Translation:Dhammapada/Chapter 4

4:1 (44) An expert garland-maker chooses just the right flower for his composition But who can truly understand his or her own self? Who understands every mysterious power in this world? Who can discern the path toward enlightenment that has been taught to us?

4:2 (45) As a dedicated disciple, I am learning to understand myself. I strive to understand every power in this world. I am learning to discern the path toward enlightenment, As expert garland-maker choosing just the right flower.

4:3 (46) My body is as impermanent as foam. Its true nature is as a mirage. Realizing this, I pluck out the flowers of illusion And pass beyond death's sight

4:4 (47) A great tidal wave may wash away An entire village, caught unawares. If I am distracted by the flowers of pleasure, I, too, may be washed away.

4:5 (48) If my mind is distracted, If I become addicted to the flowers of pleasure, Death will take me long before my desires are satisfied.

4:6 (49) A bee collects pollen and then leaves, never harming the flower. Neither the color nor the fragrance are diminished in any way. In this way, I travel through life.

4:7 (50) Instead of focusing on the faults of others, The wrongs they have done, the good they have failed to do, I look clearly at my own acts, What I do, and what I leave undone.

4:8 (51) Like a beautiful and colorful blossom that has no scent Are words of wisdom spoken by one who does not practice them.

4:9 (52) Like a beautiful blossom with a rich, sweet scent Are words of wisdom spoken by one who puts them into practice.

4:10 (53) Many different kinds of garlands can be made With the same heap of flowers. Many different kinds of good deeds Can be done between my birth and death in this world.

4:11 (54) The scents of flowers cannot blow against the wind. Neither can the perfumes of jasmine, sandalwood, or clove. But the fragrance of virtue radiates in every direction.

4:12 (55) Jasmine, sandalwood, lotus, and clove: The fragrance of vitue far surpasses all of these.

4:13 (56) The fragrances of lavish perfumes grow faint But the fragrance of virtue stays strong. It wafts up even to the heavens.

4:14 (57) When I possess these virtues, Living in mindfullness and freed by right knowlege, Temptation cannot find me. Illusion cannot follow me.

4:15 (58) A heap of trash sits, discarded, by the side of the road From out of it grows a beautiful and fragrant lotus flower.

4:16 (59) In the same way, out of the rubbish of this world, A follower of the Buddha may grow, With wisdom shining out among the blind.