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33
Just as a fletcher shapes an arrow,
so the wise develop the mind,
so excitable, uncertain
and difficult to control.
34
Like a fish which on being dragged
from its home in the water
and tossed on dry land
will thrash about,
so will the heart tremble
when withdrawing from the current of Mara.
35
The active mind is difficult to tame,
flighty and wandering wherever it wills:
taming it is essential,
leading to the joy of well-being.
36
The protected and guarded mind
leads to ease of being.
Though subtle, elusive and hard to see,
one who is alert
should tend and watch over this mind.
37
Wandering far and wide on its own,
without form,
the mind lies in the heart-cavern within.
To bring it under control
is to be freed from the bonds of ignorance.
38
In one whose mind is unsteady,
whose heart is not prepared
with true teachings,
whose faith is not matured,
the fullness of wisdom is not yet manifest.
39
There is no fear
if the heart is uncontaminated
by the passions
and the mind is free from ill-will.
Seeing beyond good and evil
one is awake.
40
Seeing this body to be as fragile
as a clay vessel,
and fortifying the heart like a city wall,
one can confront Mara
with the weapon of insight.
Having the advantage of non-attachment,
one protects what has already been gained.
41
Certainly this body will soon lie lifeless:
cast aside on the ground,
devoid of consciousness
and as useless as a burnt-out log.
42
More than a thief,
more than an enemy,
a misdirected heart
brings one to harm.
43
Neither mother, father
nor any member of a family
can give you the blessings generated
by your own well-directed heart.
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© 2006 Aruna Publications |