(Handa mayaṃ bhadd’eka-ratta-gāthāyo bhaṇāmase)
Atītaṃ nānvāgameyya nappaṭikaṅkhe anāgataṃ
One should not revive the past Nor speculate on what’s to come;
Yad’atītaṃ pahīnan-taṃ appattañca anāgataṃ
The past is left behind, The future is un-realized.
Paccuppannañca yo dhammaṃ tattha tattha vipassati Asaṃhiraṃ asaṅkuppaṃ taṃ viddhām-anubrūhaye
In every presently arisen state There, just there, one clearly sees; Unmoved, unagitated, Such insight is one’s strength.
Ajj’eva kiccam-ātappaṃ ko jaññā maraṇaṃ suve
Ardently doing one’s task today, Tomorrow, who knows, death may come;
Na hi no saṅgaran-tena mahā-senena maccunā
Facing the mighty hordes of death, Indeed one cannot strike a deal.
Evaṃ vihārim-ātāpiṃ aho-rattam-atanditaṃ Taṃ ve bhadd’eka-ratto’ti santo ācikkhate muni
To dwell with energy aroused Thus for a night of non-decline, That is a ‘night of shining prosperity.’ So it was taught by the Peaceful Sage.