Chapter 13: The World

The opening imperative warns against following evil law, living thoughtlessly, or accepting false doctrine, and advises not befriending the world.

An exhortation to rouse oneself from idleness and follow virtue, which brings bliss both in this world and the next.

This verse reiterates the contrast between virtue and sin, confirming that virtue leads to bliss in both worlds.

The verse instructs one to perceive the world as a bubble and mirage, suggesting that such perception protects from the king of death.

A metaphor comparing the world to a glittering royal chariot: the foolish become immersed in it while the wise refrain from touching it.

One who was once reckless but becomes sober brightens the world like the moon freed from clouds, illustrating moral transformation.

A person whose good deeds cover their evil ones similarly brightens the world like the moon freed from clouds.

The world is characterized as dark with few capable of seeing or reaching heaven, likened to birds escaping a net.

The swans following the sun's path and wise ones conquering Mara and his train escape the world through miraculous power.

Whoever transgresses law, speaks lies, and scoffs at the other world will inevitably commit all manner of evil.

The uncharitable do not reach the world of the gods; liberality is praised and leads to blessing in the other world.

The reward of the first step in holiness is declared superior to sovereignty, heaven, or lordship over all worlds.

The Buddha is described as possessing an unconquered conquest into which no one can enter, and as trackless and omniscient.

No desire with its snares and poisons can lead the Awakened Buddha astray from his trackless path.

Even the gods envy those who are awakened, meditative, wise, and devoted to the repose of retirement from the world.

Conception and life in human form, hearing the True Law, and achieving Buddhahood are all described as difficult accomplishments.

The teaching common to all the Awakened consists of not committing sin, doing good, and purifying one's mind.

The Awakened regard patience as the highest penance and long-suffering as the highest Nirvana; true ascetics do not strike or insult others.

The Awakened teach non-blame, non-violence, restraint under law, moderate eating, solitude in rest, and dwelling on highest thoughts.

No amount of gold can satisfy lust; the wise person recognizes that lusts give brief pleasure but cause pain.

Even heavenly pleasures fail to satisfy the fully awakened disciple, who delights only in the destruction of all desires.

Driven by fear, people seek refuge in mountains, forests, groves, and sacred trees.

Such worldly refuges are neither safe nor best, and do not deliver one from all pain.

True refuge lies in taking shelter with Buddha, Law, and Church, and understanding the Four Holy Truths with clear insight.

The Four Truths are pain, its origin, its destruction, and the Eightfold Path leading to the quieting of pain.

This refuge in Buddha, Law, and Church is safe and best, delivering one from all pain.

A supernatural Buddha is rarely born everywhere, but wherever such a sage is born, that race prospers.

Four things bring happiness: the arising of the awakened, the teaching of the True Law, peace in the church, and devotion of those at peace.

Paying homage to those who deserve it—whether Buddha or disciples who have overcome evil and know no fear—results in immeasurable merit.