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Just as a fletcher straightens an arrow shaft,
even so the discerning man straightens his mind —
so fickle and unsteady,
so difficult to guard.
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As a fish when pulled out of water
and cast on land throbs and quivers,
even so is this mind agitated.
Hence should one abandon the realm of Mara.
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Wonderful, indeed, it is to subdue the mind,
so difficult to subdue,
ever swift, and seizing whatever it desires.
A tamed mind brings happiness.
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Let the discerning man guard the mind,
so difficult to detect and extremely subtle,
seizing whatever it desires.
A guarded mind brings happiness.
-
Dwelling in the cave (of the heart),
the mind, without form, wanders far and alone.
Those who subdue this mind
are liberated from the bonds of Mara.
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Wisdom never becomes perfect
in one whose mind is not steadfast,
who knows not the Good Teaching
and whose faith wavers.
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There is no fear for an awakened one,
whose mind is not sodden (by lust)
nor afflicted (by hate),
and who has gone beyond both merit and demerit.
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Realizing that this body is
as fragile as a clay pot,
and fortifying this mind
like a well-fortified city,
fight out Mara with the sword of wisdom.
Then, guarding the conquest,
remain unattached.
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Ere long, alas!
this body will lie upon the earth,
unheeded and lifeless,
like a useless log.
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Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy,
or a hater to a hater,
an ill-directed mind
inflicts on oneself a greater harm.
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Neither mother, father,
nor any other relative
can do one greater good
than one's own well-directed mind.