337. This salutary word I tell you, `Do ye, as many as are here
assembled, dig up the root of thirst, as he who wants the sweet-
scented Usira root must dig up the Birana grass, that Mara (the
tempter) may not crush you again and again, as the stream crushes the
reeds.'

338. As a tree, even though it has been cut down, is firm so long as
its root is safe, and grows again, thus, unless the feeders of thirst
are destroyed, the pain (of life) will return again and again.

339. He whose thirst running towards pleasure is exceeding strong in
the thirty-six channels, the waves will carry away that misguided man,
viz. his desires which are set on passion.

340. The channels run everywhere, the creeper (of passion) stands
sprouting; if you see the creeper springing up, cut its root by means
of knowledge.

341. A creature's pleasures are extravagant and luxurious; sunk in
lust and looking for pleasure, men undergo (again and again) birth and
decay.

342. Men, driven on by thirst, run about like a snared hare; held in
fetters and bonds, they undergo pain for a long time, again and again.

343. Men, driven on by thirst, run about like a snared hare; let
therefore the mendicant drive out thirst, by striving after
passionlessness for himself.