Chapter 7

For one who has completed the journey, let go of sorrow, become free in every way, and cast off all bonds, suffering no longer exists.

Those whose minds are well-gathered set out; they take no pleasure in any fixed dwelling. Like swans leaving a lake behind, they leave home after home.

Those who store up nothing, who are careful about the food they accept, whose field is emptiness and the unconditioned freedom of Nirvana—their path is as hard to trace as the flight of birds through the sky.

One whose cravings are calmed, who is not caught up in enjoyment, who has realized emptiness and the unconditioned freedom of Nirvana—his path is as hard to trace as the flight of birds through the sky.

Even the gods envy the one whose senses have been tamed like horses well trained by their driver, who is free of pride and free of craving.

Such a person, doing what should be done, is patient like the earth, steady like Indra’s thunderbolt; he is like a lake clear of mud—for him there are no more rebirths.

His thoughts are still, still are his words and actions, when he has won release through true knowledge and become one who is at peace.

The person who is free of blind belief, who knows the uncreated, who has cut every tie, ended every opportunity for craving, and given up every desire—he is the greatest of human beings.

In a village or in a forest, in deep water or on dry land, wherever the venerable ones dwell, that place is delightful.

Forests are delightful; where ordinary people find no delight, those free of passion find it, for they are not searching for pleasures.