Zen in Ten: "The Moon Follows the Path of the Stars"
Dhammapada Verses 197-208: The Chapter About Happiness
Hello Spark Zen Readers! This is the next post delineating the short verses in The Dhammapada, which is sometimes called the Buddhist Book of Proverbs. The Dhammapada is regarded as the most succinct expression of the Buddha's teachings found in the Pali canon. For your convenience, here are links to verses: 1-10, 11-20, 21-32, 33-43, 44-59, 60-75, 76-89, 90-99, 100-115, 116-128, 129-145, 146-156, 157-166, 167-178, and 179-196. This chapter is translated by Ajahn Munindo and is excerpted from A Dhammapada for Contemplation, published by Aruno Publications, 2017. Peace, Rev. Shoren Heather
While in the midst
of those who hate,
to dwell free from hating
is happiness indeed.
While in the midst
of those who are troubled,
to dwell free from trouble
is happiness indeed.
While in the midst
of those who are greedy,
to dwell free from greed
is happiness indeed.
We dwell happily,
free from anxiety;
like radiant beings
in celestial realms
we rejoice in delight.
Victory leads to hatred,
for the defeated suffer.
The peaceful live happily,
beyond victory and defeat.
There is no fire like lust,
no distress like hatred,
no pain like the burden of attachment,
no joy like the peace of liberation.
Hunger is the greatest affliction,
conditionality the greatest
source of despair.
The wise, seeing this as it is,
realize liberation, the greatest joy.
A healthy mind is the greatest gain.
Contentment is the greatest wealth.
Trustworthiness is the best of kin.
Unconditional freedom is the highest bliss.
Tasting the flavour of solitude
and the nectar of peace,
those who drink the joy
that is the essence of reality
abide free from fear of evil.
It is always a pleasure
not to have to encounter fools.
It is always good to see noble beings,
and a delight to live with them.
Tedious is the company of fools,
always painful, like being
surrounded by enemies;
but to associate with the wise
is like being at home.
You should follow the ways
of those who are steadfast,
discerning, pure and aware,
just as the moon follows
the path of the stars.
Beautiful. The following lines in particular resonate today:
“Victory leads to hatred,
for the defeated suffer.
The peaceful live happily,
beyond victory and defeat.”