A spark of Buddhist wisdom for the 18th day of this month. Morning glories quickly fade. |
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Each year BDK shares a daily calendar of Buddhist thoughts paired with colorful images.A spark of Buddhist wisdom for the 18th day of this month. Morning glories quickly fade. |
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 | As a simple approach to basic Buddha's teachings, BDK America has provided 31 short lessons. Each day we provide a new lesson so that busy people will only need a minute or two each day to learn more about Buddhism. |
The Teaching of Buddha - Day 18
Those who follow the path to Enlightenment must remove all self-pride and be humbly willing to accept the light of the Buddha's teachings. No amount of treasures of gemstones and precious metals can compare with the gifts of wisdom and virtue.
To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family and to bring peace to all, one must first discipline one's own mind. Wisdom and virtue will naturally come to those who have the desire to follow the path and the ability to discipline their minds.
Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth so virtue appears from good deeds and wisdom is born from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the broad maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom to illuminate the correct path, and the guidance of virtue to help point the way.
The Buddha's teaching which tells us how to eliminate the three poisons of greed, anger and foolishness is a good teaching; and those who follow it will attain the happiness of a joyful life.
All 31 lessons are collected in a small booklet called A Teaching a Day, as edited from our small hardcover book, The Teaching of Buddha. Both print items are available to order; you can also download a PDF of A Teaching a Day.
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 | We hope you enjoy today's excerpt from the Pali Dhammapada, an anthology of Buddhist ethical thoughts and precepts. With its simplicity of expression and poetic beauty, the Dhammapada has been a popular introduction to Buddhist wisdom through the centuries. |
Twin Verses ...
7. He who thinks that his body is without defilement, who does not control his senses, who does not know moderation in food, who is indolent, and who does not exert effort will be overcome by demons like a weak tree downed by the wind.
8. He who thinks that his body is full of defilements, who restrains his senses, who knows moderation in food, who has faith, and who exerts effort will never be overcome by demons. He will be like a mountain of rock that is never moved by the wind.