Oracles

DHAMMAPADA I4I For this course done or that to run : surely in Priesthood such an one hath earned a share. II EARNESTNESS Amata’s path is Earnestness, Dispersion Death’s disciples tread : The earnest never die, the vain are even as already dead. Who understand, have travelled far on concentration’s path, delight In concentration, have their joy, knowing the Noble Ones aright. In meditation firmly fixed, by constant strenuous effort high, They to Nirvana come at last, the incomparable security. Whose mind is strenuous and reflects ; whose deeds are circumspect and pure, His thoughts aye fixed on Law, the fame of that con-centred shall endure. By Earnestness, by centred thought, by self restraint, by suffering long, Let the wise man an island build against the fatal current strong. Fools follow after vanity, those men of evil wisdom’s sect ; But the wise man doth earnestness, a precious talisman, protect.