Dhammapada — Chapter 3: Cittavagga

11 verses

Verse 1

The flickering, fickle mind, difficult to guard, difficult to restrain — the wise one straightens it, as a fletcher straightens an arrow.

Like a fish drawn from its watery abode and thrown upon the land, this mind flutters. Hence one should abandon the realm of Mara.

Hard to restrain, swift, alighting wherever it pleases — good indeed is the taming of the mind. A tamed mind brings happiness.

Hard to perceive, extremely subtle, alighting wherever it pleases — the wise one should guard the mind. A guarded mind brings happiness.

Travelling far, wandering alone, bodiless, dwelling in the cave of the heart — those who subdue the mind are freed from the bonds of Mara.