766 If a mortal desires sensual pleasure
and their desire succeeds,
they definitely become elated,
having got what they want.

767 But for that person in the throes of pleasure,
aroused by desire,
if those pleasures fade,
it hurts like an arrow’s strike.

768 One who, being mindful,
avoids sensual pleasures
like side-stepping a snake’s head,
transcends attachment to the world.

769 There are many objects of sensual desire:
fields, lands, and gold; cattle and horses;
slaves and servants; women and relatives.
When a man lusts over these,

770 the weak overpower him
and adversities crush him.
Suffering follows him
like water in a leaky boat.

771 That’s why a person, ever mindful,
should avoid sensual pleasures.
Give them up and cross the flood,
as a bailed-out boat reaches the far shore.

766Kāmaṁ kāmayamānassa,
tassa ce taṁ samijjhati;
Addhā pītimano hoti,
laddhā macco yadicchati.

767 Tassa ce kāmayānassa,
chandajātassa jantuno;
Te kāmā parihāyanti,
sallaviddhova ruppati.

768 Yo kāme parivajjeti,
sappasseva padā siro;
Somaṁ visattikaṁ loke,
sato samativattati.

769 Khettaṁ vatthuṁ hiraññaṁ vā,
gavāssaṁ dāsaporisaṁ;
Thiyo bandhū puthu kāme,
yo naro anugijjhati.

770 Abalā naṁ balīyanti,
maddantenaṁ parissayā;
Tato naṁ dukkhamanveti,
nāvaṁ bhinnamivodakaṁ.

771 Tasmā jantu sadā sato,
Kāmāni parivajjaye;
Te pahāya tare oghaṁ,
Nāvaṁ sitvāva pāragūti.