Key Beliefs of Theravada Buddhism (Excerpts from Eknath Easwaran, The Dhammapada, p. 42-47, 54-58)

The Four Noble Truths and the suffering, sorrow. Life is change, and Eightfold Path change can never satisfy desire. Therefore everything that changes brings suffering. [After his enlightenment, Buddha’s] five former disciples caught sight of him from a “The Second Truth is the cause of distance and resolved neither to shun him suffering. It is not life that brings sorrow, nor to give him special attention. But as he but the demands we make on life. The cause drew closer, his face shining with what he of duhkha is selfish desire: trishna, the thirst had seen and understood, they found to have what one wants and to get one’s own themselves preparing a place for him and way. Thinking life can make them happy by sitting at his feet…. [He told them,] “I have bringing what they want, people run after done what is to be done. I have seen the the satisfaction of their desires. But they get builder of this house”—indicating his body, only unhappiness, because selfishness can but signifying his old self—“and I have only bring sorrow. shattered its ridgepole and its rafters; that house shall not be built again. I have found “There is no fire like selfish desire, brothers. the deathless, the unconditioned; I have seen Not a hundred years of experience can life as it is. I have entered nirvana, beyond extinguish it, for the more you feed it, the the reach of sorrow.” more it burns. It demands what experience cannot give: permanent pleasure unmixed “Teach us what you have found.” Thus to with anything unpleasant. But there is no these five, his first students, the Buddha end to such desires; that is the nature of the began his work of teaching the dharma, the mind. Suffering because life cannot satisfy path that leads to the end of sorrow. The selfish desire is like suffering because a place was the Deer Park near the holy city of banana tree will not bear mangoes. Varanasi on the Ganges, and the event is revered as the moment when the “There is a Third Truth, brothers. Any Compassionate One “set in motion the ailment that can be understood can be cured, wheel of the dharma,” which will never and suffering that has a cause has also an cease revolving so long as there are men and end. When the fires of selfishness have been women who follow his path. extinguished, when the mind is free of selfish desire, what remains is the state of In this talk we see the Buddha as physician wakefulness, of peace, of joy, of perfect to the world, the relentlessly clear-seeing health, called nirvana. healer whose love embraces all creatures. In the Four Noble Truths, he gives his “The Fourth Truth, brothers, is that clinical observations on the human selfishness can be extinguished by following condition, then his diagnosis, then the an eightfold path: right understanding, right prognosis, and finally the cure. purpose, right speech, right conduct, right occupation, right effort, right attention, and “The First Truth, brothers, is the fact of right meditation. If dharma is a wheel, these suffering. All desire happiness, sukha: what eight are its spokes. is good, pleasant, right, permanent, joyful, harmonious, satisfying, at ease. Yet all find “Right understanding is seeing life as it is. that life brings duhkha, just the opposite: In the midst of change, where is there a frustration, dissatisfaction, incompleteness, place to stand firm? Where is there anything to have and hold? To know that happiness 1 cannot come from anything outside, and that now. Those who follow me must be always all things that come into being have to pass mindful, their thoughts focused on the away: this is right understanding, the dharma day and night. Whatever is positive, beginning of wisdom. what benefits others, what conduces to kindness or peace of mind, those states of “Right purpose follows from right mind lead to progress; give them full understanding. It means willing, desiring, attention. Whatever is negative, whatever is and thinking that is in line with life as it is. self-centered, what feeds malicious thoughts As a flood sweeps away a slumbering or stirs up the mind, those states of mind village, death sweeps away those who are draw one downward; turn your attention unprepared. Remembering this, order your away. life around learning to live: that is right purpose. “Hard it is to train the mind, which goes where it likes and does what it wants. An “Right speech, right action, and right unruly mind suffers and causes suffering occupation follow from right purpose. They whatever it does. But a well-trained mind mean living in harmony with the unity of brings health and happiness. life: speaking kindly, acting kindly, living not just for oneself but for the welfare of all. “Right meditation is the means of training Do not earn your livelihood at the expense the mind. As rain seeps through an ill- of life or connive at or support those who do thatched hut, selfish passion will seep harm to other creatures, such as butchers, through an untrained mind. Train your mind soldiers, and makers of poison and weapons. through meditation. Selfish passions will not All creatures love life; all creatures fear enter, and your mind will grow calm and pain. Therefore treat all creatures as kind. yourself, for the dharma of a human being is not to harm but to help. “This, brothers, is the path that I myself have followed. No other path so purifies the “The last three steps, brothers, deal with the mind. Follow this path and conquer Mara; mind. Everything depends on mind. Our life its end is the end of sorrow. But all the effort is shaped by our mind; we become what we must be made by you. Buddhas only show think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the way”… the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draw it. Joy follows a pure thought like a The Middle Path shadow that never leaves. The Buddha’s students came from many “Right effort is the constant endeavor to different backgrounds. [One such,] Sona, train oneself in thought, word, and action. [came] from a wealthy family, [and] had As a gymnast trains the body, those who entertained hopes of being a musician, for he desire nirvana must train the mind. Hard it is loved to play the vina. to attain nirvana, beyond the reach even of the gods. Only through ceaseless effort can When Sona took to the spiritual life, he did you reach the goal. Earnest among the so with such zeal that he decided everything indolent, vigilant among those who slumber, else must be thrown overboard. Despite wild advance like a racehorse, breaking free from animals and poisonous snakes, he went off those who follow the way of the world. into the forest alone to practice meditation— and to undo the softness of his pampered “Right attention follows from right effort. It past, he insisted on going barefoot. means keeping the mind where it should be. After some time of this the Buddha decided The wise train the mind to give complete to go after him. The path was not hard to attention to one thing at a time, here and 2 find, for it was stained with blood from he went to the Buddha in exasperation and Sona’s feet. In addition to his begging bowl, confronted him with the following list: the Blessed One brought something unusual: a vina, whose strings he had loosened until “Blessed One, there are theories which you they were as limp as spaghetti. have left unexplained and set aside unanswered: Whether the world is eternal or He found Sona meditating under a banyan not eternal; whether it is finite or infinite; tree. The boy limped over to greet him, but whether the soul and body arc the same or the Buddha did not seem to notice. All he different; whether a person who has attained said was, “Sona, can you show me how to nirvana exists after death or does not, or make music with this?” whether perhaps he both exists and does not exist, or neither exists nor does not. The fact Sona took the instrument respectfully and that the Blessed One has not explained these fingered a few notes. Then he began to matters neither pleases me nor suits me. If laugh. “Blessed One,” he said, “you can’t the Blessed One will not explain this to me, produce music when the strings are so I will give up spiritual disciplines and return loose!” to the life of a layman.”

