Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.
Alternate translation: | Andrew Olendzki |
Rain soddens what's covered & doesn't sodden what's exposed. So open up what's covered up, so that it won't get soddened by the rain. Attacked by death is the world, surrounded by aging, beset by the arrow of craving, always obscured by desire. Attacked by death is the world, & encircled by aging, constantly beaten, with no shelter, like a thief sentenced to punishment. They encroach like masses of flame, these three: death, aging, & illness. There's no strength to confront them, no speed to run away. Make the day not-in-vain, a little or a lot. However much the day passes, that's how much less is life. Your last day approaches. This isn't your time to be heedless.