Chapter 13: The World
The world is fleeting and deceptive; wise ones do not become attached to it.
29 argumentative units
- 01Exhortation to avoid evil law and thoughtlessness
The opening imperative warns against following evil law, living thoughtlessly, or accepting false doctrine, and advises not befriending the world.
- 02Call to virtue and wakefulness with promise of bliss
An exhortation to rouse oneself from idleness and follow virtue, which brings bliss both in this world and the next.
- 03Reiteration of the virtue versus sin dichotomy
This verse reiterates the contrast between virtue and sin, confirming that virtue leads to bliss in both worlds.
- 04Analogy of the world as illusory (bubble and mirage)
The verse instructs one to perceive the world as a bubble and mirage, suggesting that such perception protects from the king of death.
- 05Contrast between wise detachment and foolish immersion
A metaphor comparing the world to a glittering royal chariot: the foolish become immersed in it while the wise refrain from touching it.
- 06Example of transformation from recklessness to sobriety
One who was once reckless but becomes sober brightens the world like the moon freed from clouds, illustrating moral transformation.
- 07Example of good deeds covering evil deeds
A person whose good deeds cover their evil ones similarly brightens the world like the moon freed from clouds.
- 08Claim that the world is dark and few reach heaven
The world is characterized as dark with few capable of seeing or reaching heaven, likened to birds escaping a net.
- 09Description of wise ones transcending Mara and the world
The swans following the sun's path and wise ones conquering Mara and his train escape the world through miraculous power.
- 10Warning about transgression, lies, and disbelief leading to evil
Whoever transgresses law, speaks lies, and scoffs at the other world will inevitably commit all manner of evil.
- 11Assertion that the uncharitable cannot reach the gods
The uncharitable do not reach the world of the gods; liberality is praised and leads to blessing in the other world.
- 12Claim that the first step in holiness surpasses all worldly gains
The reward of the first step in holiness is declared superior to sovereignty, heaven, or lordship over all worlds.
- 13Description of Buddha's unconquerable and trackless nature
The Buddha is described as possessing an unconquered conquest into which no one can enter, and as trackless and omniscient.
- 14Description of Buddha's freedom from desire and temptation
No desire with its snares and poisons can lead the Awakened Buddha astray from his trackless path.
- 15Claim that gods envy the awakened and meditative
Even the gods envy those who are awakened, meditative, wise, and devoted to the repose of retirement from the world.
- 16Statement that human birth, life, and enlightenment are difficult
Conception and life in human form, hearing the True Law, and achieving Buddhahood are all described as difficult accomplishments.
- 17Universal teaching of the Awakened: abstain, do good, purify
The teaching common to all the Awakened consists of not committing sin, doing good, and purifying one's mind.
- 18Definition that patience and non-violence are highest virtue and Nirvana
The Awakened regard patience as the highest penance and long-suffering as the highest Nirvana; true ascetics do not strike or insult others.
- 19Teaching of the Awakened: restraint, moderation, and contemplation
The Awakened teach non-blame, non-violence, restraint under law, moderate eating, solitude in rest, and dwelling on highest thoughts.
- 20Assertion that lusts cannot be satisfied and cause suffering
No amount of gold can satisfy lust; the wise person recognizes that lusts give brief pleasure but cause pain.
- 21Claim that fully awakened disciples reject even heavenly pleasure
Even heavenly pleasures fail to satisfy the fully awakened disciple, who delights only in the destruction of all desires.
- 22Description of how fear drives people to seek worldly refuges
Driven by fear, people seek refuge in mountains, forests, groves, and sacred trees.
- 23Negation that worldly refuges provide safety or deliverance
Such worldly refuges are neither safe nor best, and do not deliver one from all pain.
- 24Definition of the true refuge: Buddha, Law, Church, and Four Truths
True refuge lies in taking shelter with Buddha, Law, and Church, and understanding the Four Holy Truths with clear insight.
- 25Specification of the Four Truths and the Eightfold Path
The Four Truths are pain, its origin, its destruction, and the Eightfold Path leading to the quieting of pain.
- 26Assertion that true refuge brings deliverance from all pain
This refuge in Buddha, Law, and Church is safe and best, delivering one from all pain.
- 27Claim that Buddhas are rare but their birth brings prosperity
A supernatural Buddha is rarely born everywhere, but wherever such a sage is born, that race prospers.
- 28Statement of happiness found in awakening, teaching, peace, and devotion
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.
- 29Claim that paying homage to the awakened and their disciples brings immeasurable merit
Paying homage to those who deserve it—whether Buddha or disciples who have overcome evil and know no fear—results in immeasurable merit.