Selections from The Dhammapada – Chapters 14 -18, Part 1 of 2

Dhammapada is an anthology of verses spoken by the Buddha (vegan) on various occasions in response to a certain unique situation. It is one of the most popular and widely read Buddhist scriptures enjoyed by both Buddhists and non-Buddhists.

CHAPTER 14 THE BUDDHA (THE AWAKENED) “They whose conquests are not conquered again, into whose conquest no one in this world enters, by what track can you lead them, the Awakened, the Omniscient, the trackless? They whom no desire with its snares and poisons can lead astray, by what track can you lead them, the Awakened, the Omniscient, the trackless? Even the devas envy those who are awakened and not forgetful, who are given to meditation, who are wise, and who delight in the repose of retirement (from the world). Difficult (to obtain) is the conception of humans, difficult is the life of mortals, difficult is the hearing of the Dharma, difficult is the birth of the Awakened (the attainment of Buddhahood). Not to commit any evil deeds, to do good, and to purify one’s mind, that is the teaching of (all) the Awakened.

They who take refuge with Buddha, the Dharma and Sangha; they who, with clear understanding, see the four holy truths: – Pain, the origin of pain, the destruction of pain, and the eightfold holy way that leads to the quieting of pain; – That is the safe refuge, that is the best refuge; having gone to that refuge, a person is delivered from all pain. A supernatural person (a Buddha) is not easily found, They are not born everywhere. Wherever such a sage is born, that race prospers. Happy is the arising of the awakened, happy is the teaching of the Dharma, happy is peace in the Sangha, happy is the devotion of those who are at peace. They who pay homage to those who deserve homage, whether the awakened (Buddha) or their disciples, those who have overcome the host (of evils), and crossed the flood of sorrow, they who pay homage to such as have found deliverance and know no fear, their merit can never be measured by anybody.”

CHAPTER 15 HAPPINESS “Let us live happily then, not hating those who hate us! among people who hate us, let us dwell free from hatred! Let us live happily then, free from ailments among the ailing! among those who are ailing, let us dwell free from ailments! Let us live happily then, free from greed among the greedy! among those who are greedy, let us dwell free from greed! Let us live happily then, though we call nothing our own! We shall be like the bright gods (âbhâsvara), feeding on happiness! Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. They who have given up both victory and defeat, they, the contented, are happy. There is no fire like passion; there is no losing throw like hatred; there is no pain like this body; there is no happiness higher than rest. Hunger is the worst of diseases, the body the greatest of pains; if one knows this truly, that is Nirvâna, the highest happiness. Health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the best riches; trust is the best of relationships, Nirvâna the highest happiness. They who have tasted the sweetness of solitude and tranquility, are free from fear and free from evil deeds, while they taste the sweetness of drinking in the Dharma. The sight of the elect Noble Ones (Arya) is good, to live with them is always happiness; if they do not see fools, they will be truly happy.”