“Oh, I see. Let me try again.” And he “Malunkyaputra,” the Buddha replied proceeded to wind the strings so tightly that gently, “when you took to the spiritual life, Sona winced. When the Buddha tested them, did I ever promise you I would answer these all that came out was high-pitched squeaks. questions?” “Blessed One, that won’t work either. You’ll break the strings. Here, let me tune it for Malunkyaputra was probably already sorry you.” He took the instrument, loosened the for his outburst, but it was too late. “No, strings gently, and played a little of a Blessed One, you never did.” haunting song. “Why do you think that is?” Then he stopped, for the music brought memories he was afraid to awaken. “It has “Blessed One, I haven’t the slightest idea!” to be tuned just right to make music,” he said abruptly, handing the vina back to the “Suppose, Malunkyaputra, that a man has Buddha. “Neither too tight nor too loose, been wounded by a poisoned arrow, and his just right.” friends and family are about to call a doctor. ‘Wait!’ he says. ‘I will not let this arrow be “Sona,” the Buddha replied, “it is the same removed until I have learned the caste of the for those who seek nirvana. Don’t let man who shot me. I have to know how tall yourself be slack, but don’t stretch yourself he is, what family he comes from, where to breaking either. The middle course, lying they live, what kind of wood his bow is between too much and too little, is the way made from, what fletcher made his arrows. of my Eightfold Path.” When I know these things, you can proceed to take the arrow out and give me an Malunkyaputra antidote for its poison.’ What would you think of such a man?” The Buddha’s penetrating insight attracted many intellectuals, one of whom, “He would be a fool, Blessed One,” replied Malunkyaputra, grew more and more Malunkyaputra shamefacedly. “His frustrated as the Buddha failed to settle questions have nothing to do with getting certain basic metaphysical questions. Finally the arrow out, and he would die before they were answered.”

