Version 1:
Those meditators, persevering,
Forever firm of enterprise,
Those steadfast ones touch Nibbana,
Incomparable release from bonds.
Version 2:
The enlightened, constantly
absorbed in jhana,
persevering,
firm in their effort:
they touch Unbinding,
the unexcelled rest
from the yoke.
Version 3:
The wise ones, ever meditative and steadfastly persevering, alone experience Nibbana, the incomparable freedom from bondage.
(Note: Version 1 is from the John Ross Carter and Mahinda Palihawadana translation. Version 2 is from the Thanissaro Bhikkhu translation. Version 3 is from the Acharya Buddharakkhita translation.)
The 2nd version stands out in its assumption that it’s the “enlightened” that are firm in their effort. Version 1 includes folks like me: “meditators.” Version 3, “wise ones” – I’m not sure. Don’t think I’m in that group.
Yes, I was going to point this out – not where you fit in, of course (although I wouldn’t rule out version 3 just yet), but the different translations in this respect.
In this case, the difference in meaning is dramatic – it seems to pick out three different groups as those that touch Nibbana.
Anyways, here’s to practicing in the spaces between the meanings!