Chapter 21

If by renouncing a limited happiness one would see an abundant happiness, let the spiritually mature person, having regard to the abundant happiness, sacrifice the limited happiness.

He who, contaminated by (his) association with hatred, seeks happiness for himself by inflicting suffering on others, is not released from hatred.

What is to be done, that is neglected; what is not to be done, that is done. Of those who are arrogant and heedless the defilements increase.

Those who ever earnestly practise mindfulness with regard to the body, not following after what is not to be done (and) steadfastly pursuing what is to be done, of these mindful and fully attentive ones the defilements come to an end.

Having slain mother and father and two warrior kings, and having destroyed a kingdom together with the (king’s) revenue collector, the brāhmaṇa goes free from sin.14

Having slain mother and father and two learned kings, and having killed a tiger as the fifth, the brāhmaṇa goes free from sin.

Wide awake they always arise (in the morning), the disciples of Gotama, (those) who day and night are constantly mindful of the (virtues of the) Buddha.

Wide awake they always arise (in the morning), the disciples of Gotama, (those) who day and night are constantly mindful of the (qualities of the) Dhamma.

Wide awake they always arise (in the morning), the disciples of Gotama, (those) who day and night are constantly mindful of the (characteristics of the Arya) Sangha.

Wide awake they always arise (in the morning), the disciples of Gotama, (those) who day and night are constantly mindful of the (transitory nature of the) body.

Wide awake they always arise (in the morning), the disciples of Gotama, (those) who day and night delight in non-injury (ahiṃsā).

Wide awake they always arise (in the morning), the disciples of Gotama, (those) whose mind day and night delights in meditation (bhāvanā).

It is difficult to go forth (from home to the homeless life); and difficult to delight therein (once one has gone forth). (At the same time) household life is painful, (and) painful, likewise, is living together with those who are not (one’s) peers. Travellers (on the road of birth, death, and rebirth) are oppressed by suffering, so do not be (such a) traveller oppressed by suffering.

He who is perfect in faith and good conduct, (and) possessed of fame and wealth, he is honoured everywhere, to whatever country he resorts.

Like the Snowy (Mountain Range), the good are visible even from afar. The wicked are not seen, like arrows shot in the night.

He who sits alone, lies down alone (and) walks alone, without weariness, (and) who strives, (all) alone, to subdue himself, (he) will take delight in the (solitude of the) forest.