BUDDHIST WISDOM

[Pravin Kumar]

Awake and rejoice in watchfulness. Understand the wisdom of the enlightened. By watching keenly and working hard, the wise one may build himself an island which no flood can sweep away. The thoughtless man does not care, but the attentive man looks on wakefulness as his greatest treasure. Meditate, and in your wisdom realize nirvana, the highest happiness.

- Dhammapada


Life has no whence; it is carrying forth, and carrying forth again. Death has no whither; it is carrying away; and carrying away again. Ultimately how is it? If the mind does not differ, myriad things are one suchness.

- Dgen, "Rational Zen"


They're easy to do-- things of no good & no use to yourself. What's truly useful & good is truly harder than hard to do.

- Dhammapada 7, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu


If this doctrine is not understood thoroughly, The conception of an I prevails, Hence come virtuous and non-virtuous actions Which give rise to good and bad rebirths. Therefore, as long as the doctrine removing The conception of I is not known, Take heed of the practices Of giving, ethics, and patience.

- Nagajuna, Precious Garland