5 Minute Dharma

The Buddha said: “Moral character is preceded by intention, ruled by intention, produced by intention. If with a pure intention one speaks or acts, then happiness will follow them like a never departing shadow” (Dhp 2 Forrest).

“Moral character is preceded by intention, ruled by intention, produced by intention. If with a corrupt intention one speaks or acts, then unhappiness will follow them like the (Wagon) Wheel follows the foot of the (animal) that pulls it” (Dhp 1 Forrest).

This is an introduction to the Dhammapada, an important Buddhist scripture found in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali canon (Tipitaka). The Dhammapada is a collection of 423 verses divided into 26 chapters. It is the most popular book in the canon and has been translated more than any other book of the early Buddhist scriptures. It is the book I recommend for those looking to learn more about Buddhism.

The Buddha said, "May all beings be happy and secure, may their hearts be wholesome.... Just as a mother would protect her only child at the risk of her own life, even so, let him cultivate a boundless heart towards all beings. Let his thoughts of boundless love prevade the whole world" (Snp 8 Saddhatissa).

The Buddha said, “The venerables agree on the meaning but disagree on the phrasing. But the venerables should know that this is how such agreement on the meaning and disagreement on the phrasing comes to be. But the phrasing is a minor matter. Please don’t get into a fight about something so minor” (MN 103).