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Shakyamuni Buddha's View of an Auspicious Day

You shouldn’t chase after the past

or pin your hopes on the future.

What is past

is left behind.

The future

hasn’t yet arrived.

Whatever experience is present

you clearly seeright there,

right there -

not taken in,

unshaken:

that’s how you develop the heart.

Ardently doing

what should be donetoday

for - who knows? - tomorrow

death may come.

There is no bargaining

with Death & his mighty hordes.

Whoever lives thus ardently,

relentlessly both day & night

has truly had an auspicious day:

so says the Peaceful Sage.

- Majhima Nikaya 131

Translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

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