3 “Similarly, Malunkyaputra, I do not teach The Buddha did not answer, but smiled and whether the world is eternal or not eternal; took a handful of leaves from the branch of whether it is finite or infinite; whether the the tree under which they sat. soul and the body are the same or different; whether a person who has attained nirvana “What do you think,” he asked, “are there exists after death or does not, or whether more leaves in my hand or on this tree?” perhaps he both exists and does not exist, or neither exists nor does not. I teach how to “Blessed One, you know your handful is remove the arrow: the truth of suffering, its only a small part of what remains on the origin, its end, and the Noble Eightfold branches. Who can count the leaves of a Path.” shimshapa tree?”

Teaching With an Open Hand “What I know,” the Buddha said, “is like the leaves on that tree; what I teach is only a “Perhaps,” a disciple suggested discreetly on small part. But I offer it to all with an open another occasion, “these are matters which hand. What do I not teach? Whatever is the Blessed One himself has not cared to fascinating to discuss, divides people against know.” each other, but has no bearing on putting an end to sorrow. What do I teach? Only what is necessary to take you to the other shore.”

4 Key Beliefs of Mahayana Buddhism (Excerpts from Spencer J. Palmer, Buddhism, p. 55-64)

The principal difference between the China, Korea, and Japan, are gods of wide- [Theravada and Mahayana] traditions is that ranging power. They are worshiped and Theravada Buddhists seek release from the invoked through prayer and public chants wheel of life through individual efforts by and are credited with blessing their devotees following the Four Noble Truths and the not only with salvation and ultimate rebirth Eightfold Middle Path, while Mahayana into heavenly places, but with fulfillment of Buddhists have many divine beings to assist routine physical and social needs. They them…. The ultimate goal of Theravada include, principally, Amitabha (Amida), the Buddhism is to gain individual Buddha of Boundless Light; Maitreya, the enlightenment and thereby to escape from messiah figure of Mahayana Buddhism; the round of rebirths. In contrast, the Bhaisajyaguru, the buddha of medicine, Mahayana goal is to take the vow of the who is the light of the realm of the Eastern bodhisattva—that is, to vow to become a Paradise; and Vairocana, the cosmic buddha oneself. By doing so, a person may buddha, who is a personification of essential at some future time share his or her merit enlightenment…. and assist others, helping them to find release from the wheel through benevolence. Bodhisattvas The ideal of Mahayana Buddhism is to postpone one's own release from the wheel The term bodhisattva refers to one who is a in order to help others find their release. buddha-to-be. Siddhartha Gautama, both in Mahayana Buddhism's goal is his previous lives and in his last life until he compassion…. received enlightenment at Gaya, was a bodhisattva. In the Mahayana view, he had There are two broad, general categories of at some time taken a vow before a living divine beings in [Mahayana] Buddhism— buddha that he too would become a bodhisattvas and buddhas. buddha—that is, he committed to perfect himself to the degree that he would become Buddhas an earthly buddha (sometimes referred to as a manushi buddha) who could teach others Although the title "Buddha" was first the way to salvation. According to Buddhist applied to a single individual, the lore widely accepted in various parts of enlightened Gautama, it has over time Asia, only one buddha at a time may be on accumulated different meanings and earth; and thus, after numerous incarnations, applications in the various schools of Siddhartha had to wait in Tushita-heaven for Buddhism. As indicated earlier, Gautama the appropriate time for his advent. That never claimed to be a supernatural being, a time came when the teachings of the mysterious personage, or a god. In the previous buddha had completely earliest Buddhist scriptures he was