BUDDHIST WISDOM

[Pravin Kumar]

Speak harshly to no one, or the words will be thrown right back at you. Contentious talk is painful, for you get struck by rods in return.

- Dhammapada, 10, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

In the gloom and darkness of the night, when there is a sudden flash of light, a person will recognize objects; in the same way, the one with a flash of insight sees according to reality--"This is how sorrow works; this is how it arises; this is how it can come to an end; this is the path leading to that end."

- Anguttara Nikaya

There is an extremely easy way to become Buddha. Refraining from all evil, not clinging to birth and death, working in deep compassion for all sentient beings, respecting those over you and pitying those below you, without any detesting or desiring, worrying or lamentationthis is what is called Buddha. Do not search beyond it.

- Birth and Death, by Zen Master Dogen

And better than a hundred years lived without seeing arising and passing away, is one day lived seeing arising and passing away.

- Dhammapada, 113, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu