Dhammapada on Protection

That is the safe refuge, that is the best refuge; having gone to that refuge, a man is delivered from all pain.

But that is not a safe refuge, that is not the best refuge; a man is not delivered from all pains after having gone to that refuge.

Men, driven by fear, go to many a refuge, to mountains and forests, to groves and sacred trees.

He who takes refuge with Buddha, the Law, and the Church; he who, with clear understanding, sees the four holy truths:--

For self is the lord of self, self is the refuge of self; therefore curb thyself as the merchant curbs a good horse.

As a fletcher makes straight his arrow, a wise man makes straight his trembling and unsteady thought, which is difficult to guard, difficult to hold back.

Let the wise man guard his thoughts, for they are difficult to perceive, very artful, and they rush wherever they list: thoughts well guarded bring happiness.

Like a well-guarded frontier fort, with defences within and without, so let a man guard himself. Not a moment should escape, for they who allow the right moment to pass, suffer pain when they are in hell.

Knowing that this body is (fragile) like a jar, and making this thought firm like a fortress, one should attack Mara (the tempter) with the weapon of knowledge, one should watch him when conquered, and should never rest.

As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, passion will break through an unreflecting mind.

By rousing himself, by earnestness, by restraint and control, the wise man may make for himself an island which no flood can overwhelm.

Death carries off a man who is gathering flowers and whose mind is distracted, as a flood carries off a sleeping village.

As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, wise people falter not amidst blame and praise.

Let a man avoid evil deeds, as a merchant, if he has few companions and carries much wealth, avoids a dangerous road; as a man who loves life avoids poison.

Death comes and carries off that man, praised for his children and flocks, his mind distracted, as a flood carries off a sleeping village.

Let him live in charity, let him be perfect in his duties; then in the fulness of delight he will make an end of suffering.

Rouse thyself by thyself, examine thyself by thyself, thus self-protected and attentive wilt thou live happily, O Bhikshu!