XIV.BUDDHAVAGGA. THE BUDDHA

179. Whose conquest (of passion) is not turned into defeat, no conquered (passion) of his in this world follows him, - that trackless Buddha of infinite range, by what way will you lead him?

180. Him in whom there is not that entangling, embroiling craving to lead (to any life), him the trackless Buddha of infinite range - by what way will you lead him?

181. Those wise ones who are absorbed in meditation, who delight in the stillness of renunciation (i.e. Nibbãna), such mindful perfect Buddhas even the gods hold (most) dear.

182. Rare is birth as a human being, hard is the life of mortals; hard is the hearing of the Sublime Truth, rare is the appearance of Buddhas.

183. Not to do any evil, to cultivate good, to purify one's mind, - this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

184. Forbearing patience is the highest austerity, Nibbãna is supreme say the Buddhas; he, verily, is not a recluse who harms another; nor is he an ascetic who oppresses others.

185. Not insulting, nor harming, restraint according to the Fundamental Moral Code, moderation in food, secluded abode, intent on the higher consciousness, this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

186, 187. Not by a shower of gold coins does contentment arise in sensual pleasures. Of little sweetness, but painful, are sensual pleasures. Knowing thus, the wise man finds no delight even in heavenly pleasures. The disciple of the Fully Enlightened One delights in the destruction of craving.

188. To many a refuge fear-stricken men betake themselves, to hills, woods, gardens, trees, and shrines.

189. Nay, no such refuge is safe, no such refuge is supreme; not by resorting to such a refuge is one freed from all ill.

190-192. He who has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, sees with right knowledge the four Noble Truths, Sorrow, the Cause of Sorrow, the Transcending of Sorrow, and the Noble Eightfold Path which leads to the Cessation of Sorrow. This indeed is refuge secure; this indeed is refuge supreme. By reaching such refuge one is released from all sorrow.

193. Hard to find is a personage of great wisdom : he is not born everywhere; where such a man is born that family thrives happily.

194. Happy is the birth of Buddhas; happy is the teaching of the Sublime Dhamma; happy is the unity of the Sangha ; happy is the devotion of the united ones.

195, 196. He who reverences those worthy of reverence, whether the Buddhas or disciples; those who have overcome passions and have got rid of grief and lamentation; the merit of him who reverences such peaceful and fearless Ones cannot be measured by anyone as such and such.