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Dhp II
PTS: Dhp 21-32
Appamadavagga: Heedfulness
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1997
Alternate translation: Buddharakkhita
Alternate formats:

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##### 21-24

Heedfulness: the path to the Deathless. Heedlessness: the path to death. The heedful do not die. The heedless are as if already dead. Knowing this as a true distinction, those wise in heedfulness rejoice in heedfulness, enjoying the range of the noble ones. The enlightened, constantly absorbed in jhana, persevering, firm in their effort: they touch Unbinding, the unexcelled rest from the yoke. Those with initiative, mindful, clean in action, acting with due consideration, heedful, restrained, living the Dhamma: their glory grows.

##### 25

Through initiative, heedfulness, restraint, & self-control, the wise would make an island no flood can submerge.

##### 26

They're addicted to heedlessness — dullards, fools — while one who is wise cherishes heedfulness as his highest wealth.

##### 27

Don't give way to heedlessness or to intimacy with sensual delight — for a heedful person, absorbed in jhana, attains an abundance of ease.

##### 28

When the wise person drives out heedlessness with heedfulness, having climbed the high tower of discernment, sorrow-free, he observes the sorrowing crowd — as the enlightened man, having scaled a summit, the fools on the ground below.

##### 29

Heedful among the heedless, wakeful among those asleep, just as a fast horse advances, leaving the weak behind: so the wise.

##### 30

Through heedfulness, Indra won to lordship over the gods. Heedfulness is praised, heedlessness censured — always.

##### 31-32

The monk delighting in heedfulness, seeing danger in heedlessness, advances like a fire, burning fetters great & small. The monk delighting in heedfulness, seeing danger in heedlessness — incapable of falling back — stands right on the verge of Unbinding.

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