The Mind - Dhammapada

Just as a fletcher straightens,
an arrow shaft,
even so the discerning man
straightens his mind -
so fickle and unsteady,
so difficult to guard and control.

As a fish when pulled out of water
and cast on land
throbs and quivers,
ever so is this mind agitated.
Hence should one abandon
the realm of Mara.

Wonderful, indeed,
it is to subdue, ever swift,
and seizing whatever it desires.
A tamed mind brings happiness.

Let the discerning man
guard the mind,
so difficult to detect and extremely subtle,
seizing whatever it desires.
A guarded mind brings happiness.

Dwelling in the cave (of the heart),
the mind, without form,
wanders far and alone.
Those who subdue this mind
are liberated from the bonds of Mara.

Wisdom never becomes perfect
in one whose mind is not steadfast,
who knows not the Good Teaching
and whose faith wavers.

There is no fear for an awakened one,
whose mind is not sodden (by lust)
nor afflicted (by hate),
and who has gone beyond
both merit and demerit.

Realizing that this body
is as fragile as a clay pot,
and fortifying this mind
like
a well-fortified city,
fight out Mara
with the sword of wisdom.
Then, guarding the conquest,
remain unattached.

Ere long, alas!
This body lie upon the earth,
unheed and lifeless,
like a useless log.

Whatever harm an enemy,
may do to an enemy,
or a hater to a hater,
an ill-directed mind
inflicts oneself a greater harm.

Neither mother, father,
nor any other relative
can do one greater good
than one's own well-directed mind.