regarded disappeared. In essence, he initiated the next simply as an outstanding person and a great "dispensation" of Buddhism by his birth into inspirational teacher. However, as Buddhism the world and his attainment of supreme spread into northern Asia, where mythical enlightenment. When he entered this life he and legendary figures abound, Gautama was a bodhisattva, and when he left it he himself in time was deified and has become was a buddha, or "one who is awake." one of a vast plethora of divine beings and saviors. These "enlightened ones," or Bodhisattvas are the paradigm for all buddhas, in the Mahayana Buddhism of Mahayana Buddhists who seek to release or 5 unlock the buddha-nature which lies within through their powers and personal goodness, every person. The bodhisattva has reached can help seekers to attain nirvana…. the point of being totally free from birth and death and shares his or her merit with those Zen: The Meditative School who call upon him or her. The bodhisattva lives on the edge between existence and Zen Buddhism is a form of Mahayana nonexistence, never taking the step to Buddhism that seeks access to truth or nirvana because of compassion for and reality through meditation. Also known as desire to help all who are still subject to the meditative school, Zen has as its goal death and rebirth. enlightenment through disciplined meditation, such as the historical Buddha [In] the Mahayana tradition the term received under the bodhi tree at Gaya. Zen [bodhisattva] designates those Buddhists do not hold a concept of God, sublimely indifferent, compassionate soul, or salvation; in fact, they deny the beings who remain at the threshold necessity of vows, scriptures, or rituals. Zen of nirvana for the comfort and has been described as a religion with a salvation of the world. Out of perfect unique method of mind-body training with indifference (egolessness) and the aim of satori (enlightenment) or self- perfect compassion (which is also realization. Attainment of satori comes egolessness) the Mahayana entirely from self-effort (Jiriki) rather than Bodhisattva does not experience the from some outside power. A Zen Buddhist "real or true enlightenment" ... of the does not need faith in any buddha; rather, he Buddha and then pass to final needs faith in his own buddha-nature and the extinction ... but stops at the brink— determination to continue in self-effort until the brink of time and eternity—and he experiences satori. thus transcends that pair of opposites: for the world will never According to Zen practitioners, Zen is as old end; the round of cosmic eons will as the Buddha himself. The legend states go on and on without ceasing; the that the Buddha was once approached by a vow of the Bodhisattva, to remain at Brahmin raja who gave him a golden flower the brink till all shall go in before and then asked him to preach the Dharma. him, amounts to a vow to remain as The Buddha took the flower and held it, he is forever.... In popular worship gazing at it in silence. After a while he gave the Bodhisattva is invoked because it to one of his disciples, Kashyapa, who he is possessed of an inexhaustible smiled but uttered not a word. This is said to power to save.... The supreme and be the ideological beginning of Zen, and especial test of the Bodhisattva is Kashyapa is said to be the first Zen that of his readiness and power to patriarch. His smile was handed down to expand, time and time again, in twenty-eight other patriarchs, the final one boundless giving.... This requires of being Bodhidharma, an Indian prince who him a continuous abdication—or arrived in China in 520 C.E. Bodhidharma rather, non-experience—of ego. taught the principles and techniques of what was called the Dhyana (Meditative) school Five bodhisattvas are often named together: of Buddhism in China. As Dhyana practice Samantabhadra, Vajrapani, Ratnapani, spread throughout northern Asia, the Visvapani, and Avalokitesvara. The latter is Chinese transliterated its name to Ch'an, the the most popular and best known. Koreans to Son, and the Japanese to Zen.

