Chapter 20

Of all paths, the Eightfold Path is best; of all truths, the Four Noble Truths; of all virtues, freedom from passion; of all people, the one with eyes to see.

This is the path—there is no other—that leads to the purification of insight. Walk this path! Everything else is the deception of Mara, the tempter.

If you walk this path, you will put an end to suffering. I taught this path once I understood how to remove the thorns of the flesh.

You must do the work yourself. The Buddhas only point the way. Those who are thoughtful and enter the path are released from Mara’s bondage.

“All conditioned things are impermanent”—whoever knows and sees this grows weary of suffering. This is the path to purity.

“All conditioned things are sorrow and pain”—whoever knows and sees this grows weary of suffering. This is the path that leads to purity.

“All things are without self”—whoever knows and sees this grows weary of suffering. This is the path that leads to purity.

The person who does not stir himself when it is time to rise, who is full of sloth even though young and strong, whose will and thought are weak—that lazy, idle person will never find the path to wisdom.

Guarding his speech, well restrained in mind, let a person never do any wrong with the body. Keep these three avenues of action clear, and you will attain the path taught by the wise.

Knowledge grows through diligence; through neglect, knowledge is lost. Knowing this twofold path of gain and loss, position yourself so that knowledge may grow.

Cut down the whole forest of desire, not just a single tree! Danger arises from this forest. When you have cut down both the forest and its undergrowth, monks, you will be free of the forest and liberated.

As long as even the smallest trace of a man’s desire for women is not destroyed, his mind remains in bondage—like a nursing calf tied to its mother.

Cut out self-love with your hand, like an autumn lotus. Cultivate the path of peace. Nirvana has been shown by the Buddha.

“Here I will live during the rains; here in winter and summer”—so the fool plans, never thinking of his death.

Death comes and sweeps that person away—praised for his children and his livestock, his mind preoccupied—just as a flood sweeps away a sleeping village.

Sons are no protection, nor a father, nor relatives; for one whom death has seized, kinsfolk offer no help.

A wise and good person who understands this should quickly clear the path that leads to Nirvana.