4:1 Sensual Pleasures

766[151] When a mortal desires sensual pleasure,
if that succeeds for him,
surely he is elated in mind,
having gained what he desires. (1)

767But when, full of sensual desire,
a person is aroused by desire,
if those sensual pleasures decline,
he is afflicted as if pierced by a dart. (2)

768One who avoids sensual pleasures
like a serpent’s head with the foot,
being mindful, overcomes
this attachment to the world. (3)

769Fields, land, or bullion,
cattle and horses, slaves and servants,
women, relatives — when a person greedily
longs for various sensual pleasures, (4)

770even the weak overpower him;
obstacles crush him.
Then suffering enters him
as water does a broken boat. (5)

771Therefore, ever mindful, a person
should avoid sensual pleasures.
Having abandoned them, one can cross the flood,
as by bailing out the boat one can reach the far shore. (6)

Kāmasutta

766Kāmaṁ kāmayamānassa,
tassa ce taṁ samijjhati;
Addhā pītimano hoti,
laddhā macco yadicchati.

767 Tassa ce kāmayānassa,
chandajātassa jantuno;
Te kāmā parihāyanti,
sallaviddhova ruppati.

768 Yo kāme parivajjeti,
sappasseva padā siro;
Somaṁ visattikaṁ loke,
sato samativattati.

769 Khettaṁ vatthuṁ hiraññaṁ vā,
gavāssaṁ dāsaporisaṁ;
Thiyo bandhū puthu kāme,
yo naro anugijjhati.

770 Abalā naṁ balīyanti,
maddantenaṁ parissayā;
Tato naṁ dukkhamanveti,
nāvaṁ bhinnamivodakaṁ.

771 Tasmā jantu sadā sato,
Kāmāni parivajjaye;
Te pahāya tare oghaṁ,
Nāvaṁ sitvāva pāragūti.

Kāmasuttaṁ paṭhamaṁ.