035

Just as a fletcher straightens an arrow shaft, even so the discerning person straightens one's mind--so fickle and unsteady, so difficult to guard and control.

036

As a fish when pulled out of water and cast on land throbs and quivers, even so is this mind agitated. Hence one should leave the realm of passions.

037

Wonderful, indeed, it is to subdue the mind, so difficult to subdue, ever swift, and seizing whatever it desires. A tamed mind brings happiness.

038

Let the discerning person guard the mind, so difficult to detect and extremely subtle, seizing whatever it desires. A guarded mind brings happiness.

039

Dwelling in the cave (of the heart), without form, the mind wanders far and moves alone.

040

Those who subdue this mind are liberated from the bonds of Mara.

041

When one's mind is not steadfast, when one knows not the Good Teaching and one's faith wavers, one's wisdom will not be perfected.

042

There is no fear for an Awakened One, whose mind is not sodden (by lust) nor afflicted (by hate), and who has gone beyond both merit and demerit.

043

Realizing that this body is as fragile as a clay pot, and fortifying this mind like a well fortified city, fight out Mara with the sword of wisdom. Then, guarding the conquest, remain unattached.

044

Before long, alas! this body will lie upon the earth, unheeded and lifeless, like a useless log.

045

Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm.

046

Neither mother, father, nor any other relative can do one greater good than one's own well-directed mind.