Religion

Psalms of the Brethren CLXXXV: Vimala

by The Brethren of the Theragatha traditionally 6th–3rd century BCE; composition uncertain

Translated by Mrs. C. A. F. Rhys Davids (1913) · From Psalms of the Early Buddhists II: Psalms of the Brethren (1913)

Religion

From evil-minded friends keep far away,
And make thy choice among the best of men.
To his advice hold fast, and let thy heart
Aspire to happiness immutable.

As one who, mounted on a puny plank,
Is in mid-ocean whelmed beneath the waves,
So even he of blameless life doth sink,
When thrown together with the man of sloth.

Wherefore from such an one keep well apart,
The sluggard and the poor in energy.
Dwell thou with them who live aloof,
With wise, with noble souls who have renounced,
Who in rapt contemplation ever strive.

MLA

Theragatha, The Brethren of the. “Psalms of the Brethren CLXXXV: Vimala.” Translated by Mrs. C. A. F. Rhys Davids. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/theragatha-brethren/184/.

Chicago

Theragatha, The Brethren of the. “Psalms of the Brethren CLXXXV: Vimala.” Translated by Mrs. C. A. F. Rhys Davids. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/theragatha-brethren/184/.

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