One Fortunate Attachment

January 9th, 2007

From The Majjima Nikaya (The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha)

The Buddha recited the poem:
‘Let not a person revive the past
Or on the future build his hopes,

For the past has been left behind
And the future has not been reached.

Instead, with insight, let him see
Each presently arisen state;
Let him know that and be sure of it,
Invincibly, unshakeably.

Today, the effort must be made;
Tomorrow, Death may come, who knows?
No bargain with Mortality
Can keep him and his hoards away.

But one who dwells thus ardently,
Relentlessly, by day, by night –
It is he, the Peaceful Sage has said,
Who has one fortunate attachment.’

Then the Blessed One rose from his seat and entered his dwelling.

Buy The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha

Thoughts & Inspiration | Comments | Trackback