Chapter 13: The World

The Buddha instructs against four fundamental errors: following evil law, living in thoughtlessness, accepting false doctrine, and befriending the world.

The Buddha commands awakening from idleness and pursuit of virtue, promising that virtuous conduct yields bliss in both this world and the next.

The Buddha reiterates the choice to follow virtue rather than sin, reinforcing that virtue leads to bliss in both worlds.

The Buddha teaches perceiving the world as insubstantial—like a bubble or mirage—which grants protection from death.

The Buddha contrasts the foolish, who are immersed in the world like a royal chariot, with the wise who remain untouched by it.

The Buddha illustrates that one who abandons recklessness and becomes virtuous illuminates the world like the moon emerging from clouds.

The Buddha teaches that good deeds covering evil ones produce virtue and illumination, using the same metaphor of the moon freed from clouds.

The Buddha characterizes the world as dark where few can see clearly, and fewer still achieve liberation like birds escaping a net.

The Buddha teaches that the wise transcend the world through miraculous power and victory over Mara, using the swan's path through the ether as an example.

The Buddha argues that breaking one law, speaking lies, and mocking the afterlife leads to escalating evil conduct.

The Buddha teaches that the uncharitable do not ascend to higher realms, while the wise rejoice in liberality as a path to blessedness.

The Buddha concludes that the first step in holiness surpasses all earthly and heavenly rewards, placing spiritual progress above material and celestial dominion.