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60
The night is long
for one who cannot sleep.
A journey is long for one who is tired.
Ignorant existence is long and tedious
for those unaware of Truth.
61
Having found no companion
who has travelled at least as far as ourselves,
it is better to go alone
than to accompany those
who remain irresolute.
62
“This is my child, this is my wealth”:
such thoughts are the preoccupations of fools.
If we are unable to own even ourselves,
why make such claims?
63
The fool who knows he is a fool
is at least a little wise;
the fool who thinks that he is wise
is assuredly a fool.
64
Like spoons unable to taste
the flavour of the soup,
are the fools who cannot see truth,
even though they live
all their lives among the wise.
65
Like the tongue that can appreciate
the flavour of the soup,
is one who can discern clearly the truth
after only a brief
association with the wise.
66
By heedlessly performing evil,
the unwary fools
produce their own bitter fruits.
They behave like their worst enemy.
67
A deed is not well-done
when upon reflection remorse arises:
with tears of sorrow
one harvests its fruit.
68
A deed is well-done
when upon reflection no remorse arises:
with joy one harvests its fruits.
69
Fools perceive evil acts
to be sweet as honey
until they have seen the consequences.
When they behold their fruits,
fools suffer indeed.
70
Even after months of rigid asceticism,
subsisting on a frugal diet,
a fool is not to be compared in value
to the person who simply sees the truth.
71
Fresh milk does not immediately
turn into curd,
and evil acts do not immediately
show their fruits;
however, fools do suffer
from the consequences
of their foolishness
as they would be burned
by standing on coals hidden in ashes.
72
Fools are those who use foolishly
whatever gifts they have,
destroying their accumulated good fortune.
73 - 74
The conceit and craving of fools grows
as they claim for themselves
undue authority, recognition and reward:
their falsity affects their longing,
they wish to be seen
as powerful and discerning.
75
The path that leads to worldly gain
and the path that leads to Liberation
are different paths.
Seeing thus, the renunciate disciple
avoids the distraction
of worldly gain and success,
to dwell in solitude.
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© 2006 Aruna Publications |