The Dark

One man denies the truth.

Another denies his own actions.

Both go into the dark.

And in the next world suffer

For they offend truth.

Wear the yellow robe.

But if you are reckless

You will fall into darkness.

If you are reckless,

Better to swallow molten iron

Than eat at the table of the good folk.

If you court another man's wife

You court trouble.

Your sleep is broken.

You lose our honor.

You fall into darkness.

You go against the law,

You go into the dark.

Your pleasures end in fear

And the king's punishment is harsh.

But as a blade of grass held awkwardly

May cut your hand,

So renunciation may lead you into the dark.

For if in your renunciation

You are reckless and break your word,

If your purpose wavers,

You will not find the light.

Do what you have to do

Resolutely, with all your heart.

The traveler who hesitates

Only raises dust on the road.

It is better to do nothing

Than to do what is wrong.

For whatever you do, you do to yourself.

Like a border town well guarded,

Guard yourself within and without.

Let not a single moment pass

Lest you fall into darkness.

Feel shame only where shame is due.

Fear only what is fearful.

See evil only in what is evil.

Lest you mistake the true way

And fall into darkness.

See what is.

See what is not.

Follow the true way.

Rise.