Category Archives: Dhammapada

Discerning for ourselves

Posted on May 12, 2022 by lynnjkelly

We might be thinking that the Buddha’s Eightfold Path is something we can use on an as-needed basis, only when we’re dissatisfied with something or when trouble strikes. That doesn’t work very well because it ignores the fact that the … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes and results, Dhammapada, Karma, Mindfulness, Relationships, The 8-fold path | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Dhammapada verses 391 to 423

Posted on May 2, 2022 by lynnjkelly

Whoever does no ill Through body, speech, and mind, And is restrained in these three areas, I call a brahmin. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) This last chapter of the Dhammapada (the Brahmin) includes a long series of verses that end … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes and results, Dhammapada, Mindfulness, Perfections, Precepts, Sublime states, Wisdom | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Dhammapada 388

Posted on April 27, 2022 by lynnjkelly

Having banished evil, One is called a brahmin. Living peacefully, One is called a renunciant. Having driven out one’s own impurities, One is called “one who has gone forth.” (translated by Gil Fronsdal) The last chapter in the Dhammapada is … Continue reading →

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Dhammapada verse 382

Posted on April 22, 2022 by lynnjkelly

Engaged in the Buddha’s teachings, Even a young bhikkhu Lights up this world Like the moon Set free from a cloud. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) This verse concludes the chapter in the Dhammapada called “The Bhikkhu”, or monk. It states … Continue reading →

Posted in Ageing, Causes and results, Dhammapada, Hindrances, Imperfections, Mindfulness, Precepts, Wisdom | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dhammapada verse 380

Posted on April 17, 2022 by lynnjkelly

One is one’s own protector, one is one’s own refuge. Therefore, one should control oneself, even as a trader controls a noble steed. (translated by Ācāriya Buddharakkhita [on Sutta Central]) This verse offers us a an in-depth consideration of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes and results, Dhammapada, Harmlessness, Hindrances, Karma, Mindfulness, Precepts, Speech | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Dhammapada verse 378 (peaceful)

Posted on April 12, 2022 by lynnjkelly

Peaceful in body, peaceful in speech, The bhikkhu peaceful and well-concentrated Who has rejected the world’s bait Is called “one at peace.” (translated by Gil Fronsdal) To be peaceful in body, we need to be peaceful in mind; the two … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes and results, Compassion, Dhammapada, Mindfulness, Patience, Wisdom | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Dhammapada verse 376

Posted on April 7, 2022 by lynnjkelly

Mix with spiritual friends, who are tireless and pure of livelihood. Share what you have with others, being skillful in your conduct. And when you’re full of joy, you’ll make an end to suffering. (translated by Sujato Bhikkhu) This verse … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes and results, Dhammapada, Friendships, General, Generosity, Harmlessness, Mindfulness, Relationships | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Dhammapada verse 375

Posted on April 2, 2022 by lynnjkelly

The starting point for an insightful bhikkhu is Guarding the senses, Contentment, Restraint according to the monastic rules, And associating with good spiritual friends Who live purely and untiringly. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) Starting point? Hm. This implies that to … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes and results, Compassion, Dhammapada, Friendships, Generosity, Harmlessness, Mindfulness, Non-taking, Precepts, Speech | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Dhammapada verse 374

Posted on March 28, 2022 by lynnjkelly

Fully knowing The arising and passing of the khandas, One attains joy and delight. For those who know, this is the deathless. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) We’re taking a dive into the deep Dharma here. What do you suppose the … Continue reading →

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Dhammapada verse 373

Posted on March 23, 2022 by lynnjkelly

For a bhikkhu with a peaceful mind, Who enters an empty dwelling And clearly sees the true Dharma, There is superhuman joy. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) Ah! Superhuman joy sounds pretty attractive, doesn’t it? These words are in praise of … Continue reading →

Posted in Dhammapada, Mindfulness, Perfections, Wisdom | Tagged , | 1 Comment