[Discussion-AZC] Dhammapada Reading

[Barbara Kohn]

Dear Sangha, Sometimes I just would like us to take a reading like  
the one below and practice with
it.  I have found this section of the Dhammapada moving because it  
points so directly to one of the
ways that I suffer.

Dhammapada, translation: Gil Fronsdal

Chapter 1: Dichotomies

All experience is preceded by mind,
          Led by mind,
          Made by mind.
Speak or act with a corrupted mind,
          And suffering follows
As the wagon wheel follows the hoff of the ox.

All experience is preceded by mind,
          Led by mind,
          Made by mind.
Speak or act with a peaceful mind,
          And happiness follows
Like a never-departing shadow.

“He abused me, attacked me,
          Defeated me, robbed me!”
For those carrying on like this,
          Hatred does not end.

“She abused me, attacked me,
          Defeated me, robbed me!”
For those not carrying on like this,
          Hatred ends.

Hatred never ends through hatred.
          By non-hate alone does it end.
          This is an ancient truth.

Many do not realize that
          We here must die.
          For those who realize this,
          Quarrels end.