Translation:Dhammapada/Chapter 2

2:1 (21) Mindfulness leads to deathlessness Carelessness leads to death. When I am heedful, I need not fear death But when I am negligent, it's like I am dead already.

2:2 (22) When I understand this, and am intent on mindfulness, I rejoice in my awareness And I rejoice in the awareness of others.

2:3 (23) When I persevere in meditation, Diligently devoting myself to concentration and insight, I am released from the chains of attachment And achieve True Bliss.

2:4 (24) If a person is energetic and mindful, Pure in deed, acting with consideration, Self-controlled, and following the Way of Enlightenment, Then he will be known and respected for his wisdom.

2:5 (25) Through diligence and awareness, Restraint and self-mastery, I create a refuge which no flood can overwhelm

2:6 (26) When I am foolish, I live carelessly and become dull. When I am wise, I cherish my awareness. It is my most precious treasure.

2:7 (27) When I am negligent, I become addicted to sensual pleasures. But when I am awake and contemplative, I find true happiness.

2:8 (28) When my mindfulness drives away my spiritual slumber, I climb the tower of wisdom, without attachment, And veiw those trapped by their clinging. Just as a person standing on a mountain gazes down at the world below, I see without judgement those who suffer because of their delusions.

2:9 (29) Mindful among the thoughtless, Awake and alert among the slumbering, I advance like a racehorse among old and crippled beasts.

2:10 (30) Remember the story of how Maghava, through mindfulness, Rose to become the lord of heaven? Mindfulness is always worthy of praise. Heedlessness is always condemned.

2:11 (31) When I delight in my awareness And look with fear on negligence I advance like a forest fire Burning away all attachments, great and small.

2:12 (32) When I delight in my awareness And look with fear on negligence Then I am not likely to fall. Then I am very close to True Bliss.