Evil


9.1
Being quick to do what is right
restrains the mind from evil.
Being slow to do what is right
invites evil into the mind.

9.2
One who commits wrong
should not repeat it again and again.
Let him not find pleasure in it.
The habit of evil accumulates suffering.

9.3
One who does what is right
should repeat it over and over.
Let it be the call of his heart.
The habit of right action accumulates blessings.

9.4
One who commits wrong may enjoy good fortune
as the consequence of his evil takes shape.
But when it has ripened, suffering will befall.

9.5
One who does what is right may suffer ill fortune
as the consequence of his goodness takes form.
But when they are ready, blessings will flow.

9.6
Do not overlook small wrongdoings, thinking,
"This does not make me evil."
Every drop of falling water helps fill the jar.
Little by little, the deluded store up evil.

9.7
Do not discount small acts of goodness, thinking,
"This does not make me good."
Every drop of falling water helps fill the jar.
Little by little, the wise store up goodness.

9.8
As a merchant's caravan avoids a treacherous road,
as one who loves life avoids drinking poison.
So should you avoid the dangers of evil.

9.9
A hand without wounds can safely carry poison.
A man not open to evil
cannot be harmed by evil.

9.10
Whoever wrongs an innocent one –
one who is pure and free of fault –
will have his act turn back upon him
like dust thrown into the wind.

9.11
After death, some find themselves in a mother's womb.
Those who do evil are bound to a state of suffering.
Those who do good arise to a state of heaven.
Those unstained by either realize Nirvana.

9.12
Nowhere in this world –
not in the sky, under the sea, or in a mountain cave –
can a man escape the consequences of evil action.

9.13
Nowhere in this world –
not in the sky, under the sea, or in a mountain cave –
can a man hide from death.