Buddhas and bodhisattvas are viewed by The practice most central to Zen is zazen. Mahayana Buddhists as savior beings who, Zazen consists of both oral instruction from

6 a teacher (roshi) and meditation. The Rationalist Schools Technically, the meditation is "sitting meditation." The meditator usually sits The Zen intuitionist's utter purging of the cross-legged on a thick round cushion and mind in hope of obtaining enlightenment meditates, preferably in the full-lotus or was based on feeling rather than reason. half-lotus position. The back must be Perhaps as a reaction to this anti- straight, and the eyes must be directed intellectualism, a countervailing rationalist toward the floor a short distance from the tradition emerged within Buddhism in body. The optimal area upon which to center northern Asia. The best known sect is called one's inner attention is just below the navel. T'ien-t'ai in Chinese and Tendai in Japanese. Its emphasis is that meditation should be There are several schools of Zen Buddhism, balanced with concentrated study of including Rinzai and Soto. Rinzai Zen Buddhist texts. considers satori to be a sudden illumination or epiphany. It is attained by hard, "The Mystery School" concentrated work on koans (riddles) which are insoluble by the processes of reason, Known as Chen Yen in China and Shingon such as, "What was your original face before in Japan, the mystery school emphasizes your parents were born?" or, "What is the magical hand formulas and mystical sound of one hand clapping?" A Zen student ceremonies that owe much to the Tantric who solves the koan must reject logical Buddhism of Tibet. reasoning and find an answer through the use of a deeper level of the mind beyond the Practitioners of this school of Buddhism rational intellect. Soto Zen believes in a view all phenomena of the universe as more gradual process of enlightenment. manifestations of the buddha Vairocana.

7 Excerpts from the Dhammapada (From Eknath Easwaran, The Dhammapada, p. 100-246)

Intro: “Buddhist scriptures are divided into three pitakas or ‘baskets.’ By far the largest and most important of these is the Sutra Pitaka or ‘basket of discourses’ which consists mostly of talks by the Buddha or one of his direct disciples. The Dhammapada, though not considered a sutra, is included in this collection…. The Sutras or discourses of the Buddha preserved in the Buddhist Pali canon were largely aimed at the monks and nuns of the Buddhist order. But the Dhammapada was meant for everyone. Its 423 verses are much more than wise aphorisms to be read and reflected over. They contain that part of the Buddha’s teaching which can be grasped and put into practice by the greatest number of people, by following the disciplines of the Eightfold Path. Every reader knows that one book which becomes part of one’s life means more than a thousand others. The Dhammapada was meant as such a book.” ______

1 All that we are is the result of what we cowherd counting another’s cows. They do have thought: we are formed and molded by not share in the joys of the spiritual life. our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfish thoughts cause misery when they 9 But those who may know few scriptures speak or act. Sorrows roll over them as the but practice their teachings, who overcome wheels of a cart roll over the tracks of the all lust, hatred, and delusion, live with a bullock that draws it. pure mind in the highest wisdom. They stand without external supports and share in 2 All that we are is the result of what we the joys of the spiritual life…. have thought: we are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped 10 As an archer aims an arrow, the wise aim by selfless thoughts give joy whenever they their restless thoughts, hard to aim, hard to speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow restrain…. that never leaves them. 11 Hard it is to train the mind, which goes 3 “He insulted me, he struck me, he cheated where it likes and does what it wants. But a me, he robbed me”: those caught in resentful trained mind brings health and happiness. thoughts never find peace. The wise can direct their thoughts, subtle and elusive, wherever they choose: a trained 4 “He insulted me, he struck me, he cheated mind brings health and happiness…. me, he robbed me”: those who give up resentful thoughts surely find peace. 12 More than those who hate you, more than all your enemies, an undisciplined mind 5 For hatred does not cease by hatred at any does greater harm. More than your mother, time: hatred ceases by love. This is an more than your father, more than all your unalterable law…. family, a well-disciplined mind does greater good…. 6 As rain seeps through a poorly thatched roof, passion seeps into the untrained mind. 13 Do not give your attention to what others do or fail to do; give it to what you do or fail 7 As rain cannot seep through a well- to do…. thatched roof, passion cannot seep into a well-trained mind…. 14 The immature are their own enemies, doing selfish deeds which will bring them 8 Those who recite many scriptures but do sorrow. That deed is selfish which brings not practice their teachings are like a remorse and suffering in its wake. But good 8 is that deed which brings no remorse, only dwell pride and pretense, old age and death. happiness in its wake…. Even the chariot of a king loses its glitter in the course of time; so too the body loses its 15 Good people keep on walking whatever health and strength. But goodness does not happens. They do not speak vain words and grow old with the passage of time…. are the same in good fortune and bad. If one desires neither children nor wealth nor 22 Your own self is your master; who else power nor success by unfair means, know could be? With yourself well controlled, you such a one to be good, wise, and virtuous…. gain a master very hard to find….

