Reflection offered in 2017

A healthy mind is the greatest gain.
Contentment is the greatest wealth.
Trustworthiness is the best of kin.
Unconditional freedom is the highest bliss.

Dhammapada v. 204

Reflection offered in 2017

By renouncing unworthy ways
and by not living carelessly,
by not holding to false views,
we no longer perpetuate delusion.

Dhammapada v. 167

Reflection offered in 2017

While in the midst
of those who hate,
to dwell free from hating
is happiness indeed.

Dhammapada v. 197

Reflection offered in 2017

Blessed is the arising of a Buddha;
blessed is the revealing of the Dhamma;
blessed is the concord of the Sangha;
delightful is harmonious communion.

Dhammapada v. 194

Reflection offered in 2017

Disciples of the Buddha
are fully awake both day and night,
taking delight
in cultivating the heart.

Dhammapada v. 301

Reflection offered in 2017

The Awakened Ones, firm in their resolve,
vigorously apply themselves,
}and know freedom from all limitation:
liberation, true security.

Dhammapada v. 23

Reflection offered in 2017

To lose the company of those
with whom one feels at home is painful,
to be associated with those
whom you dislike is even worse;
so do not abandon yourselves
either to the company of those
with whom you feel at home
or those whom you dislike.

Dhammapada v. 210

Reflection offered in 2017

Riches mostly ruin the foolish,
but not those who seek the beyond.
Just as they dismiss the well-being of others and cause harm,
fools also ruin themselves.

Dhammapada v. 355

Reflection offered in 2017

Those who speak much
are not necessarily possessed of wisdom.
The wise can be seen to be at peace with life
and free from all enmity and fear.

Dhammapada v. 258

Reflection offered in 2017

Beware of devious thinking
and be aware of all that you dwell upon.
Renounce all unruly thought
and cultivate that which is wholesome.

Dhammapada v. 233

Reflection offered in 2017

If you find a good companion
of integrity and wisdom,
you will overcome all dangers
in joyous and caring company.

Dhammapada v. 328

Reflection offered in 2017

Hasten towards doing what is wholesome.
Restrain your mind from evil acts.
The mind that is slow to do good
can easily find pleasure in evil-doing.

Dhammapada v. 116

Reflection offered in 2017

Resembling a withered leaf,
you have the messenger
of death at your side.
Although a long journey lies ahead,
you have still made no provision.

Dhammapada v. 235

Reflection offered in 2017

Becoming lost in enjoyment brings sorrow;
becoming lost in enjoyment brings fear.
Being free in your experience of enjoyment means sorrow ceases,
so how could there be any fear?

Dhammapada v. 214

Reflection offered in 2017

Just as a sweet-smelling and beautiful lotus
can grow from a pile of discarded waste,
the radiance of a true disciple of the Buddha
outshines dark shadows cast by ignorance.

Dhammapada v. 58-59

Reflection offered in 2017

Come, view this world.
See it as an ornate festive carriage.
See how fools are entranced by their visions,
yet for the wise there is no attachment.

Dhammapada v. 171

Reflection offered in 2017

I say that those who contain anger
as a charioteer controls
a speeding chariot
are fully in charge of their lives;
others are merely keeping
their hands on the reins.

Dhammapada v. 222

Reflection offered in 2017

You should follow the ways
of those who are steadfast,
discerning, pure and aware,
just as the moon follows the path of the stars.

Dhammapada v. 208

Reflection offered in 2017

Let the dread of endless mediocrity
spur you into great effort,
like a well-trained horse
encouraged by the mere touch of the whip.
Relinquish the burden of endless struggle
with unapologetic confidence,
with purity of action, effort, concentration,
and by conscious and disciplined commitment
to the path.

Dhammapada v. 144

Reflection offered in 2017

Mistaking the false for the real
and the real for the false,
one suffers a life of falsity.

Dhammapada v. 11