Hemaka’s Question

In the past, before hearing Gotama’s message,

when anyone explained ‘It is,’ ‘It will be,’

all that was hearsay, quotation marks.

All that promoted conjecture and gave me no pleasure.

Now, sage, teach me the Dhamma demolishing craving,

knowing which, living mindfully,

one would cross over beyond entanglement in the world.

The Buddha:

Here, Hemaka, with regard to things dear

—seen, heard, sensed, & cognized—

there is: the dispelling of passion & desire,

the unfallen, undying state of unbinding.

Those knowing this, mindful, fully unbound

in the here-&-now, are always calmed,

have crossed over beyond entanglement in the world.

link to original with notes