The Dhammapada

Another book that I am in deep love with is The Dhammapada.

The Dhammapada is to buddhism what the sermon on the mount is to christianity: a simple summary of it's teaching expressed with harmony and simplicity. Probably gathered from Buddha's direct who wished to preserve his wisdom.

Translated as the path of truth, The Dhammapada sets out the the route taken by the path, which can be followed by anyone on the quest for the higher good. If one can think in a way that leads us to act in accordance with the teachings of Buddha, we can begin to shape our lives and experiences in a postive, fulfilling way. This , says the Dhammapada, is the first step towards self-realization.

The book contains various teachings of Buddha, and the reader can see how practical they are even in today's world.
Some of them are:-


1. Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draws it; and joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves.

2. " He was angry with me, he attacked me, he defeated me, he robbed me"-- those who dwell on such thoughts will never be free from hatred.

3. Even the gods emulate those who are awakened. Established in meditation, they live in freedom, at peace.

4. Let us live in joy, never hating those who hate us . Let us live in freedom from hatred.

5. Observing silence cannot make a sage of one who is ignorant and immature. He is wise who, holding the scales, chooses the good and avoids the bad.

Every sentence of the book is like a diamond.
For me, The Dhammapada is the core of the teachings of Buddha.

This book, I love a lot.