A spark of Buddhist wisdom for the 12th day of this month. Understand by listening widely |
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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 12th day of this month. Understand by listening widely |
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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 12
The important thing in following the path to Enlightenment is to avoid being caught and entangled in any extreme and to always follow the Middle Way.
Knowing that all things have neither a beginning nor an end and remembering the insubstantial nature of all things, one must avoid becoming caught in the trap of self-praise or entangled in the mesh of worldly attachments.
The way to avoid becoming entangled is to not grasp after, nor become attached to worldly things. One who follows the path should neither fear death nor long for life. One should avoid becoming obsessed with.pursuing any particular object, no matter what it may be.
As soon as a person becomes attached to any object, just at that moment, a life of selfdelusion begins. Those who choose to walk the path to Enlightenment will neither maintain regrets nor cherish anticipations, but will meet whatever comes with equitable and peaceful minds.
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 ...
19. Though he may commit to memory large portions of the teaching, if he neglects to practice the teaching, he is like a cowherd who keeps tabs on the cows belonging to another. He is not worthy of being a mendicant.
20. Though he may commit only a small portion of the teaching to memory, if he should practice in accordance with the Dharma, detach himself from greed, anger, and ignorance, attain wisdom and emancipation, and be unattached to this world and the next, he is worthy of being a mendicant.