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Of all the paths, the eightfold path is the |foremost::best, most important [seṭṭha]|,
of all the truths, the four noble truths are the foremost;
of all the mental qualities, the |fading of desire::dispassion, detachment [virāga]| is the foremost,
of all the two-footed beings, the |clear-eyed one::who can see, gifted with sight [cakkhumant]| is the foremost.
274
This is the path—there is no other,
for the purification of |vision::perception, spiritual vision [dassana]|;
Tread this path,
and you will bewilder |Māra::embodiment of all forces that keeps beings trapped in the cycle of rebirth [māra]|.
275
Walking upon this path,
you will make an end of |suffering::discomfort, unpleasantness, discontentment, dissatisfaction, stress, pain, disease, i.e. mild or intense suffering [dukkha]|;
I have declared the path,
for the |removal of thorns::surgical removal of the dart, an analogy for the afflictions [sallakantana]| with knowing.
276
|Effort::exertion, application [ātappa]| should be made by you,
the |Tathāgatas::one who has arrived at the truth, an epithet of the Buddhas [tathāgatā]| only show the way;
The |meditators::yogis [jhāyi]| who practice this path,
are |liberated::freed [pamokkhati]| from |Māra‘s bonds::shackles of death [mārabandhanā]|.
277
“All |conditioned phenomena::fabrications, concoctions, intentional constructions, karmic activity [saṅkhārā]| are |impermanent::unstable, transient, unreliable [anicca]|,”
when one sees this with |wisdom::distinctive knowledge, discernment [pañña]|;
Then one becomes |disenchanted with::disinterested in, disillusioned with [nibbindati]| suffering,
this is the path to purification.
278
“All conditioned things |are unsatisfactory::painful, bring discomfort, unease, unpleasantness, trouble, stress [dukkha]|,”
when one sees this with wisdom;
Then one becomes disenchanted with suffering,
this is the path to purification.
279
“All |phenomena::things, mental qualities [dhammā]| are |not-self::essenceless, not suitable to identify with [anatta]|,”
when one sees this with wisdom;
Then one becomes disenchanted with suffering,
this is the path to purification.
280
One who |fails to rise up::does not make an effort [anuṭṭhahāna]| at the right time for making effort,
though young and strong, overcome by |laziness::idleness [ālasiya]|;
With a mind weighed down by |despondent::downcast [saṃsanna]| thoughts, sluggish in action,
such an indolent person does not find the path to wisdom.
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Guarding one’s speech, well-restrained in mind,
and doing no |unwholesome::unhealthy, unskillful, unbeneficial, or karmically unprofitable [akusala]| actions with the body;
Purify these three modes of action,
and succeed in the path taught by the sage.
282
Through |meditation::diligence, practice [yoga]|, |wisdom::discernment [bhūri]| arises,
without meditation, wisdom wanes;
Having known these crossroads,
of |development::well-being, prosperity [bhava]| and |decline::loss, regress [vibhava]|;
One should establish oneself in such a way,
that wisdom continues to grow.
283
Cut off the |forest::a reference to desire, craving [vana]|, not just the tree,
for fear arises from the forest;
Having cut off both the forest and the undergrowth,
become one who is |without craving::cool, quenched, freed from the fires of greed, hatred, and illusion [nibbana]|, bhikkhus.
284
For as long as the |undergrowth::subtle attachments, entanglements [vanatha]| is not cut,
even the smallest amount, in a man‘s heart towards women;
His mind remains |enamoured::infatuated, smitten [paṭibaddhamana]|,
like a calf suckling its mother.
285
Cut off any fondness for oneself,
like an autumn lotus plucked by hand;
Cultivate only the path to |peace::calm, tranquility [santi]|,
|Nibbāna::complete cooling, letting go of everything, deathless, freedom from calamity, the non-disintegrating [nibbāna]|, as taught by the |Fortunate One::well gone, Accomplished One, epithet of the Buddha [sugata]|.
286
’Here I will dwell during the rains,
here during winter and summer;’
thus the |immature person::lacking in discernment or good sense, child-like in understanding [bāla]| thinks,
not understanding the danger.
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That person, |obsessed with sons and cattle::intoxicated by children and possessions [puttapasusammatta]|,
with an attached mind;
Like a great flood sweeps away a sleeping village,
death seizes and carries them away.
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There are no sons for |refuge::shelter, defense, protection [tāṇa]|,
nor father, nor even relatives;
For one |seized by::overpowered by [adhipanna]| death,
there is no refuge among kin.
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Understanding the truth of this,
the wise one, restrained by |ethical conduct::virtue, moral integrity [sīla]|;
should swiftly purify by the way of practice,
leading to Nibbāna.