Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada

i64 DHAMMAPADA.
platted hair, fool ! the garment of grass, what
good ? Within there is no quittance of desire,
then what aldvantage the outward denial of self ?
Put away lust, hatred, delusion, sloth and all its
evil consequences, as the snake puts off its skin,
this is to be a Brahmach^rin indeed. Separate
yourself from all worldly associations—let the
mouth speak no foul words—thoroughly investi-
gate the eight paths (Ashtanga m4rga), this is to
be a Brahmach^rin indeed. To have cast off all
thoughts of family affection, to have given up all
desire after home, and all the bonds of personal
preference loosed, this is to be a Brahmach^rin in-
deed. He who has given up all thoughts about
this world or the next, and places no reliance on
either—this man is a Brahmach^rin indeed. He
who understands his own previous history, and has
come to an end of all future chance of birth or
death, him I call a Brahmach^rin. He who is per-
fect in knowledge, is a Brahmach^rin."
Saving thus spbken, Buddha addressed the Brahma-
ch^rins in these words :
"You who profess to have arrived at Nirv4na,
are but as fishes in a pool of shallow water ! "What
pleasure or satisfaction can you expect ?
The Brahinach§,rins having heard these words and con-
sidered them, bowed down before Buddha, and having
been admitted into his community, soon became Eahats.
The other hearers, also iilled with joy, were enabled to
enter the Paths.
"