Essay on The Dhammapada - 1239 Words

The Dhammapada is a Pali version of one of the most popular text of the Buddhist canon. The Dhammapada, or â€Å"sayings of the Buddha†, is a collection of 423 verses that tell about the ideals and teachings of the Buddha. When taken together, these verses provide a structured form of teaching within the Buddhist religion. These verses are a kind of guiding voice to the path of true enlightenment. The Dhammapada is a religious work that is meant to provide a certain set of religious and ethical values, as well as a certain manner of perception of life and the problems that life brings along with the solutions. Although the verses may be looked at as trying to create good or bad people, the verses are actually trying to get people to†¦show more content†¦However one can not meditate without wisdom. This idea seems to say that the practices of the bhikkhu must include meditation and gaining wisdom. The Buddhist monks engage in these practices because it is the way of the Buddha. Within the text, it is very clear that the Buddha finds meditation of great importance. If not directly speaking about meditation, the Buddha speaks about having a disciplined mind. â€Å"It is good to restrain one’s mind, uncontrollable, fast moving, and following its own desires as it is. A disciplined mind leads to happiness† (V. 35). As well as having a disciplined mind, the me ntal state that the bhikkhu strives to cultivate is one that is at peace, developed, and guarded. â€Å"†¦the bhikkhu whose mind is at peace experiences a more than human joy...† (V. 373). Just the same, a mind should be guarded because a guarded mind brings happiness. â€Å"A wise man should guard his mind for it is very hard to keep track of, extremely subtle, and follows its own desires. A guarded mind brings happiness† (V. 36). Through cultivating the mind, the bhikkhu has certain effects on society and in turn society has certain obligations with respect to the bhikkhu. Because the bhikkhu leads a life without desire and hate, he becomes an example for society; showing what kusala is and what a person should strive to be. In return, it is up to society to make donations and offerings to keep the bhikkhu content. The qualities and attainmentsShow MoreRelatedDhammapada Essay1247 Words   |  5 PagesThe Dhammapada is a Pali version of one of the most popular text of the Buddhist canon. The Dhammapada, or sayings of the Buddha, is a collection of 423 verses that tell about the ideals and teachings of the Buddha. When taken together, these verses provide a structured form of teaching within the Buddhist religion. These verses are a kind of guiding voice to the path of true enlightenment. The Dhammapada is a religious work that is meant to provide a certain set of religious and ethicalRead MoreFour Noble Truths Of The Dhammapada815 Words   |  4 Pagespopular religious texts in the Buddhist world was and is the Dhammapada, which provides sayings and truths that shed light on this journey to nirvana. Out of the 423 Buddhist truths presented in the Dhammapada, numbers 20, 75, and 89 provide particular insight into the core teachings of the Buddhist religion and mindset. Each saying highlights a portion of the key principles present in the Buddhist belief system. 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All experience is preceded by mind, led by mind, made by mind. Speak or act with a peaceful mind, and happiness follows Like a never-departing shadow. Source: Dhammapada 1.1-2 This piece of scripture shows us that we have the ability to choose the path we follow. Being aware of the reactions that our speech and actions create is an important aspect in being mindful and self aware. As we saw in the Buddhas firstRead MoreDevotion Is A Major Theme1608 Words   |  7 Pagesbegin, in Buddhism, they must devote themselves to bettering the self and releasing all worldly attachments. In this religion, the self is everything and it must be glorified. â€Å"If one knew oneself to be precious, one would guard oneself with care† (Dhammapada, pg. 42). In this line, it is saying that if a Buddhist devotes himself to becoming one with the self, a Buddhist must guard himself with care and good intent. Coupled with the devotion to the self, devotion to the eightfold path and the four noble