Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 10.djvu/74

 CHAPTER III.

THOUGHT.

33. As a fletcher makes straight his arrow, a wise man makes straight his trembling and un- steady thought, which is difficult to guard, difficult to hold back,

34. As a fish taken from his watery home and thrown on the dry ground, our thought trembles all over in order to escape the dominion of Mâra (the tempter).

35. It is good to tame the mind, which is difficult to hold in and flighty, rushing wherever it listeth; a tamed mind brings happiness.

36. Let the wise man guard his thoughts, for they are difficult to perceive, very artful, and they rush wherever they list: thoughts well guarded bring happiness.

37. Those who bridle their mind which travels far, moves about alone, is without a body, and hides in the chamber (of the heart), will be free from the bonds of Mâra (the tempter).

38. If a man's thoughts are unsteady, if he does not know the true law, if his peace of mind is troubled, his knowledge will never be perfect.

39. If a mans thoughts are not dissipated, if

33. Cf. Gâtaka, vol. i. p. 400.

34. On Mâra, see verses 7 and 8.

35-39. Cf. Gâtaka, vol. i. pp. 312, 400.

39. Fausböll traces anavassuta, 'dissipated,' back to the Sanskrit