New Moon - Form and Spirit

Published August 11, 2018

The fragrance of virtue
surpasses by far
the fragrance of flowers
or sandalwood.

Dhammapada v. 55

The simple but significant message of this Dhammapada verse is that we need to take care to not be overly impressed by outer forms, or the material dimension of things. Certainly the fragrance of wild roses can be very beautiful, but the heart’s ability to let go of resentment and forgive, even when it is difficult to do so, is more beautiful.