Lesson 1
What Is The Dhammapada?
The introductory lesson to the course that covers what the Dhammapada is, its place within Buddhist history, and how we are a going to be approaching the width and breadth of the course
read more
Lesson 2
The Yamakavaga or Pairs
This chapter uses pairs of contrasting scenarios to illustrate the law of karma. It emphasizes how our thoughts and actions, good or bad, steer our destiny. In this lesson as in all lesson we will take a short look at a few phrases from it and then consider how it can help us in our meditation.
read more
Lesson 3
Appamadavagga or Heedfulness
this chapter presents earnestness or heedfulness and vigilance as the path towards awakening, contrasting it with negligence which leads to death, symbolically speaking. In this lesson as in all lesson we will take a short look at a few phrases from it and then consider how it can help us in our meditation.
read more
Lesson 4
Cittavagga or The Mind
This chapter extols the power of the mind. It asserts that mind is the primary cause of everything, and mind mastery leads to purity and peace. In this lesson as in all lesson we will take a short look at a few phrases from it and then consider how it can help us in our meditation.
read more
Lesson 5
Pupphavagga or Flowers
In this chapter of the Dhammapada Flowers are metaphorically used to represent the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of material pleasures. It advises individuals to prioritize spiritual awakening. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 6
Balavagga or The Fool
This chapter portrays the perilous consequences of foolishness and ignorance. It emphasizes the necessity of wisdom and learning. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 7
Panditavagga or The Wise
The traits and virtues of wise individuals are discussed in this chapter, and wisdom is shown as a path to enlightenment. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 8
Arahantavagga or The Arahant or Perfected One
Here, the text explores the state of Arhats, enlightened beings who've attained nirvana, thus breaking free from the cycle of life and death. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 9
Sahassavagga or The Thousands
The chapter promotes righteousness and virtue, stating that even a single good act can be more valuable than thousands of insignificant ones. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 10
Papavagga or Evil
this chapter explores the nature of evil, urging readers to refrain from harmful actions and to cultivate virtue. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 11
Dandavagga
This chapter underscores the karmic principle of 'cause and effect', insisting that one will inevitably face the repercussions of their harmful deeds. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 12
Jaravagga or Old Age
The unavoidable reality of aging and the fragility of life are pondered upon in this chapter, encouraging the pursuit of enlightenment to transcend suffering. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 13
Attavagga orThe Self
The concept of self is examined here, with emphasis on the importance of self-reliance, self-control, and self-mastery in spiritual progress. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 14
Lokavagga or The World
This chapter contemplates the nature of the world and life's inherent suffering due to worldly attachments and desire. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 15
Buddhavagga or The Buddha
This chapter who describes the unique qualities of the Buddha and virtues of an enlightened one. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 16
Sukhavagga or Happiness
The cultivation of happiness through virtuous living, wisdom, and understanding of the truth of existence is promoted in this chapter. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 17
Piyavagga or Affection
This chapter scrutinizes the nature of attachments and affections, illuminating how they can lead to suffering and entanglement in the cycle of rebirth. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 18
Kodhavagga or Anger
The chapter promotes overcoming anger through patience, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 19
Malavagga or Impurity
This chapter discusses the concept of impurity in a spiritual sense, asserting that it arises from one's immoral actions and unwholesome mental states. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 20
Dhammatthavagga or The Just
This Chapter praises the virtues of fairness, righteousness, and truth, characterizing the just person as one who holds themselves to high moral standards. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 21
Maggavagga or The Path
This chapter provides guidance on the Noble Eightfold Path, highlighting it as the direct way to enlightenment in Buddhist teachings. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 22
Pakinnakavagga or Miscellaneous
This is an odd chapter and really is a compilation of various teachings not categorized elsewhere but hold significance in the path of enlightenment. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 23
Nirayavagga or The Downward Course
The chapter illustrates the downward path of immoral living and the resulting suffering, promoting moral rectitude and wholesome living. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 24
Nagavagga or The Elephant
In this chapter The tamed elephant is used as a metaphor to represent a disciplined and controlled mind, essential for spiritual growth. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 25
Tanhavagga or Craving
This chapter discusses the concept of 'tanha' or craving, its role in creating suffering, and the liberation achieved by its cessation. In this lesson like in all lessons we will take a look at a few lines of this chapter and understand how this chapter could aid us in our meditation practice.
read more
Lesson 26
Bhikkhuvagga or The Monk
This chapter provides insight into the life of a Buddhist monk or Bhikshu. It discusses the virtues they uphold, the austerity they practice, and the serene state of mind they cultivate, ultimately leading to their liberation.
read more
Lesson 27
Brahmanavagga or The Holy Man
In the final chapter, the text describes the characteristics of a Brahmana or enlightened being. It transcends traditional caste-based definitions to depict a Brahmana as anyone who has attained true knowledge, become detached from worldly desires, and realized the ultimate truth. It provides a roadmap to achieving enlightenment.
read more
Lesson 28
Closing Thoughts
In this chapter Silas offers some closing thoughts and reflection on the past twenty six lessons and how over time the lessons listened to here will seep deeper into your understanding and wisdom.
read more
