Dhammapada - Chapter 11: Jaravagga - Old Age
- fdg sc Translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita.
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146When this world is ever ablaze, why this laughter, why this jubilation? Shrouded in darkness, will you not see the light? |
147Behold this body — a painted image, a mass of heaped up sores, infirm, full of hankering — of which nothing is lasting or stable! |
148Fully worn out is this body, a nest of disease, and fragile. This foul mass breaks up, for death is the end of life. |
149These dove-colored bones are like gourds that lie scattered about in autumn. Having seen them, how can one seek delight? |
150This city (body) is built of bones, plastered with flesh and blood; within are decay and death, pride and jealousy. |
151Even gorgeous royal chariots wear out, and indeed this body too wears out. But the Dhamma of the Good does not age; thus the Good make it known to the good. |
152The man of little learning grows old like a bull. He grows only in bulk, but, his wisdom does not grow. |
153Through many a birth in samsara have I wandered in vain, seeking the builder of this house (of life). Repeated birth is indeed suffering! |
154O house-builder, you are seen! You will not build this house again. For your rafters are broken and your ridgepole shattered. My mind has reached the Unconditioned; I have attained the destruction of craving. |
155Those who in youth have not led the holy life, or have failed to acquire wealth, languish like old cranes in the pond without fish. |
156Those who in youth have not lead the holy life, or have failed to acquire wealth, lie sighing over the past, like worn out arrows (shot from) a bow. |