Version 1:
Whoever dwells seeing the non-pleasurable, in senses well restrained,
And moderate in food, faithful, resolute in enterprise,
Over [them], indeed, Māra prevails not,
Like the wind over a rocky crag.
Version 2:
One who stays focused on the foul,
is restrained with regard to the senses,
knowing moderation in food,
full of conviction and energy:
Māra does not overcome [them]
as the wind, a mountain of rock.
Version 3:
Just as a storm cannot prevail against a rocky mountain, so Māra can never overpower the [one] who lives meditating on the impurities, who is controlled in his senses, moderate in eating, and filled with faith and earnest effort.(1)
Footnotes
(1) The impurities (asubha): subjects of meditation which focus on the inherent repulsiveness of the body, recommended especially as powerful antidotes to lust.
Commentary:
See the previous post entitled “When Words Bring Unexpected Fruits” and the discussion there.
(Note: Version 1 is from the John Ross Carter and Mahinda Palihawadana translation. Version 2 is from the Thanissaro Bhikkhu translation. Version 3 is from the Acharya Buddharakkhita translation. All footnotes are from the original versions. I have switched gendered pronouns for non-gendered pronouns. This is indicated with brackets.)
I love this phrase, “One who stays focused on the foul” – although I think it could be taken (out of context) as someone whose life centers around impurity or unwholesomeness.
I really appreciate seeing the side-by-side versions of these verses. Thanks, Kusa!
You are welcome! Thank you for reading and commenting! Have a good week…