Do you know the Dhammapada!

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2 years ago

Dhammapada is a collection of teachings in a very disciplined way. The Dhammapada contains some profound wisdom for those who seek a tranquil mind.

All these teachings are very relevant in our day-to-day life and if we are able to follow these learnings in our life can definitely blossom.

1) Number one Attachment leads to suffering:

This is one of the basic teachings. we suffer because we attach ourselves to external things, which, in essence, are beyond our control. By doing this, we actually resist the fundamental truth about existence: change is the only thing that constant. Our youth and looks fade with time, the people we love will disappear, our success will end one day.

The key is to have a deep appreciation for what’s happening at the moment while acknowledging its impermanence and willingness to let it go.

2) Number two Desiring the right things:

Deep desire, also known as craving and lust, poisons the mind and makes us restless and even sick. However, this doesn’t mean that we should aim to destroy desire completely. Even monks desire which is a deep desire for enlightenment.

If you desire relief from the pain, illness, poverty, social chaos, others' judgment of you then these types of desires are very relevant, and nothing wrong here.

The key is to desire the right things and to arm ourselves against the wrong things that lead us astray.

The quote of the Enlightened Being ------

"Just as rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, so passion penetrates an undeveloped mind. Just as rain does not break through a well-thatched house, so passion never penetrates a well-developed mind."

3) Number three Pursuing sensual pleasures leads to suffering:

Sensual pleasures aren’t wrong in themselves, but one’s indulgence in them can become a source of evil.

Things like greed, gluttony, and addiction stem from cravings to fulfill sensual pleasures. When the pursuit of sensual pleasures controls our lives, we will become easily seduced by a demon called Mara, who leads us into committing evil and, basically, keeps us in misery.

Because of the fear, dissatisfaction, and cravings generated by chasing sensuality, it’s not uncommon that we degrade, exploit, attack, and even kill, not only other human beings, animals, and our environment but ourselves as well.

4) Number four From misery grows beauty:

Suffering is an inherent part of our life and discarding the darker sides of life completely is like throwing away the baby with the bathwater.

It was deep suffering that led some tremendous possibilities to the path of enlightenment, and it’s often our suffering that we can use as fertilizer for a better life.

the insights we get because of our pain are an opportunity to be more compassionate, and also more creative. For example, I wouldn’t be able to make this post if I didn’t experience deep suffering in the past.

5) Number five Good company is important:

Wise men and women advise us to hang out with wise and positive people. Preferably, people that also follow the path of virtue and good deeds.

we’re better off in solitude than to be in the company of foolish people, or those that have a bad influence on us.

Better it is to live alone; there is no fellowship with a fool. Live alone and do no evil; be carefree like an elephant in the elephant forest.

6) Number six A trained mind leads to happiness:

the practice of meditation. The goal of meditation is achieving freedom from the mind that has, generally, grown out of control.

We are not our thoughts. However, we tend to identify ourselves with our thoughts, no matter how destructive they have become.

When we can find relief from overthinking and be absent of any form of intellectual activity, we become present in the moment, unburdened are unencumbered by cravings, and by the past or future. This is where happiness lies.

7) Number seven Short-term evil has long-term consequences:

Many things we don’t bring about pain instantly. Indulging the senses, for example, may give us short-term pleasure without the immediate punishment of pain.

But in the long run, the consequences of evil will catch up to us. We may have become addicted, so our lives are dictated by uncontrolled cravings. Or because of our lies and deceit, we have become untrustworthy; not only for the environment but also for ourselves.

So, if we don’t face the consequences of our evil deeds in this life; it will happen in one of the next lives, which might manifest itself as a bad rebirth.

So these are seven teaching of Dhammapada and all they are point out one simple outcome that is you reap what you sow.

Please mind that the presented quotes come directly from the Dhammapada, and are backed up by my own interpretations and what I’ve learned by studying it.

There are many scriptures to study besides the Dhammapada if you’re interested.

Wish you all the best in your journey of Life.

Preetam