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157
If we hold ourselves dear,
then we maintain careful self-regard
both day and night.
158
It is wise
to set ourselves right
before instructing others.
159
One’s own self is the hardest to discipline.
You should act as you teach:
tame yourself
before trying to tame others.
160
Truly it is ourselves
that we depend upon;
how could we really
depend upon another?
When we reach the state
of self-reliance
we find a rare refuge.
161
As a diamond can cut through
the stone that once housed it,
so your own evil can grind you down.
162
Committed evil doers
behave toward themselves
like their own worst enemies.
They are like creepers
that strangle the trees
which support them.
163
It is easy to do that which is
of no real benefit to oneself,
but it is difficult indeed to do that
which is truly beneficial and good.
164
Like the bamboo
which destroys itself as it bears fruit,
so fools harm themselves
by holding to wrong views
and deriding those worthy ones
who live in harmony with the Way.
165
By ourselves we do evil
and by ourselves we are made impure.
By ourselves we avoid evil
and by ourselves we are made pure.
The great matter of purity
is our own affair.
No other can be responsible.
166
Knowing the Way for oneself,
walk it thoroughly.
Do not allow the needs of others,
however demanding,
to bring about distraction.
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© 2006 Aruna Publications |