146.
Who laughs and why do they find joy, when beings are constantly burning?
Covering their eyes and blindfolded, they cannot find any light.
147.
Look at the images (of the body) created by the mind, (nothing but) a collection of sores.
With many plans for this diseased mass, (not realising) it is neither stable nor certain.
148.
This body wears out, as it is frail and home for disease.
This disintegrating collection of parts putrefies, and ends its lifespan at death.
149.
This (body) thrown away like a squash in autumn.
When seeing only bones (remain), who can love (the body).
150.
There is a city of bones, plastered with flesh and blood.
This is the place where ageing, death, conceit, and hypocrisy abide.
151.
It is certain that even a beautiful kings chariot will wear out, as does the body as it ages.
The real truth does not age, and the virtuous share it with each other.
152.
Those ignorant people grow old like an ox.
Their body grows, yet their discernment is stunted.
153. 1
Through many a birth in samsara I have vainly wandered,
Seeking the builder of this house, because repeated birth is suffering!
154.
House-builder, you have now been seen! No house will be built again by you.
Your rafters are broken, your ridgepole shattered,
My mind has reached the Unconditioned; I have attained cravings destruction.
155.
Without leading the chaste life, or obtaining wealth while young.
Like an old heron broods at a pond without fish.
156.
Without leading the chaste life, or obtaining wealth while young.
Lament over the past, lying around like arrows shot from an old bow.
Who laughs and why do they find joy, when beings are constantly burning?
Covering their eyes and blindfolded, they cannot find any light.
147.
Look at the images (of the body) created by the mind, (nothing but) a collection of sores.
With many plans for this diseased mass, (not realising) it is neither stable nor certain.
148.
This body wears out, as it is frail and home for disease.
This disintegrating collection of parts putrefies, and ends its lifespan at death.
149.
This (body) thrown away like a squash in autumn.
When seeing only bones (remain), who can love (the body).
150.
There is a city of bones, plastered with flesh and blood.
This is the place where ageing, death, conceit, and hypocrisy abide.
151.
It is certain that even a beautiful kings chariot will wear out, as does the body as it ages.
The real truth does not age, and the virtuous share it with each other.
152.
Those ignorant people grow old like an ox.
Their body grows, yet their discernment is stunted.
153. 1
Through many a birth in samsara I have vainly wandered,
Seeking the builder of this house, because repeated birth is suffering!
154.
House-builder, you have now been seen! No house will be built again by you.
Your rafters are broken, your ridgepole shattered,
My mind has reached the Unconditioned; I have attained cravings destruction.
155.
Without leading the chaste life, or obtaining wealth while young.
Like an old heron broods at a pond without fish.
156.
Without leading the chaste life, or obtaining wealth while young.
Lament over the past, lying around like arrows shot from an old bow.
The eleventh group on ageing has finished.
1 - paṭhama-buddha-bhāsita-gāthā – The first verse spoken by the Buddha – DhpV153-154
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