DP-02 Heedfulness

Ranjith Daluwatta

The Expositions of the Second Chapter of Dhammapada given by Bhikku Yuthadhamma The Tranlation of Stannzas by Ven Thanissaro is given below: Heedfulness: the path to the Deathless. Heedlessness: the path to death. The heedful do not die. The heedless are as if already dead. Knowing this as a true distinction, those wise in heedfulness rejoice in heedfulness, enjoying the range of the noble ones. The enlightened, constantly absorbed in jhana, persevering, firm in their effort: they touch Unbinding, the unexcelled rest from the yoke. Those with initiative, mindful, clean in action, acting with due consideration, heedful, restrained, living the Dhamma: their glory grows. 25 Through initiative, heedfulness, restraint, & self-control, the wise would make an island no flood can submerge. 26 They're addicted to heedlessness — dullards, fools — while one who is wise cherishes heedfulness as his highest wealth. 27 Don't give way to heedlessness or to intimacy with sensual delight — for a heedful person, absorbed in jhana, attains an abundance of ease. 28 When the wise person drives out heedlessness with heedfulness, having climbed the high tower of discernment, sorrow-free, he observes the sorrowing crowd — as the enlightened man, having scaled a summit, the fools on the ground below. 29 Heedful among the heedless, wakeful among those asleep, just as a fast horse advances, leaving the weak behind: so the wise. 30 Through heedfulness, Indra won to lordship over the gods. Heedfulness is praised, heedlessness censured — always. 31-32 The monk delighting in heedfulness, seeing danger in heedlessness, advances like a fire, burning fetters great & small. The monk delighting in heedfulness, seeing danger in heedlessness — incapable of falling back — stands right on the verge of Unbinding.