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Dhp III
PTS: Dhp 33-43
Cittavagga: The Mind
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1997
Alternate translation: Buddharakkhita
Alternate formats:

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##### 33-37

Quivering, wavering, 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.

##### 38

For a person of unsteady mind, not knowing true Dhamma, serenity set adrift: discernment doesn't grow full.

##### 39

For a person of unsoddened mind, unassaulted awareness, abandoning merit & evil, wakeful, there is no danger no fear.

##### 40

Knowing this body 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.

##### 41

All too soon, this body will lie on the ground cast off, bereft of consciousness, like a useless scrap of wood.

##### 42-43

Whatever an enemy might do 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.

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