Dhammapada 3- The Mind

A reading of the third chapter of the Dhammapada as translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. The Dhammapada is a canonical Buddhist text written in a somewhat poetic style. Each chapter bears many listens over time, and is somewhat like the Tao Teh Ching, delivering ancient wisdom and inspiring the contemplative life. Listen at the beginning of your meditation practice, or any time of day as a source of inspiration. Enjoy!

Transcript

Dhammapada 3.

The Mind.

Quivering,

Wavering,

Hard to guard,

To hold in check,

The mind.

The sage makes it straight,

Like a fletcher the shaft of an arrow.

Like a fish pulled from its home in the water and thrown on land,

This mind flips and flaps about to escape Mara's sway.

Hard to hold down,

Nimble,

Alighting wherever it likes,

The mind.

Its taming is good.

The mind well-tamed brings ease.

So hard to see,

So very,

Very subtle,

Alighting wherever it likes,

The mind.

The wise should guard it.

The mind protected brings ease.

Wandering far,

Going alone,

Bodiless,

Lying in a cave,

The mind.

Those who restrain it from Mara's bonds,

They'll be freed.

For a person of unsteady mind,

Not knowing true Dhamma,

Serenity,

Set adrift,

Discernment doesn't grow full.

For a person of unsoddened mind,

Unassaulted awareness,

Abandoning merit and evil,

Wakeful,

There is no danger,

No fear.

Knowing this body is like a clay jar,

Securing this mind like a fort,

Attack Mara with the spear of discernment.

Then guard what's won,

Without settling there,

Without laying claim.

All too soon this body will lie on the ground,

Cast off,

Bereft of consciousness,

Like a useless scrap of wood.

Whatever an enemy might do to an enemy,

Or a foe to a foe,

The ill-directed mind can do to you even worse.

Whatever a mother,

Father,

Or other kinsman might do for you,

The well-directed mind can do for you even better.

Reviews

Lovely. Looking forward to the next chapter - but no pressure honest, just gratitude 🙏🏽