KN.DHP21-32 — Chapter on Non-Negligence
Heedfulness is the path to the deathless; heedlessness is the path to death. The heedful do not die; the heedless are as if already dead. Knowing this distinction, the wise delight in heedfulness, rejoicing in the domain of the noble ones. These meditative, persistent individuals, always exerting strong effort, the wise attain Nibbāna, the unsurpassed security from bondage.
For one who is diligent, mindful, pure in action, and acts with consideration; who is restrained and lives righteously, heedfulness brings increasing honor. Through diligence, heedfulness, restraint, and self-control, the wise person should make an island that the flood cannot overwhelm.
Fools, those of poor knowing, indulge in heedlessness; the wise one guards heedfulness as the greatest treasure. Do not indulge in heedlessness, nor in sensual pleasures. The heedful, meditating, attain abundant happiness.
When the wise one dispels heedlessness with heedfulness, having climbed the tower of wisdom, free from sorrow, he observes the sorrowful people, like a mountaineer viewing those on the ground below. The heedful among the heedless, the wakeful among the sleeping, advances like a swift horse leaving behind a weak one.
Through heedfulness, Magha attained the highest status among the gods. Heedfulness is praised; heedlessness is always blamed. A disciple who delights in heedfulness, seeing danger in heedlessness, burns away the fetters, whether small or large, like a fire.
A disciple who delights in heedfulness, seeing danger in heedlessness, is incapable of decline and is close to Nibbāna.