle, he is not one who partakes of the ascetic life.
[106 ≈ Dhp 20]
[stm.]
Alpam api cet sahitaṁ bhāṣamāṇo Dharmasya, bhavati hy anudharmacārī,
Even if one recites a few scriptures of the Dharma, (but) is living in accordance with Dharma,
rāgaṁ ca doṣaṁ ca tathaiva mohaṁ prahāya, bhāgī śrāmaṇyārthasya bhavati. 4.23
abandoning passion, hatred and also delusion, he is one who partakes of the goal of the ascetic life.
Alpam (n. acc. sg.) few; api (indec.) even; cet (indec.) if; sahitam (n. acc. sg.) the scriptures; bhāṣamāṇaḥ (m. nom. sg. prp.) reciting; Dharmasya (m. gen. sg.) of the Dharma; bhavati (3rd. sg. pres.) is; hy (separator); anudharma-cārī (m. nom. sg.) one living in accordance with Dharma; rāgam (m. acc. sg.) passion; ca (indec.) and; doṣam (m. acc. sg.) hatred; ca (indec.) and; tathā (indec.) and also; eva (indec.) indeed; moham (m. acc. sg.) delusion; prahāya (abs.) having abandoned; bhāgī (m. nom. sg.) a partaker; śrāmaṇya-arthasya (m. gen. sg.) of the goal of the ascetic life; bhavati (3rd. sg. pres.) is.
Appam-pi ce sahitaṁ bhāsamāno Dhammassa, hoti anudhammacārī,
Even if one recites a few scriptures of the Dhamma, (but) is living in accordance with Dhamma,
rāgañ-ca dosañ-ca pahāya mohaṁ, sammappajāno suvimuttacitto,
abandoning passion, hatred and delusion, understanding aright, with mind released,
anupādiyāno idha vā huraṁ vā, sa bhāgavā sāmaññassa hoti.
unattached here and hereafter, he is one who partakes of the ascetic life.
[107 ≈ Dhp 30]
[stm.]
Apramādaṁ praśaṁsanti, pramādo garhitaḥ sadā,
Heedfulness they praise, heedlessness is blamed always,
apramādena Maghavāṁ Devānāṁ śreṣṭhatāṁ gataḥ. 4.24
through heedfulness Maghavā attained leadership of the Devas. The lines are reversed in the Pāḷi.
A-pramādam (m. acc. sg.) heedfulness; praśaṁsanti (3rd. pl. pres.) they praise; pramādaḥ (m. nom. sg.) heedlessness; garhitaḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) is blamed; sadā (indec.) always; a-pramādena (m. inst. sg.) through heedfulness; Maghavān (m. nom. sg.) Maghavā; Devānām (m. gen. pl.) of the Devas; śreṣṭhatām (f. acc. sg.) leadership; gataḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) attained.
Appamādena Maghavā Devānaṁ seṭṭhataṁ gato,
Through heedfulness Maghavā attained leadership of the Devas,
appamādaṁ pasaṁsanti, pamādo garahito sadā.
heedfulness they praise, heedlessness is blamed always.
[108-109 ≈ Iti 23:1-2]
[stm.]
Apramādaṁ praśaṁsanti sadā kṛtyeṣu paṇḍitāḥ,
The wise always praise heedfulness in the duties,
apramatto hy ubhāv arthāv atigṛhṇāti paṇḍitaḥ: 4.25
the heedful and wise one obtains both of these benefits:
A-pramādam (m. acc. sg.) heedfulness; praśaṁsanti (3rd. pl. pres.) praise; sadā (indec.) always; kṛtyeṣu (n. loc. pl.) in duties; paṇḍitāḥ (m. nom. pl.) the wise; a-pramattaḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) the heedful one; hy (separator); ubhau (m. acc. num. du.) both; arthau (m. acc. du.) benefits; atigṛhṇāti (3rd. sg. pres.) obtains; paṇḍitaḥ (m. nom. sg.) the wise one.
