(Dhammapada) Piyavaggo – The Group On Affection – DhpV.209-220 (KN2.16)

209.
Not undertaking what one should pursue, and undertaking what should not be pursued.
Leaving behind their own true welfare to hold onto what is pleasant, they are envious of those who practice for theirs.

210.
Never associate with what rises affection, or disdain.
Not seeing what one finds pleasant is stressful, as is seeing what is unpleasant.
211.
Therefore, you should not hold anything with affection, as it seems awful to be separate from them.
Be as one with no ties, where nothing is held with affection or disdain.

212.
From endearment both sorrow and fear arise.
Free from being enticed where can sorrow and fear come from?
213.
From love both sorrow and fear arise.
Free from falling in love, where can sorrow and fear come from?
214.
From attachment both sorrow and fear arise.
Free from becoming attached, where can sorrow and fear come from?
215.
From desire both sorrow and fear arise.
Free from desiring things, where can sorrow and fear come from?
216.
From addiction both sorrow and fear arise.
Free from becoming addicted, where can sorrow and fear come from?

217.
Possessing virtue and insight, firm in the Dhamma and knowing the truth.
Doing what they should do, the crowd act as though they are dear to them.

218.
One resolute on finding what cannot be described, who has an expanded mind.
Their mind not bound to sensuality, they are known as “Going against the current (of the world).”

219.
They, who have spent much time away from the home, return happily from far away.
Relatives and friends rejoice at their return.
220.
Likewise, when you have developed skilful qualities, and passed away from this life going to the next.
The skilful qualities you have developed welcome you, just as relatives and loved ones do upon your return.

The sixteenth group on affection has finished.