Just as a fletcher straightens an arrow shaft, even so the discerning man straightens his mind — so fickle and unsteady, so difficult to guard.
Just as an arrow-maker carefully straightens each shaft, a wise person patiently straightens their own wandering, restless mind, even though it fights back at every turn.
As a fish when pulled out of water and cast on land throbs and quivers, even so is this mind agitated. Hence should one abandon the realm of Mara.
Like a fish pulled from water and thrown on the bank, your mind thrashes and flails when you try to pull it free of Māra's realm, its usual round of distractions.
Wonderful, indeed, it is to subdue the mind, so difficult to subdue, ever swift, and seizing whatever it desires. A tamed mind brings happiness.
Taming your mind is worthwhile, even though it's wild, slippery, and goes wherever it wants. A settled mind is the root of genuine happiness.
Let the discerning man guard the mind, so difficult to detect and extremely subtle, seizing whatever it desires. A guarded mind brings happiness.
Guard your thoughts carefully; they're subtle and elusive, alighting wherever they please. But thoughts that are watched over become a source of lasting peace.
Dwelling in the cave (of the heart), the mind, without form, wanders far and alone. Those who subdue this mind are liberated from the bonds of Mara.
Your mind travels far, moves invisibly, and hides in the deepest places. Those who learn to guide this invisible traveler break free from Māra's bonds.
Wisdom never becomes perfect in one whose mind is not steadfast, who knows not the Good Teaching and whose faith wavers.
When the mind is scattered, when understanding is unclear, when inner peace is shaky, real wisdom can't take root. A turbulent lake can't reflect the sky.
There is no fear for an awakened one, whose mind is not sodden (by lust) nor afflicted (by hate), and who has gone beyond both merit and demerit. [6]
When the mind is unclouded by craving and free of ill-will, and no longer driven to chase being good or to flee being bad, fear loses its grip. A wakeful, unburdened mind has nothing to dread.
Realizing that this body is as fragile as a clay pot, and fortifying this mind like a well-fortified city, fight out Mara with the sword of wisdom. Then, guarding the conquest, remain unattached.
Know that this body is as fragile as a clay pot. Then fortify your mind like a castle and fight Māra down with the weapon of clear seeing. Stay vigilant even after you've won.
Ere long, alas! this body will lie upon the earth, unheeded and lifeless, like a useless log.
Soon enough, sooner than you think, this body will lie still on the ground, no more useful than a discarded log. Use it wisely while you can.
Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm.
No enemy can harm you as badly as your own untrained mind. The worst damage comes not from outside, but from within.
Neither mother, father, nor any other relative can do one greater good than one’s own well-directed mind.
No one, not your mother, not your father, not your closest family, can do as much good for you as your own well-trained mind.