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## Dhammapada II

# Heedfulness

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

Read an alternate translation by Acharya Buddharakkhita

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21-24*:

> Heedfulness: the path to the Deathless.
> Heedlessness: the path to death.
> The heedful do not die.
> The heedless are as if
> already dead.

> Knowing this as a true distinction,
> those wise in heedfulness
> rejoice in heedfulness,
> enjoying the range of the noble ones.

> The enlightened, constantly
> absorbed in jhana,
> persevering,
> firm in their effort:
> they touch Unbinding,
> the unexcelled rest
> from the yoke.

> Those with initiative,
> mindful,
> clean in action,
> acting with due consideration,
> heedful, restrained,
> living the Dhamma:
> their glory
> grows.

25:

> Through initiative, heedfulness,
> restraint, & self-control,
> the wise would make
> an island
> no flood
> can submerge.

26:

> They're addicted to heedlessness
> -- dullards, fools --
> while one who is wise
> cherishes heedfulness
> as his highest wealth.

27:

> Don't give way to heedlessness
> or to intimacy
> with sensual delight --
> for a heedful person,
> absorbed in jhana,
> attains an abundance of ease.

28:

> When the wise person drives out
> heedlessness
> with heedfulness,
> having climbed the high tower
> of discernment,
> sorrow-free,
> he observes the sorrowing crowd --
> as the enlightened man,
> having scaled
> a summit,
> the fools on the ground below.

29:

> Heedful among the heedless,
> wakeful among those asleep,
> just as a fast horse advances,
> leaving the weak behind:
> so the wise.

30:

> Through heedfulness, Indra won
> to lordship over the gods.
> Heedfulness is praised,
> heedlessness censured --
> always.

31-32:

> The monk delighting in heedfulness,
> seeing danger in heedlessness,
> advances like a fire,
> burning fetters
> great & small.

> The monk delighting in heedfulness,
> seeing danger in heedlessness
> -- incapable of falling back --
> stands right on the verge
> of Unbinding.

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001