An agitated wavering mind is difficult to guard and hold in line.
The wise make their minds straight, like a fletcher does arrows.
34.
Just as a fish when thrown on dry land, from its habitat in the water, shakes.
The trembling mind goes to the realm of māra.
35.
Difficult to control & quick, able to seize upon whatever it likes.
It is good to tame the mind, as the tamed mind brings happiness.
36.
Difficult to see due to its refined subtleties, able to seize upon whatever it likes.
The wise protect the mind, as the guarded mind brings happiness.
37.
Going far to live alone, in a cave by oneself.
Practice restraint with whatever thoughts arise, and be free from māra's snare.
38.
The unsettled mind does not know the true Dhamma.
With wavering faculties, wisdom is not perfected.
39.
With a mind not filled with lust, not struck with unskilled thoughts.
With the abandoning of the cultivation of skilled & unskilled potentials, fear is not present for those who awake.
40.
Knowing this body is like a water pot; make the mind like a castle.
Wage war on māra with the weapon of discernment, protecting, yet not settling for what is won.
41.
Certainly this body will soon lie lifeless, cast aside on the ground,
devoid of consciousness, and as useless as a burnt-out log.
42.
Whatever enemies or those who are ill-disposed towards one another would do to each other
what one's mind would do when directed in a dissident way is worse for you than that.
43.
What ones parents, close or extended family cannot do for you,
What one's mind being directed in an upright way, would do far better for you than they.