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Dhammapada
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  • II - Heedfulness
    • 21-24*:
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21-24*21:

Heedfulness:     the path to the Deathless.
Heedlessness: the path to death.
The heedful do not die.
The heedless are as if
    already dead.

Knowing22 this as a true distinction,
those wise in heedfulness
rejoice     in heedfulness,
enjoying the range of the noble ones.

The23 enlightened, constantly
    absorbed in jhana,
    persevering,
    firm in their effort:
they touch Unbinding,
the unexcelled rest
    from the yoke.

Those with initiative,
    mindful,
    clean in action,
acting with due consideration,
    heedful, restrained,
living the Dhamma:
    their glory
    grows.

 



21: The Deathless = Unbinding (nibbana/nirvana), which gives release from the cycle of death and rebirth.



22: "The range of the noble ones": Any of the four stages of Awakening, as well as the total Unbinding to which they lead. The four stages are: (1) stream-entry, at which one abandons the first three mental fetters tying one to the round of rebirth: self-identity views, uncertainty, and grasping at precepts and practices; (2) once-returning, at which passion, aversion, and delusion are further weakened; (3) non-returning, at which sensual passion and resistance are abandoned; and (4) arahantship, at which the final five fetters are abandoned: passion for form, passion for formless phenomena, conceit, restlessness, and ignorance. For other references to the "range of the noble ones," see 92-93 and 179-180.



23: AN IV.10 lists four yokes: the yoke of sensuality, the yoke of becoming, the yoke of views, and the yoke of ignorance. To gain rest from the first three yokes, one must discern, as it actually is present, the origination, the passing away, the allure, the drawbacks, and the escape from that yoke. One will then not be obsessed with passion, delight, attraction, infatuation, thirst, fever, fascination, craving with regard to that yoke. To gain rest from the yoke of ignorance, one must discern, as it actually is present, the origination, the passing away, the allure, the drawbacks, and the escape from the six sense media. One will then not be obsessed with not-knowing.





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