Psalms of the Brethren CCXXXII: Bhuta

When the wise man hath grasped, that age and death, yea, all
Whereto the undiscerning world-folk cling is Pain,
And Pain thus understanding, dwells with mind intent
And rapt in ecstasy of thought: — no higher bliss
Is given to men than this.

When the fell poisoner he hath banned who bringeth pain, —
Ay, even Craving, who doth sweep him towards the pain
Of being prisoned in the web of many things,
Obsessed, — and he delivered dwells with mind intent
And rapt in ecstasy of thought: — no higher bliss
Is given to men than this.

When by insight he sees the happy-omened Path,
Twice fourfold, ultimate, that purifies from all
That doth defile, and seeing, dwells with mind intent,
Rapt in an ecstasy of thought: — no higher bliss
Is given to men than this.

When work of thought makes real and true the way of peace,
From sorrow free, untarnished and uncorrelate,
Cleansing from all that doth defile, and severing
From every bond and fetter, and the brother sits
Rapt in an ecstasy of thought: — no higher bliss
Is given to men than this.

The brother sits within the hollow of the hills,
Rapt in an ecstasy of thought: — no higher bliss
Is given to men than this.

Or when by rivers on whose banks together crowd
Garlands of woodland blossoms bright with many a hue,
With heart serene the brother sits upon the strand,
Rapt in an ecstasy of thought: — no higher bliss
Is given to men than this.

Or when at dead of night in lonely wood god rains,
And beasts of fang and tusk ravin and cry aloud,
The brother sits within the hollow of the hills,
Rapt in an ecstasy of thought: — no greater bliss
Is given to men than this.

When he hath checked the mind’s discursive restlessness,
And to the mountain’s bosom hies and in some cave
Sits sheltered, free from fear and from impediment,
Rapt in an ecstasy of thought: — no greater bliss
Is given to men than this.

When he in healthful ease abides, abolisher
Of stain and stumbling-stone and woe, open to peace
The portals of the mind, lust-free, immune from dart,
Yea, all intoxicants become as nought, and thus
Rapt in an ecstasy of thought no greater bliss
Is given to men than this.