Wheel of Sharp Weapons | 41-80

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Wheel of Sharp Weapons
by Dharmarakṣita
part II

(41)

When our mind is untamed
though we act with great virtue,
this is the wheel of sharp weapons
returning full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.
Till now we have engaged in those worldly ambitions
that aim at success for ourselves in this life;
hereafter let’s work with pure one-pointed effort
to nourish the wish to gain freedom’s far shore.

(42)

When after we do any virtuous action
we feel deep regret or we doubt its effect,
this is the wheel of sharp weapons
returning full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.
Till now we’ve been fickle and, stirred by base motives,
have courted just those who have power or wealth;
hereafter let’s act with complete self-awareness,
exerting great care in the way we make friends.

(43)

When those with ambition repay trusting friendship
by luring us on with their devious schemes,
this is the wheel of sharp weapons
returning full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.
Till now from ambition we have acted with arrogance,
hereafter let’s dampen our self-centred pride.

(44)

When the force of attraction or that of repulsion
colours whatever we hear or we say,
this is the wheel of sharp weapons
returning full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.
Till now we’ve ignored what has caused all our troubles:
the mass of delusion that dwells in our heart;
hereafter let’s try to abandon all hindrances:
note their arising, examine them well.

(45)

When no matter how well-meant our actions toward others,
they always elicit a hostile response,
this is the wheel of sharp weapons
returning full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.
Till now we’ve repaid loving-kindness with malice;
hereafter let’s always accept others’ favours
both graciously and with most humble respect.

(46)

In short then, whenever unfortunate sufferings
we haven’t desired crash upon us like thunder,
this is the same as the smith who had taken his life
with a sword he had fashioned himself.
Our suffering’s the wheel of sharp weapons
returning full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.
hereafter let’s always have care and awareness
never to act in non-virtuous ways.

(47)

All of the sufferings that we have endured
in the lives we have led in the 3 lower states,
as well as our pains of the present and future,
are the same as the case of the forger of arrows
who later was killed by an arrow he’d made.
Our suffering’s the wheel of sharp weapons
returning full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.
hereafter let’s always have care and awareness
never to act in non-virtuous ways.

(48)

When the troubles and worries of family life grieve us,
this is the same as the case of a child,
who was cared for with love, later killing his parents.
Our suffering’s the wheel of sharp weapons
returning full circle upon us from wrongs we have done.
hereafter it’s fitting in all of our lifetimes
for us to live purely as monks or as nuns.

(49)

As it’s true what I’ve said about self-centred interest,
I recognize clearly my enemy now.
I recognize clearly the bandit who plunders,
the liar who lures by pretending he’s part of me;
oh what relief that I’ve conquered this doubt!

(50)

And so Yamāntaka, spin round with great power
the wheel of sharp weapons of good actions now.
Three times turn it round, in your wrathful-like aspect
your legs set apart for the two grades of truth,
with your eyes blazing open for wisdom and means.

(51)

Baring your fangs of the 4 great opponents,
devour the foe – our cruel selfish concern!
With your powerful mantra of cherishing others,
demolish this enemy lurking within!

(52)

Frantically running through life’s tangled jungle,
we are chased by sharp weapons
of wrongs we have done returning upon us;
we are out of control.
This sly, deadly villain – the selfishness in us,
deceiving ourselves and all others as well
capture him, capture him, fierce Yamāntaka,
summon this enemy, bring him forth now!

(53)

Batter him, batter him, rip out the heart
of our grasping for ego, our love for ourselves!
Trample him, trample him, dance on the head
of this treacherous concept of selfish concern!
Tear out the heart of this self-centred butcher
who slaughters our chance to gain final release!

(54)

Hum! Hum! Show all your powers, O mighty protector.
Dza! Dza! Tie up this enemy; do not let him loose.
Phat! Phat! Set us free by your might, O great Lord over Death.
Cut! Cut! Break the knot of self-interest that binds us inside.

(55)

Appear Yamāntaka, O wrathful protector;
I have further entreaties to make of you still.
This sack of 5 poisons, mistakes and delusion
drags us down in the quicksand of life’s daily toil.
Cut it off, cut it off, rip it to shreds!

(56)

We are drawn to the sufferings of miserable rebirths,
yet mindless of pain, we go after its cause.