Reflection offered in 2016

Those who are foolish and confused
betray themselves to heedlessness.
The wise treasure the awareness they have cultivated
as their most precious possession.

Dhammapada v. 26

Reflection offered in 2016

One should not be considered worthy of respect
because of birth or background,
or any outer sign;
it is purity and the realization of truth
that determine one's worth.

Dhammapada v. 393

Reflection offered in 2016

No tracks are found in the air,
there is no liberation apart from the Way.
There are no conditioned things that are permanent,
and yet the Buddhas remain unperturbed.

Dhammapada v. 255

Reflection offered in 2016

The King of Death cannot find
those who look upon the world
as insubstantial, as transient, a bubble -
illusory, only a mirage.

Dhammapada v. 170

Reflection offered in 2016

"All conditioned things are impermanent";
when we see this with insight
we will tire of this life of suffering.
This is the Way to purification.

Dhammapada v. 277

Reflection offered in 2016

While in the midst
of those who are greedy,
to dwell free from greed
is happiness indeed.

Dhammapada v. 199

Reflection offered in 2016

Ably self-restrained are the wise,
in action,
in thought
and in speech.

Dhammapada v. 234

Reflection offered in 2016

Devotion and respect .
should be offered to those
who have shown us the Way.

Dhammapada v. 392

Reflection offered in 2016

Relinquish anger.
Let go of conceit.
Release yourself from all that binds you. 
The pure-hearted who cling neither to body nor mind
do not fall prey to suffering.

Dhammapada v. 221

Reflection offered in 2016

Whether in a town or a forest,
low in a valley or high on a hill,
delightful is the dwelling place
of one fully set free.

Dhammapada 98

Reflection offered in 2016

To many places beings withdraw to escape from fear:
to mountains, forests, parklands and gardens;
sacred places as well.
But none of these places offer true refuge,
none of them can free us from fear.

Dhammapada vv. 188–189

Reflection offered in 2016

Alert to the needs of the journey,
those on the path of awareness,
like swans, glide on,
leaving behind their former resting places.

Dhammapada 91

Reflection offered in 2016

Hurtful deedsare better left undone
as they always lead to remorse.
Harmless deeds are better done
as no regret will follow.

Dhammapada 314

Reflection offered in 2016

It is easy to do that which is
of no real benefit to oneself,
but it is difficult indeed to do that
which is truly beneficial and good.

Dhammapada 163

Reflection offered in 2016

Live your life well in accord with Dhamma -
avoid a life of distraction. 
A life well-lived leads to contentment,
both now and in the future.

Dhammapada 169

Reflection offered in 2016

By ourselves we do evil
and by ourselves we are made impure.
By ourselves we avoid evil,
and by ourselves we are made pure.
The matter of purity is our own responsibility.
No other can take responsibility for us.

Dhammapada 165

Reflection offered in 2016

One who has ceasedfrom following like and dislike,
who is cooled,
who is not swayed
by worldly conditions -
I call a great being.

Dhammapada 418

Reflection offered in 2016

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

Dhammapada 239

Reflection offered in 2016

Awakened Ones do not cause harm.
They are rightly restrained
and they move to changelessness
where they grieve no more.

Dhammapada 225

Reflection offered in 2016

There never was,
nor is there now,
nor will there ever be
anybody who is only blamed
or wholly praised.

Dhammapada 228