Dṛṣṭadhārmika eko ’rthas, tathānyaḥ sāmparāyikaḥ,
One benefit is visible in this present life, and another in the future life,
arthābhisamayād dhīraḥ paṇḍito hi nirucyate. 4.26
the steadfast one, from the realisation of these benefits, is indeed called a wise one.
Dṛṣṭa-dhārmikaḥ (m. nom. sg. idiom) in this present life; ekaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one; arthaḥ (m. nom. sg.) benefit; tathā (indec.) and; anyaḥ (m. nom. sg.) another; sāmparāyikaḥ (m. nom. sg.) pertaining to the future life; artha-abhisamayāt (m. abl. sg.) from the realisation of the benefits; dhīraḥ (m. nom. sg.) the steadfast one; paṇḍitaḥ (m. nom. sg.) a wise one; hi (indec.) indeed; nirucyate (3rd. sg. pres. pass.) is called.
Appamādaṁ pasaṁsanti puññakiriyāsu paṇḍitā,
The wise praise heedfulness in doing meritorious deeds,
appamatto ubho atthe adhigaṇhāti paṇḍito:
the heedful and wise one obtains both of these benefits:
Diṭṭhe dhamme ca yo attho, yo cattho samparāyiko,
That one which has benefit in this present life, and one which has benefit in the next,
atthābhisamayā dhīro paṇḍito ti pavuccati.
the steadfast one, from the realisation of these benefits, is said to be a wise one.
[110 ≈ Dhp 31ab; Dhp 327c-d When we look at the parallels to this and the next verse, it seems there were a floating collection of pādayugas (rather than of verses), which could be combined and recombined to form meaningful verses. Here we have parts of two Dhammapada verses (31 + 327); and in the next verse one part is found in the Dhammapada (31), and another in the Theragāthā (2). Interestingly, both of these verses find direct parallels to the whole verse below: see 112 and 658.]
[adm. + sim.]
Apramādarato bhikṣuḥ, pramāde bhayadarśakaḥ,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
durgād uddharatetmānaṁ paṅkasannaiva kuñjaraḥ. 4.27
must raise himself up from a pit, like the tusker sunk in the mud.
A-pramāda-rataḥ (m. nom. sg.) delighting in heedfulness; bhikṣuḥ (m. nom. sg.) a monastic; pramāde (m. loc. sg.) in heedlessness; bhaya-darśakaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one who sees danger; dur-gāt (n. abl. sg.) from a pit; uddharate (3rd. sg. pres.) raises; ātmānam (m. acc. sg. dem. pron.) himself; paṅka-sannaḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) sunk in mud; iva (indec.) like; kuñjaraḥ (m. nom. sg.) an elephant.
Appamādarato bhikkhu, pamāde bhayadassivā,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness, See 112 below for the complete verse.
————
Appamādaratā hotha, sacittam-anurakkhatha,
You should delight in heedfulness, you should always protect your mind,
duggā uddharathattānaṁ, paṅke sanno va kuñjaro.
you must raise yourselves up from a pit, like the tusker sunk in the mud.
[111 ≈ Dhp 31ab; Thag 2c-d]
[stm. + sim.]
Apramādarato bhikṣuḥ, pramāde bhayadarśakaḥ,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
dhunāti pāpakāṁ dharmāṁ, patrāṇīva hi mārutaḥ. 4.28
shakes off wicked thoughts, like a wind shakes off the leaves of a tree.
A-pramādarataḥ (m. nom. sg.) delighting in heedfulness; bhikṣuḥ (m. nom. sg.) a monastic; pramāde (m. loc. sg.) in heedlessness; bhaya-darśakaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one who sees danger; dhunāti (3rd. sg. pres.) shakes off; pāpakām (m. acc. pl.) wicked; dharmān (m. acc. pl.) thoughts; patrāṇi (n. acc. pl.) the leaves; iva (indec.) like; hi (indec.) indeed; mārutaḥ (m. nom. sg.) the wind.
