Thoughts on reading the Dhammapada

174 

This world is indeed in darkness, and how few can see the light! Just as few birds can escape from a net, few souls can fly into the freedom of heaven. 

252

It is easy to see the faults of others, but difficult to see one's own faults. One shows the faults of others like chaff winnowed in the wind, but one conceals one's own faults like a cunning gambler conceals his dice. 

303

If a man has faith and has virtue, then he has true glory and treasure. Wherever that man may go, there he will be held in honour. 

305

He who can be alone and rest alone is never weary of his work, he can live in joy, when master of himself, by the edge of the forest of desires.

 

314

... Do therefore what is right, for good deeds never bring pain.

379

Arise! Rouse thyself by thy Self; train thyself by thy Self. Under the shelter of thy Self, and ever watchful, thou shalt live in supreme joy.

380

For thy Self is the master of thyself, and thy Self is thy refuge. Train therefore thyself well, even as a merchant trains a fine horse.

385

He for whom there is neither this nor the further shore, nor both, who, beyond all fear, is free - him I call a Brahmin.

421

He for whom things future or past or present are nothing, who has nothing and desires nothing - him I call a Brahmin.

422

He who is powerful, noble, who lives a life of inner heroism, the all-seer, the all-conqueror, the ever-pure, who has reached the end of the journey, who like Buddha is awake - him I call a Brahmin.

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BE GOOD. BE AWAKE AND WATCH. TO RETURN EVIL FOR EVIL IS NEVER THE RIGHT DECISION. A BRAHMIN IS TO BE ADMIRED. DOING GOOD ALWAYS BRINGS REWARDS WHETHER THE REWARDS ARE IMMEDIATELY APPARENT OR NOT. TO SUFFER A LITTLE DISCOMFORT FOR A GREAT REWARD IS WISE. HASTEN AND STRIVE FOR A MIND THAT IS ABOVE PLEASURES & PAINS, LIFE & DEATH. VIRTUE IS LIKE A PERFUME THAT GOES AGAINST THE WIND, AND EVEN UP TO HEAVEN. BE GOOD.