Psalms of the Brethren CCXIV: Malunkya’s Son

Is there a man who careless, heedless dwells,
Craving in him will like a creeper grow.
He hurries hankering from birth to birth,
In quest of fruit like ape in forest tree.

Whom she doth overcome, — the shameful jade,
Craving, the poisoner of all mankind, —
Grow for him griefs as rank as jungle-grass.

But he who doth her down, — the shameful jade,
Hard to outwit, — from him griefs fall away
As from the lotus glides the drop of dew.

This word to you, as many as are here
Together come: May all success be yours!
Dig up the root of craving, as ye were
Bent on the quest of sweet usira root.
Let it not be with you that, ye the reed,
Mara the stream, he break you o’er and o’er!

Bring ye the Buddha- Word to pass; let not
This moment of the ages pass you by!
That moment lost, men mourn in misery.

As dust [mixed and defiled], is carelessness;
And dust-defilement comes through carelessness.
By earnestness and by the Lore ye hear,
Let each man from his heart draw out the spear.