Oracles

I42 DHAMMAPADA Follow not vanity, nor seek the transient pleasures of the sense : The earnest one who meditates derives the highest rapture thence. When the wise man by Earnestness hath Vanity to chaos hurled He mounts to wisdom’s palace, looks serene upon the sorrowing world. Mighty is wisdom : as a man climbs high upon the hills ice- crowned, Surveys, aloof, the toiling folk far distant on the dusty ground. Among the sleepers vigilant, among the thoughtless eager- eyed The wise speeds on ; the racer so passes the hack with vigorous stride. By earnestness did Maghava attain of Gods to be the Lord. Praise is one-pointed thought’s reward ; Dispersion is a thing abhorred. The Bhikkhu who in Earnestness delights, who fears dispersions dire, His fetters all, both great and small, burning he moves about the fire.