Translation of Suttanipāta 4.1 Kāmasuttaṃ

[cattasalla]

A translation of Snp 4.1, the Kāmasutta.

For one with a mind that desires sensuality,
if it works out well for them,
their mind is most certainly joyful.
A mortal having acquired what they wish.

If, for they who ride in desire,
for the person in whom want is born,
those sensual pleasures dwindle,
they are hurt as if pierced by something sharp.

They who avoid sensual pleasures
as one avoids a serpent's head with the foot,
mindful, they escape
getting stuck on the world.

That one who is greedy for
fields, property, gold,
cattle, servants or employees,
women, relatives, or various sensual pleasures:

The weak overpower them.
Danger crushes them.
Because of this, suffering follows them
like a breached boat taking on water.

Therefore, a person, always mindful,
should avoid sensual pleasures.
Having left them behind, they could cross the flood.
Having bailed out their boat, they cross over.