Piyavagga · Affection · Gāthā 209

Ayoge yuñjamattānaṃ, yogasmiñca ayojayaṃ; atthaṃ hitvā piyaggāhī, pihetattānuyoginaṃ.

Ayoge yuñjamattānaṃ, yogasmiñca ayojayaṃ; atthaṃ hitvā piyaggāhī, pihetattānuyoginaṃ.

One who engages in what should not be done and neglects what should be done, having abandoned true good to pursue the pleasurable, ends up envying those who strive.

Ayoge yuñjamattānaṃ — engaging in what should not be done: ayoga is the inappropriate, what does not correspond. One who invests energy in the wrong things harvests frustration and envy.

Yogasmiñca ayojayaṃ — and neglecting what should be done: the double misalignment: engaging in the incorrect and neglecting the correct. This combination produces a void that fills with resentment.

Atthaṃ hitvā piyaggāhī — having abandoned true good to pursue the pleasurable: attha (good, real benefit) is sacrificed for piya (the pleasing, the agreeable). Preferring immediate pleasure over real good is the mark of the fool.

Pihetattānuyoginaṃ — ends up envying those who strive: the ironic result: one who chose pleasure over effort ends up envying those who chose effort. The fruits of discipline are visible to all, including those who rejected it.