Make an island for yourself, strive quickly, become wise. Free from impurities and stain, you will reach the noble and celestial realm.

So karohi dīpamattano — make an island for yourself: dīpa means both “island” and “lamp”. Both meanings are relevant: be your own island (refuge) and be your own lamp (illumination). The Buddha’s last words used this same term: attadīpā viharatha (be islands unto yourselves).

Khippaṃ vāyama paṇḍito bhava — strive quickly, become wise: khippa is quick, urgent. The urgency before imminent death (verse 235) demands immediate action.

Niddhantamalo anaṅgaṇo — free from impurities and stain: niddhanta-mala is with impurities (mala) eliminated; anaṅgaṇa is without stain.

Dibbaṃ ariyabhūmiṃ upehisi — you will reach the noble and celestial realm: the promise for one who strives urgently is access to the ariya-bhūmi — the realm of the noble, the state of awakening. The response to death’s urgency is immediate spiritual action.