You don’t become a noble one

by harming living beings.

One harmless toward all living beings

is said to be a noble one.

Not by precepts and observances,

nor by much learning,

nor by meditative immersion,

nor by living in seclusion,

do I experience the bliss of renunciation

not frequented by ordinary people.

A mendicant cannot rest confident

without attaining the end of defilements.

Minor Collection Sayings of the Dhamma 273–289 20. The Path

Of paths, the eightfold is the best;

of truths, the four statements;

dispassion is the best of things,

and the Clear-eyed One is the best of humans.

<em>This</em> is the path, there is no other

for the purification of vision.

You all must practice this,

it is the way to baffle Māra.

When you all are practicing this,

you’ll make an end of suffering.

I have explained the path to you

for extracting the thorn with wisdom.

You yourselves must do the work,

the Realized Ones just show the way.

Meditators practicing absorption

are released from Māra’s bonds.