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116
Hasten towards doing what is beautiful.
Restrain your mind from evil acts.
The mind that is slow to do good
can easily find pleasure in evil-doing.
117
If you perform an evil act,
then do not repeat it.
Avoid finding pleasure in its memory.
The aftermath of evil-doing is painful.
118
Having performed a wholesome act
it is good to repeat it.
Enjoy the pleasure of its memory.
The fruit of goodness is contentment.
119
Even those who perform evil
can experience well-being
so long as their actions
have not yet borne direct fruits.
However, when the results
of their actions ripen,
the painful consequences
cannot be avoided.
120
Even those who live wholesome lives
can experience suffering
so long as their acts
have not yet borne direct fruits.
However, when the fruits
of their actions ripen
the joyful consequences
cannot be avoided.
121
Do not ignore the effects of evil,
saying, “This will come to nothing.”
Just as by the gradual fall of raindrops
the water jar is filled,
so in time fools are corrupted
by evil-doing.
122
Do not ignore the effect of right action
saying, “This will come to nothing.”
Just as by the gradual fall of raindrops
the water jar is filled,
so in time the wise
become replete with good.
123
As one who is entrusted
with precious cargo
would remain vigilant and protective
avoid evil as if it were poison.
124
A hand without an open wound
can carry poison
and remain free from harm;
likewise, evil has no consequences
for those who do not perform it.
125
If you intentionally harm
an innocent person,
someone who is pure and blameless,
the harm will come back to you
like fine dust thrown into the wind.
126
Some are reborn as humans;
evil-doers are reborn in hell.
Doers of good are reborn in bliss
and the pure enter the trackless land.
127
There is no place on earth
where one can hide
from the consequences of evil actions –
not in a mountain cave,
the ocean nor in the sky.
128
There is no place on earth
beyond the reach of death –
not in a mountain cave,
the ocean nor in the sky.
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© 2006 Aruna Publications |