|
334
Uncontained craving
grows like a creeper in the forest.
Being lost in it
one leaps around
like a tree-dwelling ape looking for fruit.
335
Fostering habits
such as craving and clinging
is like fertilising noxious weeds.
336
As water falls from a lotus leaf
so sorrow drops from those
who are free of toxic craving.
337
Torrential rains can destroy crops.
Mara can destroy you.
Thus I implore you –
dig up the roots of all craving.
I give you my blessing
for this work.
338
If the roots are not removed
weeds grow again and again;
suffering returns to us
so long as craving remains.
339
When the streams
of sensual pleasure run strong
they can generate
a torrent of longing.
340
The streams of craving flow everywhere.
The wild creeper of craving
spreads and entangles.
Discerning this creeper with insight,
dig it out.
341
Beings naturally experience pleasure;
but when pleasure is contaminated
with craving,
not releasing it creates frustration
and tedious suffering follows.
342
Trapped in habits of craving
people panic
like rabbits caught in the snare.
Their reactions reinforce the pain
of their entrapment.
343
Trapped in habits of craving
people panic
like rabbits caught in the snare.
If you wish to be free from entrapment,
craving itself must be removed.
344
There are those who have begun
on the path to freedom
yet return, out of desire, to bondage.
345 - 346
Wisdom sees
that being held behind bars
or bound by chains
is less limiting
than infatuation with possessions
and obsession with relationships.
These bonds, though not so obvious,
are strong and hold us down.
To renounce attachment
to the world of the senses
is to be free from the prison of craving.
347
Like a spider caught in its own web,
a being enwrapped in sensual craving
must be released from its own longings
before it can walk free.
348
Let go of the past.
Let go of the future.
Let go of the present.
With a heart that is free
cross over to that shore
which is beyond suffering.
349
The bonds
of deluded habits and craving
are strengthened
by one who lets the mind heedlessly dwell
on objects of desire.
350
But one who delights
in calming sensual thoughts,
who is alert
and cultivates awareness
of the loathsome
aspects of the body,
breaks through craving
and unbinds deluded habits.
351
No more need is there to re-form
for those who have reached the goal;
they are free from fear and longing.
The thorns of existence have been removed.
352
A master is one who has let go
of all craving and clinging to the world;
who has seen
the truth beyond forms,
yet is possessed of
a profound knowledge of words.
Such a great being can be said
to have finished the task.
353
I do not declare
another as my teacher
since by myself have I arrived
at the wisdom that overcomes all,
realises all, renounces all.
Wholly liberated am I
from all craving.
354
The gift of truth excels all gifts.
The flavour of reality
surpasses all flavours.
The delight of truth
transcends all delights.
Freedom from craving
is the end of all suffering.
355
Riches mostly ruin the foolish
but not those who seek the beyond.
Just as they dismiss
the well-being of others and cause harm,
fools also ruin themselves.
356
Weeds cause damage in fields.
Lust causes damage to all beings.
Support those who are free from lust;
the gift will yield great benefit.
357
Weeds cause damage in fields.
Hatred causes damage to all beings.
Support those who are free from hatred;
the gift will yield great benefit.
358
Weeds cause damage in fields.
Confusion causes damage to all beings.
Support those who are free from confusion;
the gift will yield great benefit.
359
Weeds cause damage in fields.
Envy causes damage to all beings.
Encourage those who are free from envy
and there will be great benefit.
back
© 2006 Aruna Publications |