The Path

Just this
          is the path
—there is no other—
to purify vision.
          Follow it,
and that will be Mara’s
          bewilderment.
Following it,
you put an end
to suffering and stress.
I have taught you this path
having known
—for your knowing—
the extraction of arrows.
It’s for you to strive
          ardently.
Tathagatas simply
point out the way.
Those who practice,
absorbed in jhana:
           from Mara’s bonds
           they’ll be freed.

—The Buddha
   Dhammapada 271-276
   Thanissaro Bhikku, trans.

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