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The Dhammapada - Chapter 3 - The Mind v33 - 43
buddhafoot
Veteran
33. Just as a fletcher straightens an arrow shaft, even so the discerning man straightens his mind — so fickle and unsteady, so difficult to guard.
34. As a fish when pulled out of water and cast on land throbs and quivers, even so is this mind agitated. Hence should one abandon the realm of Mara.
35. Wonderful, indeed, it is to subdue the mind, so difficult to subdue, ever swift, and seizing whatever it desires. A tamed mind brings happiness.
36. Let the discerning man guard the mind, so difficult to detect and extremely subtle, seizing whatever it desires. A guarded mind brings happiness.
37. Dwelling in the cave (of the heart), the mind, without form, wanders far and alone. Those who subdue this mind are liberated from the bonds of Mara.
38. Wisdom never becomes perfect in one whose mind is not steadfast, who knows not the Good Teaching and whose faith wavers.
39. There is no fear for an awakened one, whose mind is not sodden (by lust) nor afflicted (by hate), and who has gone beyond both merit and demerit. 6
40. Realizing that this body is as fragile as a clay pot, and fortifying this mind like a well-fortified city, fight out Mara with the sword of wisdom. Then, guarding the conquest, remain unattached.
41. Ere long, alas! this body will lie upon the earth, unheeded and lifeless, like a useless log.
42. Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm.
43. Neither mother, father, nor any other relative can do one greater good than one's own well-directed mind.
-bf
34. As a fish when pulled out of water and cast on land throbs and quivers, even so is this mind agitated. Hence should one abandon the realm of Mara.
35. Wonderful, indeed, it is to subdue the mind, so difficult to subdue, ever swift, and seizing whatever it desires. A tamed mind brings happiness.
36. Let the discerning man guard the mind, so difficult to detect and extremely subtle, seizing whatever it desires. A guarded mind brings happiness.
37. Dwelling in the cave (of the heart), the mind, without form, wanders far and alone. Those who subdue this mind are liberated from the bonds of Mara.
38. Wisdom never becomes perfect in one whose mind is not steadfast, who knows not the Good Teaching and whose faith wavers.
39. There is no fear for an awakened one, whose mind is not sodden (by lust) nor afflicted (by hate), and who has gone beyond both merit and demerit. 6
40. Realizing that this body is as fragile as a clay pot, and fortifying this mind like a well-fortified city, fight out Mara with the sword of wisdom. Then, guarding the conquest, remain unattached.
41. Ere long, alas! this body will lie upon the earth, unheeded and lifeless, like a useless log.
42. Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm.
43. Neither mother, father, nor any other relative can do one greater good than one's own well-directed mind.
-bf
0
Comments
A set of verses that Buddha defined quite clearly how important it is to control the mind. We've talked about controlling the mind during meditation and how difficult that is at time - but this sets into place the importance of controlling our mind and being mindful on a daily basis.
I couldn't help but wonder at this verse:
42. Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm.
We know the harm and enemy can do to us - we know the harm that a hater can do to us. But Buddha still teaches that the harm of having an ill-directed mind is more harmful to us than anything else another being could do to us.
-bf
The results (in this life or a future one) of an ill-directed mind are not only our enemies, but those who steal from us, have affairs with our lovers, curse us, chatter at us etc. Just go through the ten vices and whatever negative happens to us is the result of our own mind's low tendencies.
Verse 43 sounds, at first, a rather weak counterpoint to 42 because it only mentions relatives. But the Dhamma considers all beings our relatives from the countless past lives we have had. So a well-directed mind is the greatest blessing.
http://www.buddhistvihara.com/online/narada/03-Citta%20Vagga.htm
http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/dhamma/dham3.htm#Canto3
I guess this is what is meant when the phrase
"They're their own worst enemy" is used...
It's like a saying I have, which I remember often, regarding self-deception, and the search for Truth:
'It all begins in our head, with what we tell ourselves'.....
This is why Right View is paramount. As TNH pointed out, from this, all other aspects of the Eightfold Path spring and spread, and are interdependent...
Right View would also cover, then, the initial discipline we have in using and developping the Mind in the way the Buddha taught....
I've said it before, and I'll say it again... all the subsequent Sutras and teachings seem, to me, to hinge upon the Eightfold Path.
Maybe I'm not such a simpleton after all.