Drop the World's Bait | Time Flies By (SN 1.4)

At Sāvatthi.

While standing to one side, that deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

"Time flies by, the nights swiftly pass, The stages of life gradually abandon (us); Clearly seeing this danger in death, One should do meritorious deeds that bring happiness."

The Blessed One:

"Time flies by, the nights swiftly pass, The stages of life gradually abandon (us); Clearly seeing this danger in death, One should drop the world's bait, looking for peace."

World's bait is a reference to pursuit of worldly pleasures, material wealth, fame and status, power and control, relationships and attachments, idle activities, mental indulgences.

Related Teachings:

Dhamma Exposition on Sensual Pleasures, Feelings, Perceptions, Taints, Actions, Suffering (AN 6.63) - This teaching provides a detailed analysis on the central themes of Sensual Pleasures, Feelings, Perceptions, Taints, Actions (kamma), Suffering (dukkha).

Causes for Diverse Perceptions, Intentions, Passions, Quests (SN 14.7) - The diverse external elements of sense experience give rise to diverse perceptions, intentions, desires, passions, and quests.