“Resounding with a host of nymphs,
Haunted by a host of demons!
This grove is to be called ‘Deluding’:
How does one escape from it?”“‘The straight way’ that path is called,
And ‘fearless’ is its destination.
The chariot is called ‘unrattling,’
Fitted with wheels of wholesome states.“The sense of shame is its leaning board,
Mindfulness its upholstery;
I call the Dhamma the charioteer,
With right view running out in front.“One who has such a vehicle—
Whether a woman or a man—
Has, by means of this vehicle,
Drawn close to Nibbāna.”
sn.1.46 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)
Nymphs
- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi
- Editor: Blake Walsh
Nymphs
“It’s resounding with a group of nymphs,but haunted by a gang of goblins!
This grove is called ‘Delusion’.
How am I supposed to live like this?”
“That path is called ‘the straight way’,
and it’s headed for the place called ‘fearless’.
The chariot is called ‘unswerving’,
fitted with wheels of skillful thoughts.
Conscience is its bench-back,
mindfulness its upholstery.
I say the teaching is the driver,
with right view running out in front.
Any woman or man
who has such a vehicle,
by means of this vehicle
has drawn near to extinguishment.”