Anthology of Discourses 4.1

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1. Anthology of Discourses 4.1
2. Sensual Pleasures
3. If a mortal desires sensual pleasure
4. and their desire succeeds,
5. they definitely become elated,
6. having got what they want.
7. But for that person in the throes of pleasure,
8. aroused by desire,
9. if those pleasures fade,
10. it hurts like an arrow’s strike.
11. One who, being mindful,
12. avoids sensual pleasures
13. like side-stepping a snake’s head,
14. transcends attachment to the world.
15. There are many objects of sensual desire:
16. fields, lands, and gold; cattle and horses;
17. slaves and servants; women and relatives.
18. When a man lusts over these,
19. the weak overpower him
20. and adversities crush him.
21. Suffering follows him
22. like water in a leaky boat.
23. That’s why a person, ever mindful,
24. should avoid sensual pleasures.
25. Give them up and cross the flood,
26. as a bailed-out boat reaches the far shore.