Dhammapada 8 - Thousands

A reading of the eighth chapter of the Dhammapada as translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. The Dhammapada is a canonical Buddhist text written in a 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 own meditation practice, or any time of day as a source of inspiration. Enjoy!

Transcript

Dhammapada 8 Thousands Better than if there were thousands of meaningless words is one meaningful word that on hearing brings peace.

Better than if there were thousands of meaningless verses is one meaningful verse that on hearing brings peace.

And better than chanting hundreds of meaningless verses is one Dhamma saying that on hearing brings peace.

Greater in battle than the man who would conquer a thousand thousand men is he who would conquer just one,

Himself.

Better to conquer yourself than others.

When you've trained yourself,

Living in constant self-control,

Neither a Deva nor Gandaba nor a Mara banded with Brahmas could turn that triumph back into defeat.

You could,

Month by month,

At a cost of thousands,

Conduct sacrifices a hundred times or pay a single moment's homage to one person,

Self-cultivated.

Better than a hundred years of sacrifices would that act of homage be.

You could,

For a hundred years,

Live in a forest,

Tending a fire,

Or pay a single moment's homage to one person,

Self-cultivated.

Better than a hundred years of sacrifices would that act of homage be.

Everything offered or sacrificed in the world for an entire year by one seeking merit doesn't come to a fourth.

Better to pay respect to those who've gone the straight way.

If you're respectful by habit,

Constantly honoring the worthy,

Four things increase.

Long life,

Beauty,

Happiness,

Strength.

Better than a hundred years lived without virtue,

Uncentered,

Is one day lived by a virtuous person absorbed in Jhana.

And better than a hundred years living undiscerning,

Uncentered,

Is one day living by a discerning person absorbed in Jhana.

And better than a hundred years lived apathetic and unenergetic,

Is one day lived energetic and firm.

And better than a hundred years lived without seeing,

Arising and passing away,

Is one day lived seeing,

Arising and passing away.

And better than a hundred years lived without seeing the deathless state,

Is one day lived seeing the deathless state.

And better than a hundred years lived without seeing the ultimate Dhamma,

Is one day lived seeing the ultimate Dhamma.

Reviews

Definitely one to listen to before a silent timed meditation . Thanks so much for sharing it with us and reading it so meaningfully .
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