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## Dhammapada III

# The Mind

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.

Read an alternate translation by Acharya Buddharakkhita

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33-37*:

> Quivering, wavering,
> hard to guard,
> to hold in check:
> the mind.
> The sage makes it straight --
> like a fletcher,
> the shaft of an arrow.

> Like a fish
> pulled from its home in the water
> & thrown on land:
> this mind flips & flaps about
> to escape Mara's sway.

> Hard to hold down,
> nimble,
> alighting wherever it likes:
> the mind.
> Its taming is good.
> The mind well-tamed
> brings ease.

> So hard to see,
> so very, very subtle,
> alighting wherever it likes:
> the mind.
> The wise should guard it.
> The mind protected
> brings ease.

> Wandering far,
> going alone,
> bodiless,
> lying in a cave:
> the mind.
> Those who restrain it:
> from Mara's bonds
> they'll be freed.

38:

> For a person of unsteady mind,
> not knowing true Dhamma,
> serenity
> set adrift:
> discernment doesn't grow full.

39*:

> For a person of unsoddened mind,
> unassaulted awareness,
> abandoning merit & evil,
> wakeful,
> there is no danger
> no fear.

40*:

> Knowing this body
> is like a clay jar,
> securing this mind
> like a fort,
> attack Mara
> with the spear of discernment,
> then guard what's won
> without settling there,
> without laying claim.

41:

> All too soon, this body
> will lie on the ground
> cast off,
> bereft of consciousness,
> like a useless scrap
> of wood.

42-43*:

> Whatever an enemy might do
> to an enemy,
> or a foe to a foe,
> the ill-directed mind
> can do to you
> even worse.

> Whatever a mother, father
> or other kinsman
> might do for you,
> the well-directed mind
> can do for you
> even better.

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001