Those existing [in this way] are [unable] to cross the four seas,
Giving up in going forward they remember not their [past] suffering,
After only some consideration they are easy bond too ideas.
Xī qì shàng mò niàn hòu,
有是行度四海，
有是行度四海，
yǒu shì xíng dù sìhǎi,
直行去莫念苦，
直行去莫念苦，
zhíxíng qù mò niàn kǔ,
有所念意便縛
yǒu suǒ niàn yì biàn fù.
有所念意便縛
yǒu suǒ niàn yì biàn fù.
Parallel: The Pali Sutta Nipata, Atthakavagga - Chap. 4, Verse 791
Discussion: 四海 (sìhǎi) translated as the four seas in the second line, refers to the flood of cravings, existences, dogmas and ignorance, as described in other buddhist texts. The second line in the Pali parallel is given in the negative, I've followed this lead which gives a better fit in the context of the whole verse.
Discussion: 四海 (sìhǎi) translated as the four seas in the second line, refers to the flood of cravings, existences, dogmas and ignorance, as described in other buddhist texts. The second line in the Pali parallel is given in the negative, I've followed this lead which gives a better fit in the context of the whole verse.