5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent interpretation of the Dhammapada, October 1, 2009
"So, did I need another version of the Dhammapada? All-in-all the answer is a resounding "Yes!" and this version is rapidly becoming my version of preference. It has excellent readability, understandability, and simplistic in tone without being condescending -- just as I envision the Buddha to have taught."
The Hands of the Buddha
A Modern Interpretation of the Dhammapada
Susan Brassfield Cogan
Published by CoganBooks at Smashwords
Copyright 2009 Susan Brassfield Cogan
Cover Design by: Cogan Graphic Design
Discover other titles by Susan Brassfield Cogan at CoganBooks.net
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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Chapter 1
Choices
1
We are what we think about. All our lives are founded on our thoughts and our world is made up of our thoughts. Like the wagon drawn after an ox, suffering will follow a deluded mind.
2
We are what we think about. When our minds are clear and disciplined, happiness will follow us as faithfully as our shadow.
3
When we nourish hateful thoughts like “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,” hatred and suffering never go away.
4
When we learn to let go of such thoughts as “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me” enmity ceases and happiness follows.
5
Hatred can not be defeated by hatred. Only love can defeat hatred. This wisdom is as ancient as humanity.
6
Most people live as though they will never die. Those who know life is fleeting let go of anger and hatred.
7
It’s tempting to think passing amusements will bring happiness. But anyone who pursues temporary pleasures, who is lazy or overeats will be felled by Mara, the Illusionist, like a tree in the wind.
8
When we learn to enjoy life without grasping after temporary pleasures we can resist the Illusionist, the way a stony mountain resists the wind.
9
Those who wish to follow the Dharma Way must respect temperance and truth or they are unworthy to be in the company of those who travel that path.
10
Those who are diligent, focused and honest may contentedly travel with Dharma companions.
11
Those who look at a dream and think they see reality and those who look at reality and think they are seeing a dream are afflicted with empty longing.
12
Those who can distinguish between the truth and dreams may live happily in the world as it actually is.
13
An untrained mind is like a leaky roof. As rain will drip through a roof full of holes, so will craving pour through an unfocused mind.
14
As a house is sheltered from storms by a well-made roof, we are sheltered from suffering by a well-fortified mind.
15
Those who misbehave will suffer in this world. We suffer when we see the pain we have inflicted on others.
16
Skillful behavior makes all the world an enduring pleasure. When we behave well toward others our lives will be filled with joy.
17
When we misbehave, we create our own suffering. We suffer when we think of the harm done to others and we suffer while we are misbehaving.
18
Behaving well is its own reward and will bring happiness and contentment. The good person can be pleased when they think of the good they do and are happy while they are doing good.
19
Even if you have read vast amounts of the Dharma, if you don’t follow the teachings you are like a person who learns all about cattle but only counts the cows of other people.
20
Even people who know almost nothing about the Dharma but live a good life, let go of clinging to greed, hatred and delusion and work to give up all obsessions and addictions, will find happiness.
Chapter 2
Mindfulness
21
Mindfulness is the path to Enlightenment, distraction leads to darkness. Those who pay attention to life are fully alive, those who constantly distract themselves away from life are as if already dead.
22
Those who understand the importance of mindfulness are happy to pay attention.