“Calm and still,
thoughtful in counsel, not restless—
he shakes off bad qualities
as the wind shakes leaves off a tree.
Calm and still,
thoughtful in counsel, not restless—
he plucks off bad qualities
as the wind plucks leaves off a tree.
Calm and free of despair,
clear and unclouded,
of good morals, intelligent:
one would make an end of suffering.”
“Some householders, and even some renunciants,
are not to be trusted.
Some who were good later become bad;
while some who were bad become good.”
“Sensual desire, ill will,
dullness and drowsiness,
restlessness, and doubt:
these are the five mental stains for a monk.”
“Whether they’re honored
or not honored, or both,
their immersion doesn’t waver
as they live diligently.
They persistently practice absorption
with subtle view and discernment.
Rejoicing in the ending of grasping,
they’re said to be a true person.”
“The oceans and the earth,
the mountains and the wind—
none of these can compare
with the Teacher’s magnificent liberation.”
“The senior monk who keeps the wheel rolling,
he is very wise and serene.
Like earth, like water, like fire,
he is neither attracted nor repelled.
He has attained the perfection of wisdom,
so intelligent and thoughtful.
He is bright, but seems to be dull;
he always wanders, quenched.”
“I’ve served the teacher
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.
The heavy burden is laid down,
the conduit to rebirth is eradicated.”
“Persist with diligence:
this is my instruction.
Come, I’ll be fully extinguished—
I am everywhere free.”
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