The blind ant runs about for the sake of happiness.

The legless worm crawls about for the sake of happiness.

In brief, all the world is racing with each other,

Running toward happiness, one faster than the next.

Sometimes, seeing a goddess is revolting.

Sometimes, seeing an old woman creates lust.

Thinking, “This is it,” something else comes along.

How can the deceptions of the mind be counted?

Our attitudes change so much

From childhood to when we are old and decrepit.

Analyse your own experience and you know this.

How can you have confidence in today’s thoughts?

Due to the mind’s insanity, we do not recognise our own face,

Yet we constantly measure the secular and sacred, heaven and earth.

Courageous are we who seek lasting refuge

In this series of mistaken appearances.

-- Gendun Chopel