19. The Chapter about the Mind (PDHP342-357)

Patna Dhammapada

19. The Chapter about the Mind

An agitated, unsteady mind, difficult to guard, difficult to ward,

the sagacious one makes straight, as a fletcher does his arrows.

Like a fish thrown up on dry land, pulled out from its watery home,

the mind is agitated, one ought to throw off the sway of Māra.

Those who will restrain the mind that roams far,

is lonesome, without a body, hidden, gain release from the bonds of Māra.

For the mind that is difficult to subdue, flighty, flitting wherever it will,

restraint is good, a restrained mind brings happiness.

Hard to see, very subtle, flitting wherever it will,

the sage should guard the mind, for guarded it brings happiness.

For the one with mind that is not dependent, for the one with mind unperplexed,

having abandoned the wholesome and demerit, for the watchful, there is no fear.

The one who drinks the tasty Dhamma drink, with a clear mind,

the wise one will always delight in the Dhamma that is made known by the Noble.

Before long has passed by, alas, this body will lie on the ground,

rejected, without consciousness, just like a useless piece of wood.

Knowing this body is frail like a jar, govern the mind like a fortress,

one should fight Māra with the weapon of wisdom, guard your success, and do not be attached.

Just as the rain penetrates a house with thatching that is poor,

so passion penetrates a mind that is undeveloped.

Just as rain does not penetrate a house with thatching that is good,

so passion cannot penetrate a mind that is well-developed.

Just as the rain penetrates a house with thatching that is poor,

so hatred penetrates a mind that is undeveloped.

Just as rain does not penetrate a house with thatching that is good,

so hatred cannot penetrate a mind that is well-developed.

Just as the rain penetrates a house with thatching that is poor,

so delusion penetrates a mind that is undeveloped.

Just as rain does not penetrate a house with thatching that is good,

so delusion cannot penetrate a mind that is well-developed.

The non-doing of anything wicked, undertaking of what is good,

the training of one’s mind—this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

The Chapter about the Mind