Theragāthā — Versos dos Monges Anciãos — 10.3 — Mahākappina

1If you’re prepared for the future,
both the good and the bad,
then those, whether enemies or well-wishers,
who examine you for weakness will see none.

2One who has fulfilled, developed,
and gradually consolidated
mindfulness of breathing
as it was taught by the Buddha:
they shine on this world,
like the moon freed from clouds.

3Yes, my mind is clean,
limitless and well-developed;
it has broken through and been uplifted—
it radiates in every direction.

4A wise person lives on
even after loss of wealth;
but without gaining wisdom,
even a rich person doesn’t really live.

5Wisdom questions what is learned;
wisdom grows fame and reputation;
a person united with wisdom
finds happiness even among sufferings.

6It’s not a teaching just for today;
it isn’t incredible or amazing.
When you’re born, you die—
what’s amazing about that?

7For anyone who is born,
death always follows after life.
Everyone who is born here dies here;
such is the nature of living creatures.

8The things that are useful for the living
are of no use for the dead—not fame, not celebrity,
not praise by ascetics and brahmins.
For the dead, there is only weeping.

9And weeping impairs the eye and the body;
complexion, strength, and intelligence decline.
Your enemies rejoice;
but your well-wishers are not happy.

10So you should wish that those who stay in your family
have intelligence and learning,
and do their duty through the power of wisdom,
just as you’d cross a full river by boat.