Of paths, the Eighfold is the best. Of truths, the four words. Of phenomena, the passing away [of originated phenomena] is the best. The best of two-footed beings is the Seer.

This [eightfold path] is the only way to purify one’s vision [of things according to reality]. There is no other. Apply yourself to it. It is the bewilderment of Māra.

Applying yourself to this [eightfold path] you will put an end to suffering. I have explained this path to you having [myself] realised the destruction of the arrow [of craving].

The vigorous endeavour [to practise the teaching] must be made by you yourselves. Perfect Ones are just path-proclaimers. Meditators who apply themselves [to the eightfold path] will be delivered from Māra’s bond [that binds one to renewed states of individual existence].

All originated phenomena are unlasting. When one sees [this] [according to reality] with penetrative discernment, then one is disillusioned with suffering. This is the path to spiritual purity.

All originated phenomena are intrinsically unsatisfactory. When one sees [this] [according to reality] with penetrative discernment, then one is disillusioned with suffering. This is the path to spiritual purity.

All things are void of personal qualities. When one sees [this] [according to reality] with penetrative discernment, then one is disillusioned with suffering. This is the path to spiritual purity.

Being indolent at the time of exertion [though] young and able-bodied, the idler is full of sloth, mentally sluggish, and lazy. He does not with penetrative discernment find the path [to spiritual purity].

Guarding one’s speech, and being well restrained in mental [conduct], one should not do what is spiritually unwholesome by way of body. Purifying these three ways of conduct one would attain the Path proclaimed by the Seer.

Penetrative discernment arises from effort [in proper contemplation]. Without effort [in proper contemplation] penetrative discernment is destroyed. Recognising these two paths to the development and cessation [of wisdom], let a man so conduct himself that his wisdom increases.

Cut down craving, bhikkhus, not trees. From craving comes fear. Having cut down all forms of craving, be free of craving.

So long as even the slightest craving of a man for women is not obliterated, so long is he emotionally bound to them, like a suckling calf to its mother.

Destroy your love for yourself like [destroying] an autumn lily with your hand. Develop the Path to Peace, as explained by the Sublime One, [leading to] the Untroubled.

‘I will dwell here for the rainy season. I will dwell there in winter and summer.’ Thus thinks the fool. He does not realise the [mortal] danger [of his life].

As a great flood carries off a village asleep, so death carries off [spiritually asleep] the man who is besotted with children and cattle, whose mind is attached [to gold coins, bullion, and all kinds of possessions].

One’s children are not a shelter [against death], nor is one’s father, nor are one’s [other] relatives. For one who is seized by death, [even] while amidst his relatives there is no shelter [against death]. The wise man abiding restrained in [conduct within the constraints of] the code of morality, knowing this good reason, should quickly purify the path leading to the Untroubled.