Psalms of the Brethren CCXVI: Katiyana

Rise up, rouse thee, Katiyana, seat thee crosslegged.
Be not filled with drowsiness. Watch and keep vigil.
Child of heedless race, let not the King of Mortals
By a simple trick o’ercome thee self-indulgent.

E’en as billow sweeping o’er the mighty ocean
So may round of birth and age o’erwhelm and drown thee.
See that thou dost make thyself an isle of safety,
For nought else is there may serve thee as a refuge.

Lo! for thee the Master hath prepared this Right Way,
Past all bonds and past all fear of birth and dying.
Be thou diligent when night is young, and after;
Strive with all thy might, and strenuous make thy study.

Loose all earlier ties; live as befits a brother,
Robed in yellow cloak, by razor shaved, and almsfed.
Be not fain for pastimes, nor to lengthened slumbers
Be addicted. Contemplate, O Katiyana!

Concentrate, conquer, O Katiyana! Make thee
Adept in the path to sure salvation leading.
Hast thou won the ultimate purification,
Thou shalt reach the Going-out, as flame in water.

Light of feeble ray is as a wind-torn creeper.
So do thou, clansman of Indra, clutching nothing,
Shake off Mara. Cleans’d of passion for sensations,
Wait thine hour, e’en here in holy coolness dwelling.