Dhammapada Chapter 4

According to tradition, the Dhammapada's verses were spoken by the Buddha on various occasions. By distilling the complex models, theories, rhetorical style and sheer volume of the Buddha's teachings into concise, crystalline verses, the Dhammapada makes the Buddhist way of life available to anyone. In fact, it is possible that the very source of the Dhammapada in the third century B.C.E. is traceable to the need of the early Buddhist communities in India to laicize the ascetic impetus of the Buddha's original words. The text is part of the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Sutta Pitaka, although over half of the verses exist in other parts of the Pali Canon. A 4th or 5th century CE commentary attributed to Buddhaghosa includes 305 stories which give context to the verses. The title, "Dhammapada," is a compound term composed of dhamma and pada, each word having a number of denotations and connotations. Music by Vittorio Bianco, reading by Kevin Cameron.

Transcript

Dhammapada Chapter 4 Who is it that can truly see as they are,

This earth,

This body,

The hell realms and the heavenly realm?

Who can discern the well-taught path of wisdom,

In the way the eye of a skilled florist can select perfect blues?

It is those who knowingly walk the way who can see as they truly are,

This earth,

This body,

The hell realms and the heavenly realms.

These are the ones who can discern the well-taught path of wisdom.

Know the body to be as transient as foam,

A mirage.

The flower of sensual passion has a hidden vibe.

See this and pass beyond death.

As a flash flood can sweep away a sleeping village,

So death can destroy those who only seek the flowers of casual sensual pleasures.

To be frustrated and ungratified,

Yet still only seek the flowers of casual sensual pleasures,

Brings one under the destroyer's sway.

As a bee-gathering nectar does not harm or disturb the colour and fragrance of the flower,

So do the wise move through the world.

Dwell not on the faults and shortcomings of others,

Instead seek clarity about your own.

As a beautiful flower without fragrance is disappointing,

So are wise words without right action.

As a beautiful flower with a delightful fragrance is pleasing,

So is wise and lovely speech when matched with right action.

As many garlands can be made from a heap of flowers,

So too much that is wholesome can be done during this human existence.

The fragrance of flowers or sandalwood glows only with the prevailing wind,

But the fragrance of virtue pervades all directions.

The fragrance of virtue surpasses by far the fragrance of flowers or sandalwood.

The aroma of sandalwood and the scent of flowers bring only little delight compared to the fragrance of virtue which suffuses even the heavenly realms.

It is not possible for Mara to find those who abide in appreciative awareness,

Who by perfect knowledge are freed and live in virtue.

Just as a sweet-smelling and beautiful lotus can grow from a pile of discarded waste,

The radiance of a true disciple of the Buddha outshines dark shadows traced by ignorance.

Reviews

Love the Dhammapada. Thank you❤🙏 the music was beautiful.

This was so beautifully touching to my heart and deep to my soul. The music and words are very thought and soul provoking. Thank you for this offering🌟

that was sublime. may thousands of people listen to you and the dhammapada. ✨🙏🏾🌎💎🌱 i encourage you to publish the other chapters as well.

Love the wise words and glorious music! Would love to hear more of this series 🙏🏽🧡

Beautiful voice and wisdom fused with lovely music. Thank you.🙏🏽🕉🔆

I agree with Neet! The music was loud but went perfectly with the words. Wonderful!

Gosh! Very loud and dramatic music - I wasn’t sure at first but I actually love the effect intermingled with the words! Beautiful, thank you 🙂