For whom victory cannot be undone, whose victory no one in the world can undo; That Buddha, whose domain is boundless, the traceless one—by what path will you lead him astray?

For whom there is no entanglement or snare, and no craving to be found anywhere; That Buddha, whose domain is boundless, the traceless one—by what path will you lead him astray?

Those wise ones who are intent on jhāna, who delight in tranquility of renunciation— Even the gods hold them dear, the Awakened Ones, who are mindful.

Hard it is to acquire a human birth, hard is the life of mortals; Rare is the hearing of the true Dhamma, rare is the arising of the Buddhas.

To avoid all injurious [intentions and actions], to cultivate wholesome [intentions and actions]; And purifying one's mind— this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

Enduring patience is the highest spiritual practice, Nibbāna is the very best, the Buddhas declare; One who harms others is not a true renunciant, nor is one who troubles others a true ascetic.

Not speaking ill of others, not harming others, restraint according to the moral code of conduct; Knowing moderation in eating, dwelling in secluded places; Dedication to the higher mind, this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

Not by a shower of coins, can one find satisfaction in sensual desire; Sensual pleasures bring little enjoyment and much suffering, thus the wise understand.

Even in heavenly sensual pleasures, he finds no delight; He delights in the wearing away of craving, Such is the disciple of the Fully Awakened One.

Many people take refuge, in mountains and forests; Parks, trees and shrines, shaken up by fear.

This is not a safe refuge, that is not the highest refuge; That is not a refuge, which brings release from all suffering.

But one who takes refuge, in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha; Sees the Four Noble Truths, with right wisdom.

Suffering, the arising of suffering, the ending of suffering; And the Noble Eightfold Path, that leads to the ending of suffering.

This is a safe refuge, this is the highest refuge; Taking refuge here, one is released from all suffering.

Rare is the birth of a thoroughbred person, he is not born everywhere; Where such a stable one one is born, that family gains ease.

Good is the arising of the Buddhas, good is the teaching of the true Dhamma; Good is the harmony of the Saṅgha, Good is the spiritual practice of those who live in harmony.

One who honors those worthy of honor, whether the Buddhas or their disciples; Who has surmounted mental proliferation, who has gone beyond sorrow and lamentation.

One who honors such ones, the quenched and fearless ones; No one can measure their gained merit, saying, 'there is just this much.'