16 One who conquers himself is greater than 23 By oneself is evil done; by oneself one is another who conquers a thousand times a injured. Do not do evil, and suffering will thousand men on the battlefield. Be not come. Everyone has the choice to be victorious over yourself and not over others. pure or impure. No one can purify When you attain victory over yourself, not another…. even the gods can turn it into defeat…. 24 Don’t follow wrong laws; don’t be 17 Better to live in virtue and wisdom for thoughtless; don’t believe false doctrines. one day than to live a hundred years with an Don’t follow the way of the world…. evil and undisciplined mind. Better to live in goodness and wisdom for one day than to 25 Avoid all evil, cultivate the good, purify lead an ignorant and undisciplined life for a your mind: this sums up the teaching of the hundred years. Better to live in strength and Buddhas…. Do not find fault with others, do wisdom for one day than to lead a weak and not injure others, but live in accordance with idle life for a hundred years. Better to live in the dharma. Be moderate in eating and freedom and wisdom for one day than to sleeping, and meditate on the highest. This lead a conditioned life of bondage for a sums up the teaching of the Buddhas…. hundred years… 26 There is no fire like lust, no sickness like 18 If you do what is evil, do not repeat it or hatred, no sorrow like separateness, no joy take pleasure in making it a habit. An evil like peace. No disease is worse than greed, habit will cause nothing but suffering. If you no suffering worse than selfish passion. do what is good, keep repeating it and take Know this, and seek nirvana as the highest pleasure in making it a habit. A good habit joy…. will cause nothing but joy…. 27 It is good to meet the wise, even better to 19 Not in the sky, not in the ocean, not in live with them. But avoid the company of mountain canyons is there a place anywhere the immature if you want joy. Keeping in the world where a person can hide from company with the immature is like going on his evil deeds. Not in the sky, not in the a long journey with an enemy. The company ocean, not in mountain canyons is there a of the wise is joyful, like reunion with one’s place where one can hide from death…. family. Therefore, live among the wise, who are understanding, patient, responsible, and 20 Everyone fears punishment; everyone noble. Keep their company as the moon fears death, just as you do. Therefore do not moves among the stars…. kill or cause to kill. Everyone fears punishment; everyone loves life, as you do. 28 Selfish enjoyments lead to frustration; Therefore do not kill or cause to kill…. selfish enjoyments lead to fear. Be unselfish, and you will be free from frustration and 21 Around the bones is built a house, fear. Selfish desires give rise to anxiety; plastered with flesh and blood, in which 9 selfish desires give rise to fear. Be unselfish, 38 Guard your thoughts, words, and deeds. and you will be free from anxiety and fear. These three disciplines will speed you along the path to pure wisdom…. 29 Craving brings pain; craving brings fear. Don’t yield to cravings, and you will be free 39 Cut down the whole forest of selfish from pain and fear…. desires, not just one tree only. Cut down the whole forest and you will be on your way to 30 Give up anger, give up pride, and free liberation…. yourself from worldly bondage. No sorrow can befall those who never try to possess 40 Don’t try to build your happiness on the people and things as their own…. unhappiness of others. You will be enmeshed in a net of hatred. 31 Conquer anger through gentleness, unkindness through kindness, greed through 41Do not fail to do what ought to be done, generosity, and falsehood by truth. Be and do not do what ought not to be done. truthful; do not yield to anger. Give freely, Otherwise your burden of suffering will even if you have but little. The gods will grow heavier…. bless you…. 42 It is hard to leave the world and hard to 32 Use your body for doing good, not for live in it, painful to live with the worldly and harm. Train it to follow the dharma. Use painful to be a wanderer. Reach the goal; your tongue for doing good, not for harm. you will wander and suffer no more…. Train it to speak kindly. Use your mind for doing good, not for harm. Train your mind 43 Adultery leads to loss of merit, loss of in love. The wise are disciplined in body, sleep, condemnation, and increasing speech, and mind. They are well controlled suffering. On this downward course, what indeed…. pleasure can there be for the frightened lying in the arms of the frightened, both going in 33 They dig their own graves who kill, lie, fear of punishment? Therefore do not get drunk, or covet the wealth or spouse of commit adultery…. another. Those who drink to intoxication are digging up their own roots…. 44 An act performed carelessly, a vow not kept, a code of chastity not strictly observed: 34 Do not envy others for the gifts they these things bring little reward. If anything receive, or you will have no peace of mind is worth doing, do it with all your heart…. by day or night…. 45 Refrain from evil deeds, which cause 35 There is no fire like lust, no jailer like suffering later. Perform good deeds, which hate, no snare like infatuation, no torrent can cause no suffering. Guard yourself well, like greed. both within and without, like a well- defended fort. Don’t waste a moment, for 36 It is easy to see the faults of others; we wasted moments send you on the downward winnow them like chaff. It is hard to see our course. own; we hide them as a gambler hides a losing draw…. 46 Those who are ashamed of deeds they should not be ashamed of, and not ashamed 37 Neither pleasant words nor a pretty face of deeds they should be ashamed of, follow can make beautiful a person who is jealous, false doctrines on the downward course. selfish, or deceitful. Only those who have uprooted such impurities from the mind are 47 Those who fear what they ought not to fit to be called beautiful…. fear, and do not fear what they ought to fear, 10 follow false doctrines on the downward 57 Lust ruins the mind as weeds ruin fields. course. Therefore honor those who are free from lust. 48 Those who see wrong where there is none, and do not see wrong where there is, 58 Hatred ruins the mind as weeds ruin follow false doctrines on the downward fields. Therefore honor those who are free course. from hatred.

