From affection grief is born,
from affection fear,
one who is affection-free
has no grief – how fear?
Explanation: From affection sorrow arises. From affection fear arises. To one free of affection there is no sorrow. Therefore, how can there be fear for such a person? Continue reading “Verse 213. Sorrow And Fear Arise Due To Loved Ones”
From endearment grief is born,
from endearment fear,
one who is endearment-free
has no grief – how fear.
Explanation: From endearment arises sorrow. From endearment fear arises. For one free of endearment, there is no sorrow. Therefore, how can there be fear for such a person? Continue reading “Verse 212. The Outcome Of Endearment”
Others then do not make dear
for hard’s the parting from them.
For whom there is no dear, undear
in them no bonds are found.
Explanation: Therefore, one must not have endearments; because separation is painful. For those who are free of bonds there are no endearments or non-endearments. Continue reading “Verse 211. Not Bound By Ties Of Defilements”
Don’t consort with dear ones
at any time, nor those not dear,
‘is dukkha not to see the dear,
’tis dukkha seeing those not dear.
Explanation: Never associate with those whom you like, as well as with those whom you dislike. It is painful to part company from those whom you like. It is equally painful to be with those you dislike. Continue reading “Verse 210. Not Seeing The Liked And Seeing The Unliked Are Both Painful”
One makes an effort where none’s due
with nothing done where effort’s due,
one grasps the dear, gives up the Quest
envying those who exert themselves.
Explanation: Being devoted to what is wrong, not being devoted to what is right, abandoning one’s welfare, one goes after pleasures of the senses. Having done so, one envies those who develop themselves. Continue reading “Verse 209. Admiration of Self-Seekers”
Thus go with the steadfast, wise, well-versed,
firm of virtue, practice-pure,
Ennobled ‘Such’, who’s sound, sincere,
as moon in wake of the Milky Way.
Explanation: The moon keeps to the path of the stars. In exactly the same way, one must seek out the company of such noble persons who are non-fluctuating, endowed with deep wisdom, greatly learned, capable of sustained effort, dutiful, noble, and are exalted human beings. Continue reading “Verse 208. The Good And The Wise”
Who moves among fool’s company
must truly grieve for long,
for ill the company of fools
as ever that of foes,
but weal’s a wise one’s company
as meeting of one’s folk.
Explanation: A person who keeps company with the ignorant will grieve over a long period of time. Association with the ignorant is like keeping company with enemies – it always leads to grief. Keeping company with the wise is like a reunion with one’s kinfolk – it always leads to happiness. Continue reading “Verse 207. Happy Company”
So fair’s the sight of Noble Ones,
ever good their company,
by relating not to fools
ever happy one may be.
Explanation: Seeing nobles ones is good. Living with them is always conducive to happiness. Associating with the ignorant is like keeping company with enemies. Continue reading “Verse 206. Pleasant Meetings”
Having drunk of solitude
and tasted Peace Sublime,
free from sorrow, evil-free,
one drinks of Dhamma’s joy.
Explanation: He has savoured the taste of solitude. He has also experienced the flavour of tranquillity arising from the absence of blemishes. Enjoying the sweetness of the realistic awareness he is unaffected by blemishes and is bereft of evil. Continue reading “Verse 205. The Free Are The Purest”
Health’s the greatest gain,
contentment, best of wealth,
trusting’s best of kin,
Nibbana bliss supreme.
Explanation: Of acquisitions, good health is the foremost. Of wealth, the greatest is peace of mind. Of kinsmen, the trustworthy are the best. The highest bliss is Nibbana. Continue reading “Verse 204. Four Supreme Acquisitions”
