The Passing World

The world rises up with weeping and wailing; for everyone, the days of good and bad come to an end. Once you tie your belt to walk the road of greed, your dealings with the world stretch out without end. Chasing greatness might seem worthy from one angle, even when a dragon's jaws lie in your path. But then again, the world will not stay still; this fleeting inn, whether wide or narrow, is the same. The slave of greed, the seeker of revenge, will never hear a single word of praise from anyone. When the tall cypress in the garden bends low, its bright lamp begins to darken. Its leaves wither, its roots turn weak, and its head is the first to lean toward the ground. It grows from dust and turns back to dust again; everywhere there is fear, grief, and dread. A person's chief wealth is steadiness and wisdom, and living in this world without harming others suits them well. It lies in knowledge and in honesty; if you lack these two, your soul is diminished. Even if you live long in this world, the body's suffering will make departure necessary. It is a deep sea whose floor cannot be seen; no key exists to its treasure of secrets. The more you gain, the more you want, yet one day that very food you ate will harm you. You need only three things, and there is no way around them, and no one can reproach you for them. Something to eat, to wear, to spread out to sleep; it is wise not to look beyond these words. Once you pass beyond these three, all is toil and greed; whether you writhe in greed or in need, it is the same. Since you know the world will not stay with you, why struggle over the sweet place of Nushirvan's throne? Eat what you have and do not chase for more, for greed keeps eating away at your honor.