Appamādarato bhikkhu, pamāde bhayadassivā,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
————
Upasanto uparato, mantabhāṇī anuddhato,
Calm, abstemious, speaking wisely, not haughty,
dhunāti pāpake dhamme, dumapattaṁ va māluto.
he shakes off wicked thoughts, like a wind shakes off the leaves of a tree. For a direct parallel to this verse, see 658 below.
[112 ≈ Dhp 31]
[stm. + sim.]
Apramādarato bhikṣuḥ, pramāde bhayadarśakaḥ,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
saṁyojanam aṇusthūlaṁ dahann agnir iva gacchati. 4.29
advances, burning the fetters, small or large, like a fire.
A-pramādarataḥ (m. nom. sg.) delighting in heedfulness; bhikṣuḥ (m. nom. sg.) a monastic; pramāde (m. loc. sg.) in heedlessness; bhaya-darśakaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one who sees danger; saṁyojanam (n. acc. coll. sg.) the fetters; aṇu-sthūlam (n. acc. sg.) small or large; dahan (m. nom. sg. prp.) burning; agniḥ (m. nom. sg.) a fire; iva (indec.) like; gacchati (3rd. sg. pres.) advances.
Appamādarato bhikkhu, pamāde bhayadassivā,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
saṁyojanaṁ aṇuṁ-thūlaṁ ḍahaṁ aggīva gacchati.
advances, burning the fetters, small or large, like a fire. The simile is difficult here, but the commentary explains the fire to be the fire of knowledge, ñāṇagginā.
[113 ≈ Dhp 31a-b; Iti 17:1c-d Here the same first pādayuga as at 110 is now combined with a pādayuga from the Itivuttaka, to form a new verse. ]
[stm.]
Apramādarato bhikṣuḥ, pramāde bhayadarśakaḥ,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
spṛśati hy anupūrveṇa sarvasaṁyojanakṣayam. 4.30
gradually experiences the destruction of all the fetters.
A-pramādarataḥ (m. nom. sg.) delighting in heedfulness; bhikṣuḥ (m. nom. sg.) a monastic; pramāde (m. loc. sg.) in heedlessness; bhaya-darśakaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one who sees danger; spṛśati (3rd. sg. pres.) experiences; hy (separator); anupūrveṇa (m. inst. sg.) gradually; sarva-saṁyojana-kṣayam (m. acc. sg.) the destruction of all fetters.
Appamādarato bhikkhu, pamāde bhayadassivā,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
————
pāpuṇe anupubbena, sabbasaṁyojanakkhayaṁ.
gradually attains the destruction of all the fetters.
[114 ≈ Dhp 31a-b; Dhp 368c-d]
[stm.]
Apramādarato bhikṣuḥ, pramāde bhayadarśakaḥ,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
pratividhyate padaṁ śāntaṁ, saṁskāropaśamaṁ sukham. 4.31
penetrates the state of peace, the stilling of conditioned things, happiness.
A-pramādarataḥ (m. nom. sg.) delighting in heedfulness; bhikṣuḥ (m. nom. sg.) a monastic; pramāde (m. loc. sg.) in heedlessness; bhaya-darśakaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one who sees danger; pratividhyate (3rd. sg. pres. pass.–>act.) penetrates; padam (n. acc. sg.) state; śāntam (n. acc. sg.) peace; saṁskāra-upaśamam (m. acc. sg.) the stilling of conditioned things; sukham (n. acc. sg.) happiness.
Appamādarato bhikkhu, pamāde bhayadassivā,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
————
adhigacche padaṁ santaṁ, saṅkhārūpasamaṁ sukhaṁ.
would attain to the state of peace, the stilling of conditioned things, happiness.
[115 ≈ Dhp 32]
[stm.]
Apramādarato bhikṣuḥ, pramāde bhayadarśakaḥ,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
abhavyaḥ parihāṇāya: Nirvāṇasyaiva so ’ntike. 4.32
is incapable of falling away: that one is indeed in the presence of Nirvāṇa.
