2.24.3. The Mind

Chapter III

2.24.3. The Mind (Cittavagga)

III. (I) Meghiyatthera Vattbu

2.25.3.33. The mind is cxcitabk and unsteady; it is difficult

to control and to restrain. The wise one trains his

mind to ~ upright as a fletcher straightens an arrow.

2.25.3.34. As a fish quivers when tlkcll out of its watery

home and thrown on to dry gro'jnd, so does the mind

quiver when it iii taken out of the sensual world to

escap~ from the roalm of Mara (i. c., kilcsa vaHa, round

of moral ddHements).

35. Th, mind is difficult to control; sWiftly and

lightly. it mOve') al1d land'i wherewr it pleases. It is

good to ta 'ne the mi nd, for a well-ta med mind bri ng~

happiness.

36. The mind ilS very difficult to see, very dd!C3te

and subtle; it moves a nd Jand~ wherever it pleases.

The wise one should guard his mind, for a gU31ded

mind brings happiness.

37. The mind wanders far and moves about alone;

it i!S non-material; it lies in the cave (chamber of the

heart). Those who control their mind will be free from

the bonds 6f Mara.

38. If a man's mind is unsteady. if he is ignorant

of the true Dhamma, and if his faith is wavering. then

his knowledge will never be perfect.

39. If a man's mind is free from passion. if he is

fr~ from ill will. if he has abandoned both good and

evil, and if he is vigilant. for such a man there is no

danger.

40. Knowing that this body is ( fCJgile) like an

earthen jar. making one's mind s'~CiJre like a fortified

. town, one should fight Mara with the weap.:>n of knowledge.

(After defeating Mara) one should stdl continue

to guard one's mind, and feel no attachment to that

which has been ga: ned (i.e., jhana ecstasy and serenity

gained through meditation).

41. Before long. alas this body, deprived of consciousness,

will lie on the earth, discarded like.a useless

log.

42. A thief may harm a thief; an enemy may harm

an enemy; but a wrongly directed mind can do

oneself fdf greater harrn.

43. Not a mother, nor a father, nor any other

relative can do more for the wen· being of one than a

rightly-directed mind can.