Reflection offered in 2022

All states of being are determined by the heart.
It is the heart that leads the way.
As surely as our shadow never leaves us,
so happiness will follow when we speak or act
from a pure heart.

Dhammapada v.2

Reflection offered in 2022

As a border city must be carefully protected
so guard yourself both within and without;
build your defences wisely and in time.
If these things are not attended to
at the right moment, great sadness will come.

Dhammapada v.315

Reflection offered in 2022

The fragrance of flowers or sandalwood
blows only with the prevailing wind,
but the fragrance of virtue
pervades all directions.

Dhammapada v.54

Reflection offered in 2022

Life is easy
for one who lacks shame,
who is as impudent as a crow,
who is arrogant, aggressive,
invasive and corrupt.

Dhammapada v.244

Reflection offered in 2022

There is no place on earth
beyond the reach of death -
not in a mountain cave,
the ocean nor in the sky.

Dhammapada v.128

Reflection offered in 2022

Gradually, gradually,
a moment at a time,
the wise remove their own impurities
as a goldsmith removes the dross.

Dhammapada v.239

Reflection offered in 2022

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 2022

Even those who live wholesome lives
can experience suffering
so long as their acts have not yet borne direct fruits.
However, when the fruits of their actions ripen
the joyful consequences cannot be avoided.

Dhammapada v.120

Reflection offered in 2022

We are our own protection;
we are indeed our own secure abiding;
how could it be otherwise?
So with due care we attend to ourselves.

Dhammapada v.380

Reflection offered in 2022

"All realities are devoid
of an abiding self";
when we see this with insight
we will tire of this life of suffering.
This is the way to purification.

Dhammapada v.279

Reflection offered in 2022

As a beautiful flower
without fragrance is disappointing,
so are wise words
without right action.

Dhammapada v.51