Chapter 20: The Way

The Buddha identifies the eightfold path as the best of ways, the four truths as the best of truths, and passionlessness as the best of virtue, establishing the foundation of the spiritual path.

The Buddha asserts that the eightfold path is the only way to purify intelligence, and all alternatives constitute Mara's deception.

Following the path will end suffering, and the Buddha taught this way after understanding how to remove obstacles to enlightenment.

The Buddha emphasizes that individuals must make their own effort to practice the path, as Buddhas are only teachers, and those who practice are freed from Mara's bondage.

Understanding that all created things perish leads to passivity regarding pain and constitutes a way to purity.

Knowing that all created things are grief and pain leads to passivity and is another way to purity.

Recognizing that all forms are unreal produces passivity regarding pain and constitutes a path to purity.

The Buddha condemns laziness and idleness as obstacles that prevent access to the way of knowledge.

A person should control speech, restrain mind, and refrain from bodily wrongdoing; maintaining these three paths of action leads to the way taught by the wise.

Knowledge is gained through zeal and lost through lack of zeal; understanding this dynamic enables one to cultivate knowledge.

One must cut down the entire forest of lust, not just individual aspects, as danger pervades it; complete removal brings freedom.

Even the smallest love between men and women enslaves the mind, comparable to a calf's dependence on its mother.

One should cut out self-love like an autumn lotus and embrace the path of peace, which leads to Nirvana.

A fool plans for the future without considering mortality, demonstrating ignorance of life's transience.

Death comes unexpectedly and carries away those distracted by worldly concerns, sweeping them away like a flood.

Family members—children, parents, and relations—cannot protect anyone from death's seizure.

A wise person, understanding the meaning of death's universality, should swiftly pursue the path to Nirvana.