Category Archives: General

Dhammapada verse 163

Posted on April 2, 2021 by lynnjkelly

It’s easy to do what is not goodAnd things that harm oneself.It’s very difficult to doThings beneficial and good. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) Fact: Addictive behaviors are easy to surrender to – social media, food, drugs, alcohol, television, pornography. Not … Continue reading →

Posted in Causes and results, Dhammapada, General, Hindrances, Intoxicants, Mindfulness, Precepts, Wisdom | Tagged | 1 Comment

Dhammapada verse 162

Posted on March 28, 2021 by lynnjkelly

They who cover themselves with their own corrupt conduct,Like a creeper covers a tree,Do to themselvesWhat an enemy wishes for them. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Even if we have real enemies, their power … Continue reading →

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Dhammapada verse 160

Posted on March 18, 2021 by lynnjkelly

Oneself, indeed, is one’s own protector.What other protector could there be?With self-controlOne gains a protector hard to obtain. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) This simple verse can lead to a useful inquiry. What do we feel we need to be protected … Continue reading →

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Dhammapada verses 158 & 159

Posted on March 13, 2021 by lynnjkelly

In first establishing himself In what is proper And only then teaching others, The sage will not be stained. [i.e. one’s reputation will not be stained] As one instructs others, So should one do oneself: Only the self-controlled should restrain … Continue reading →

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Dhammapada verse 152

Posted on February 21, 2021 by lynnjkelly

The person of little learningGrows old like an ox;The flesh increases, But insight does not. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) This verse does not refer to book-learning but to acquired wisdom. During youth and middle age we may feel that we are … Continue reading →

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Dhammapada verse 133

Posted on January 11, 2021 by lynnjkelly

Don’t speak harshly to anyone; What you say will be said back to you. Hostile speech is painful, And you will meet with retaliation. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) Harsh speech is one of the forms of unskilful speech that the … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Causes and results, Dhammapada, General, Harmlessness, Karma, Mindfulness, Precepts, Relationships, Speech | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Gifts

Posted on December 22, 2020 by lynnjkelly

The message below was posted on a Sutta Central discussion list last month, and it seems appropriate to share it in this season when gift-giving is part of so many peoples’ lives.  The occasion was Bhante Sujato’s birthday, but it … Continue reading →

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Dhammapada verse 125

Posted on December 17, 2020 by lynnjkelly

Like fine dust thrown against the wind, Evil comes back to the fool Who harms a person who is Innocent, pure, and unblemished. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) The Dhammapada restates some of the same messages again and again, attaching different … Continue reading →

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Dhammapada verse 124

Posted on December 12, 2020 by lynnjkelly

A hand that has no wounds Can carry poison; Poison does not enter without a wound. There are no evil consequences For one who does no evil. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) Each person’s karma is her own; we are responsible … Continue reading →

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Dhammapada verse 123

Posted on December 7, 2020 by lynnjkelly

As a merchantCarrying great wealth in a small caravanAvoids a dangerous road;As someone who loves lifeAvoids poison;So should you avoid evil deeds. (translated by Gil Fronsdal) What’s most precious to us? What would we protect before anything else? One answer … Continue reading →

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