KN.DHP273-289 — The Chapter on the Path
The Eightfold Path is the best of paths; the Four Noble Truths are the best of truths. Dispassion is the best of states; the one with vision is the best among two-legged beings. This is the only path; there is no other for the purification of insight. Follow this path, for it is the bewilderment of Māra. When you have followed this path, you will make an end of suffering. I have declared the path, which removes the thorn of ignorance. You must make an effort; the Tathāgatas only show the way. Those who practice meditation will be freed from the bonds of Māra.
On the Characteristic of Impermanence: All conditioned things are impermanent, when one sees this with wisdom, one becomes disenchanted with suffering; this is the path to purity.
On the Characteristic of Suffering: All conditioned things are suffering, when one sees this with wisdom, one becomes disenchanted with suffering; this is the path to purity.
On the Characteristic of Non-Self: All phenomena are non-self, when one sees this with wisdom, one becomes disenchanted with suffering; this is the path to purity.
The Story of Elder Tissa, the Striver: One who does not rise up at the time of rising, though young and strong, is overcome by laziness; with a mind full of thoughts, the lazy one does not find the path of wisdom.
The Story of the Pig Spirit: Guard your speech, be well-restrained in mind, and do not commit unwholesome deeds with the body. Purify these three paths of action and fulfill the path taught by the wise.
The Story of Elder Poṭṭhila: Through effort, wisdom is born; without effort, wisdom is lost. Knowing this twofold path, one should establish oneself in such a way that wisdom grows.
The Story of the Five Elder Disciples: Cut down the forest, not just a tree, for from the forest arises fear. Having cut down the forest and the underbrush, be free, O disciples. As long as the underbrush is not cut down, even to the smallest extent, a man is bound to women, like a calf to its mother.
The Story of the Goldsmith Elder: Cut off your own attachment, like a lotus in autumn with your hand. Cultivate the path to peace, as taught by the Well-Gone One.
The Story of the Wealthy Merchant: Here I will stay during the rains, here in winter and summer, so thinks the fool, not realizing the danger.
The Story of Kisāgotamī: Death takes away the man who is attached to children and cattle, whose mind is ensnared, like a great flood sweeps away a sleeping village.
The Story of Paṭācārā: There are no sons for protection, nor father nor relatives. For one seized by the End-Maker, there is no protection among kin. Knowing this reality, the wise, restrained by virtue, should quickly purify the path leading to Nibbāna.