A-pramādarataḥ (m. nom. sg.) delighting in heedfulness; bhikṣuḥ (m. nom. sg.) a monastic; pramāde (m. loc. sg.) in heedlessness; bhaya-darśakaḥ (m. nom. sg.) one who sees danger; abhavyaḥ (m. nom. sg.) incapable; parihāṇāya (f. dat. sg.) of falling away; Nirvāṇasya (n. gen. sg.) of Nirvāṇa; eva (indec.) indeed; saḥ (m. nom. sg. dem. pron.) that one; antike (n. loc. sg.) in the presence.
Appamādarato bhikkhu, pamāde bhayadassivā,
A monastic who delights in heedfulness, who sees danger in heedlessness,
abhabbo parihānāya: Nibbānasseva santike.
is incapable of falling away: he is in the presence of Nibbāna.
[116-117 cf. Snp 334a-b (332)]
[adm.]
Uttiṣṭhata vyāyamata, dṛḍhaṁ śikṣata śāntaye!
Rouse yourselves, strive, train steadfastly for peace!
Asmṛtiś ca pramādaś caivānutthānam asaṁyamaḥ, 4.33
Lack of mindfulness, heedlessness, laziness, lack of restraint,
Uttiṣṭhata (2nd. pl. imp.) rouse yourselves!; vyāyamata (2nd. pl. imp.) strive!; dṛḍham (indec.) steadfastly; śikṣata (2nd. pl. imp.) train!; śāntaye (f. dat. sg.) for peace; asmṛtiḥ (f. nom. sg.) lack of mindfulness; ca (indec.) and; pramādaḥ (m. nom. sg.) heedlessness; ca (indec.) and; eva (indec.) indeed; anutthānam (n. nom. sg.) laziness; a-saṁyamaḥ (m. nom. sg.) lack of restraint.
nidrā tandrīr anāyoga – ete śikṣāntarāyikāḥ,
sleep, lethargy, lack of application – these are obstacles to the training,
tad aṅgaṁ pratibudhyadhvaṁ! Smṛtir māntaradhīyata! 4.34
wake up to that fact! Do not lose mindfulness!
Nidrā (f. nom. sg.) sleep; tandrīḥ (f. nom. sg.) lethargy; an-āyogaḥ (m. nom. sg.) lack of application; ete (m. nom. pl. dem. pron.) these; śikṣa-antarāyikāḥ (m. nom. pl.) obstacles to the training; tat (n. acc. sg. dem. pron.) that; aṅgam (n. acc. sg.) fact; pratibudhyadhvam (2nd. pl. imp.) wake up!; smṛtiḥ (f. nom. sg.) mindfulness; mā (indec.) do not; antaradhīyata (2nd. pl. imp. pass.–>act.) lose.
Uṭṭhahatha nisīdatha, daḷhaṁ sikkhatha santiyā,
Rouse yourself, sit (in meditation), train steadfastly for peace,
mā vo pamatte viññāya, Maccurājā amohayittha vasānuge.
since you understand heedfulness, do not be misled, and fall under the sway of the King of Death.
[118 ≈ Dhp 168]
[adm.]
Uttiṣṭhen na pramādyeta, Dharmaṁ sucaritaṁ caret,
One should strive, not be heedless, live by Dharma and good conduct,
Dharmacārī sukhaṁ śete hy asmiṁ loke paratra ca. 4.35
one who lives by Dharma lives happily in this world and in the next world. Literally: elsewhere, but in this context, alongside loke (in this world) it always means: in the next world.
Uttiṣṭhet (3rd. sg. opt.) one should strive; na (indec.) not; pramādyeta (3rd. sg. opt. pass.) one should be heedless; Dharmam (m. acc. sg.) the Dharma; su-caritam (n. acc. sg.) good conduct; caret (3rd. sg. opt.) one should live; Dharma-cārī (m. nom. sg.) a Dharma-follower; sukham (n. acc. sg. adj.–>adv.) happily; śete (3rd. sg. pres.) lives; hy (separator); asmin (m. loc. sg.) in this; loke (m. loc. sg.) in the world; paratra (indec.) in the next world; ca (indec.) and.
