22. The Chapter about the Snake (PDHP398-414)

Patna Dhammapada

22. The Chapter about the Snake

That one who has not found any essence in existences, like one examining a fig tree does not find a flower,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who removes the passion that has arisen, as he would remove pervasive snake venom with medicines,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who removes the hatred that has arisen, as he would remove pervasive snake venom with medicines,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who removes the delusion that has arisen, as he would remove pervasive snake venom with medicines,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who removes the anger that has arisen, as he would remove pervasive snake venom with medicines,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who removes the conceit that has arisen, as he would remove pervasive snake venom with medicines,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who cuts off passion without remainder, like one who has plucked a lotus growing in a lake,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who cuts off hatred without remainder, like one who has plucked a lotus growing in a lake,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who cuts off delusion without remainder, like one who has plucked a lotus growing in a lake,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who cuts off anger without remainder, like one who has plucked a lotus growing in a lake,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who cuts off conceit without remainder, like one who has plucked a lotus growing in a lake,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who cuts off passion without remainder, having cut the bonds and attachments, like kusa grass,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

That one who cuts off craving without remainder, having dried up that quick-flowing stream,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

He who does not overstep the limit nor lag behind, who is completely free from the limits of this impediment,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

He who does not overstep the limit nor lag behind, thinking: “all this is untrue,” a falsity,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

For the one with no desire that has arisen, having a cause for bondage to existence,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

For the one with no distress that has arisen, having uprooted all unwholesome roots,

that monk abandons the near and far shore, like a snake who has abandoned its old, worn-out skin.

The Chapter about the Snake

Complete are the five hundred and two verses of the Dharma Verses, the Deathless Verses.

As I saw, so I wrote, giving it our complete attention.

May there be good for all beings!