The Path

Of paths the Eightfold is the best; of truths the Noble Four are best; of mental states, detachment is the best; of human beings the illuminated is best.

This is the path; there is no other that leads to the purification of the mind. Follow this path and conquer Mara*. This is the path; there is no other that leads to the purification of the mind. This path will lead to the end of suffering. This is the path I made known after the arrows of sorrow fell away.

All the effort must be made by you; Buddhas only show the way. Follow this path and practice meditation; go beyond the power of Mara.

All created things are transitory; those who realize this are freed from suffering. This is the path that leads to pure wisdom.

All created things are involved in sorrow; those who realize this are freed from suffering. This is the path that leads to pure wisdom.

All states are without self; those who realize this are freed from suffering. This is the path that leads to pure wisdom.

Now is the time to wake up, when you are young and strong. Those who wait and aver, with a weak will and a divided mind, will never find the way to pure wisdom.

Guard your thoughts, words, and deeds. These three disciplines will speed you along the path to pure wisdom.

Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.

~The Dhammapada, verses 273-282 
(Eknath Easwaran translator)

* Remember, Mara is not the Buddhist version of Satan. Mara is your own anger, greed, delusion, inertia, fear, and unwillingness to act.