O brahmin, strive and cleave the stream,
desires of sense discarded,
knowing conditioned things decay
be Knower-of-the-Uncreated.
Explanation: Exert all you can and cut off the stream of existence. Get rid of passion. Get to know the erosion of the condition things. And, they become the knower of the uncreated – Nibbana. Continue reading “Verse 383. Be A Knower Of The Deathless”
Surely that youthful bhikkhu who
strives in the Buddha’s Teaching
illuminates all this world
as moon when free from clouds.
Explanation: This is true. If a young monk exerts himself strenuously in the Teaching of the Buddha, he will certainly illuminate the world as brilliantly as a moon emerging from behind a dark cloud that hid it for a while. Continue reading “Verse 382. Even A Young Monk, If Devoted, Can Illuminate The Whole World”
The bhikkhu full of joy and faith,
bright in the Buddha’s Teaching
can come to the Place of Peace,
the bliss of conditionedness ceased.
Explanation: His ecstasy is abundant. He takes delight in the Teaching of the Buddha. Such a monk will reach the state of total tranquillity – Nibbana – through the blissful ending of conditioning. Continue reading “Verse 381. With Joy And Faith Try To Win Your Goal”
Oneself is refuge of oneself
and one is a haven for oneself,
therefore one should check oneself
as a merchant with a splendid horse.
Explanation: Your own self is your own refuge. You yourself are your own guide. Therefore, exert discipline over yourself as a merchant would cherish and retrain a noble horse. Continue reading “Verse 380. Your Are Your Own Saviour”
By yourself exhort yourself!
By yourself restrain yourself!
So mindful and self-guarded too,
happily, bhikkhu, will you live.
Explanation: One’s own self must prod one’s self. You must assess and examine yourself. O monk, this way, you must guard yourself. Be perpetually mindful. This way, live in bliss. Continue reading “Verse 379. He Who Guards Himself Lives Happily”
That bhikkhu calmed of body, speech,
calmed and well-composed of mind,
who world-enjoyments has renounced,
‘one calmed’ indeed is truly called.
Explanation: For a monk to be wholly and completely tranquil, he must be restrained in body and speech. This discipline derives from restraint of mind. Then, when these three forms of restraints have been achieved, the monk is automatically wholly and completely tranquil. Continue reading “Verse 378. He Is Peaceful Who Is Free From All Worldly Things”
Just as the jasmine sheds
its shrivelled flowers all,
O bhikkhus so should you
lust, aversion shed.
Explanation: The jasmine creeper casts off its withered flowers. Exactly in that manner, O monks, cast off your passion and ill-will. Continue reading “Verse 377. Cast Off Lust And Hatred”
One should be hospitable
and skilled in good behaviour,
thereby greatly joyful
come to dukkha’s end.
Explanation: One should be courteous and of pleasant behaviour. One should be efficient in the conduct of the proper rites and rituals. Through these, one acquires a vast quantum of ecstasy, leading him to the ending of suffering. Continue reading “Verse 376. A Monk Should Be Cordial In All His Ways”
Here’s indeed the starting point
for the bhikkhu who is wise,
sense-controlled, contented too,
restrained to limit freedom ways,
in company of noble friends
who’re pure of life and keen.
Explanation: The joy experienced as a fore taste of Nibbana, through the awareness of the rise and decay of the aggregates, is the first step of the wise meditator. Guarding the senses, even-minded, and disciplined in the principal code of morality and association with good friends who are unrelaxed in their effort and are pure in behaviour. Continue reading “Verse 375. A Wise Monk Possess His Cardinal Virtues”
Whenever one reflects
on aggregates’ arise and fall
one rapture gains and joy.
‘Tis Deathless for Those-who-know.
Explanation: When the meditator reflects upon the raise and the decay of the bodily aggregates he experiences a joy and ecstasy which is a fore taste of Nibbana for those who know it. Continue reading “Verse 374. He Is Happy Who Reflects On Rise And Fall”
