5.1
One night is long to the
wakeful.
Seven miles is far for the
weary.
To the deluded one who do no
know Dhamma,
the cycle of birth and death
is endless.
5.2
If while walking the path
you fail to meet your equal
or better,
steadfastly make your way
alone.
The deluded are not fit
companions.
5.3
The deluded one worries,
thinking,
“I have sons. I have wealth.”
He has not even himself,
much less sons or wealth.
5.4
The deluded one who knows he
is deluded
is to that extent clear.
The deluded one who thinks
he sees clearly
is truly deluded.
5.5
A deluded man may associate
With an Awakened One his
whole life,
yet remain unaware of
Dhamma.
Much as the spoon cannot
taste soup.
5.6
A mindful man, however,
may only briefly encounter
an Awakened One,
yet instantly know Dhamma.
Much as the tongue
immediately tastes soup.
5.7
The deluded one, unaware of
his delusion,
is an enemy unto himself.
Committing ignorant deeds,
he reaps bitter fruit.
5.8
Deeds done in ignorance
bring regret.
Suffering and repentance are
extracted.
Weeping covers the face with
tears.
5.9
Deeds done in Awareness
bring no regret.
Joy and happiness well up
and are gladly received.
5.10
The deluded one thinks evil
tastes sweet
until the consequences
ripen.
When the consequences ripen,
there is only misery.
5.11
A deluded ascetic may month
after month
measure his food with the
tip of a blade of grass.
Yet he is not worth a
sixteenth part
of one who knows Dhamma.
5.12
Like fresh milk,
an evil deed does not
immediately sour.
It follows the deluded one,
smoldering like coals
covered with ashes,
until it is ready to burn.
5.13
For the deluded one,
even spiritual knowledge is
harmful.
It goes to his head and
causes imbalance.
5.14
The deluded aspirant desires
unwarranted honors,
preeminence among his
fellows,
authority in the monastery,
homage from surrounding
households.
5.15
“Let both householder and
monk believe that I,
my personal self, have
achieved great wisdom.
Let them come to me for
guidance in all things.”
This is the intention of the
deluded aspirant –
to feed desire and pride.
5.16
One road leads to earthly
delights,
another leads to Nirvana.
Let the observer of the Way
of Buddha
delight not in honors but in
solitude.