49 But those who see wrong where there is 59 Selfish desires ruin the mind as weeds wrong, and see no wrong where there is ruin fields. Therefore honor those who are none, follow true doctrines on the upward free from selfish desire…. course…. 60 Train your eyes and ears; train your nose 50 When [compulsive] urges drive us, and tongue. The senses are good friends sorrow spreads like wild grass. Conquer when they are trained. Train your body in these fierce cravings and sorrow will fall deeds, train your tongue in words, train your away from your life like drops of water from mind in thoughts. This training will take you a lotus leaf. Therefore I say, dig up craving beyond sorrow…. root and all, as you would uproot birana grass, if you don’t want Mara to crush you 61 Learn to be wise, O bhikshu! Train your as the stream crushes reeds on its banks. As senses; be contented. Follow the teachings a tree, though cut down, recovers and grows of the dharma and keep pure and noble if its roots are not destroyed, suffering will friends. Be a friend of all. Perform your come to you more and more if these duties well. Then, with your joy ever compulsive urges are not extinguished…. growing, you will put an end to sorrow….

51 If you want to reach the other shore, 62 Cross the river bravely; conquer all your don’t let doubts, passions, and cravings passions. Go beyond your likes and dislikes strengthen your fetters. and all fetters will fall away.

52 Meditate deeply, discriminate between the pleasant and the permanent, and break the fetters of Mara.

53 Those who are free from fear, thirst, and sin have removed all the thorn s from their life. This body is their last.

54 They are supremely wise who are free from compulsive urges and attachments, and who understand what words really stand for. This body is their last.

55 I have conquered myself and live in purity. I know all. I have left everything behind, and live in freedom….

56 Greed ruins the mind as weeds ruin fields. Therefore honor those who are free from greed.

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