Uttiṭṭhe nappamajjeyya, Dhammaṁ sucaritaṁ care,
One should strive, not be heedless, live by Dhamma and good conduct,
Dhammacārī sukhaṁ seti asmiṁ loke paramhi ca.
one who lives by Dhamma lives happily in this world and the next.
[119 ≈ DN 2 p. 120]
[adm.]
Apramādaratā bhavata! Suśīlā bhavata, bhikṣavaḥ,
Be ones who delight in heedfulness! Be well-disciplined, monastics,
susamāhitasaṁkalpāḥ, svacittam anurakṣata. 4.36
with well-composed intentions, protect your own minds.
A-pramādaratāḥ (m. nom. pl.) ones delighting in heedfulness; bhavata (2nd. pl. imp.) be!; su-śīlāḥ (m. nom. pl.) well-disciplined; bhavata (2nd. pl. imp.) be!; bhikṣavaḥ (m. voc. pl.) monastics; su-samāhita-saṁkalpāḥ (m. nom. pl.) with well-composed intentions; sva-cittam (n. acc. sg.) your own mind; anurakṣata (2nd. pl. imp.) protect!
Appamattā satīmanto, susīlā hotha, bhikkhavo,
Be heedful, mindful, and well-disciplined, monastics,
susamāhitasaṅkappā, sacittam-anurakkhatha.
with well-composed intentions, protect your own minds.
[120 ≈ Thag 256]
[adm. + sim.]
Ārabhadhvaṁ niṣkramadhvaṁ, yujyadhvaṁ Buddhaśāsane,
You should strive and renounce, and apply yourselves to the Buddha’s dispensation,
dhunidhvaṁ mṛtyunaḥ sainyaṁ, naḍāgāram iva kuñjaraḥ. 4.37
shake off the army of death, like an elephant destroys a hut of reeds.
Ārabhadhvam (2nd. pl. imp.) strive!; niṣkramadhvam (2nd. pl. imp.) renounce!; yujyadhvam (2nd. pl. imp. pass.–>act.) apply yourselves!; Buddha-śāsane (n. loc. sg.) in the Buddha’s dispensation; dhunidhvam (2nd. pl. imp.) shake off!; mṛtyunaḥ (m. gen. sg.) of Death; sainyam (n. acc. sg.) the army; naḍa-āgāram (n. acc. sg.) a reed-hut; iva (indec.) like; kuñjaraḥ (m. nom. sg.) an elephant.
Ārambhatha nikkamatha, yuñjatha Buddhasāsane,
You should strive and renounce, and apply yourself to the Buddha’s dispensation,
dhunātha maccuno senaṁ, naḷāgāraṁ va kuñjaro.
shake off the army of death, like an elephant destroys a hut of reeds.
[121 ≈ Thag 257]
[stm.]
Yo hy asmiṁ Dharmavinaye tv apramatto bhaviṣyati,
The one who will be heedful in this Dharma and Discipline,
prahāya jātisaṁsāraṁ, duḥkhasyāntaṁ sa yāsyati. 4.38
having abandoned the transmigration through births, will go to the end to suffering.
Yaḥ (m. nom. sg. rel. pron.) one who; hy (separator); asmin (m. loc. sg.) in this; Dharma-vinaye (m. loc. sg.) in the Dharma and Discipline; tv (separator); a-pramattaḥ (m. nom. sg. pp.) heedful; bhaviṣyati (3rd. sg. fut.) will be; prahāya (abs.) having abandoned; jāti-saṁsāram (m. acc. sg.) transmigration through births; duḥkhasya (n. gen. coll. sg.) of suffering; antam (m. acc. sg.) the end; saḥ (m. nom. sg. dem. pron.) that one; yāsyati (3rd. sg. future) will go.
Yo imasmiṁ Dhammavinaye appamatto vihassati,
The one who will live heedful in this Dhamma and Discipline,
pahāya jātisaṁsāraṁ, dukkhassantaṁ karissati.
having abandoned the transmigration through births, will make an end to suffering.
Apramādavargaḥ, 4.
The Chapter about Heedfulness, the Fourth