Practicing what one shouldn’t, Not practicing what one should, Having abandoned the goal, Clinging to what is dear, One comes to envy those who practice. Don’t get entangled With what you long for or dislike. Not seeing what you long for is suffering: So also is seeing what you dislike. Therefore, do not turn anything Into something longed for, For then it’s dreadful to lose. Without longing or dislike, No bonds exist. Longing gives rise to grief; Longing gives ride to fear. For someone released from longing There is no grief; And from where would come fear? Affection gives rise to grief; Affection gives rise to fear. For someone released from affection There is no grief; And from where would come fear? Infatuation gives rise to grief; Infatuation gives rise to fear. For someone released from infatuation There is no grief; And from where would come fear? Sensual craving gives rise to grief; Sensual craving gives rise to fear. For someone released from sensual craving There is no grief; And from where would come fear? Craving gives rise to grief; Craving gives rise to fear. For someone released from craving There is no grief; And from where would come fear? People hold dear those Who have done their own work, Complete in virtue and vision, Established in the Dharma, And who speak of truth. Anyone who aspires to the Indescribable, Whose mind is expansive, And whose heart is not bound to sensual craving Is called “one bound upstream.” Relatives, friends and companions Rejoice When a long-absent person Returns from afar. Just so, in passing from the world to the next, The merit we have made Receives us, As a family does the return of a beloved relative. ~The Dhammapada
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