The Changeless Nature

158 The Changeless Nature398 Through inferior understanding, absence of aspiration to virtue,indulging in wrong pride, a nature veiled by neglecting dharma,mistaking the expedient meaning for the absolute — thatness,greed's thirst, ideology's grip, the influence of truth despisers,staying away from those holding the teachings and lower aspiration— thus is the doctrine of 'those who defeat the enemy' abandoned.399 More than fire, cruel poisonous snakes, murderers and lightning,should the wise fear the loss of these profound teachings.Fire, snakes, enemies and thunderbolts only bring life to an end —they do not take one to the so-frightful state of worst torment.400 Even one who, through repeated association with sinful friends,has had harmful intentions towards the buddha or who commitsthe most heinous acts of killing father, mother or an Arhator who creates divisions in the noble sangha will be quickly ridof such things upon sincere reflection about this true nature —how could there be liberation for one whose mind hates dharma!401 Whatever virtue I obtain through having properly explainedthese seven points — the jewels, the perfectly-pure essence,immaculate enlightenment, its qualities and buddha-activity,through it may beings see the sage of boundless life,he endowed with limitless light; having seen him,once their stainless dharma eyes are opened,may they then achieve supreme enlightenment.