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Religious Literature Section ---- > Buddhism
Wisdom of the Buddha (Dhammapada)
What I noticed the most is that a majority of the verses are expressed in terms of comparison, parallel's, and contrasts of desired versus undesired traits.
Chapter 1 - The twin-verses
This chapter provides some of the basic Buddhist beliefs in paired verses and contrast comparisons.
Such as, What one has thought up to this point is what they are. Our character comes from our thoughts. If one speaks and acts evil, the consequence of these actions will inflect pain on one way or another. Hatred (even thinking about hatred) only bring more hatred. The cure for hatred is love. Most never think about how ones life and this world will eventually come to an end. The one however that realizes this, lives his life differently (even quarrels are not worth having.) Seeking pleasure only leaves you wide open for the tempter to corrupt you.
A life filled with sin, temper and folly is not worthy of ant distinctive garments, only controlling these will make one worthy. Trying to find truth where it doesn't exist is futile. Just as rain can seep through a bad roof, passion will get into a unreflecting mind. Evil actions will affect this life and future lives. One who life is thoughtless will not be able to execute good things.
Chapter 7 - The Venerable
This chapter deals with the characteristics of one who is enlightened.
There will be no suffering for one who finishes his journey of enlightenment. One with this character has well collected thoughts, they never linger at home. Many times their path will be difficult to understand. one who has been able to control the senses (like a horse who has been well broken in.) freed himself from pride and indulgence, will not be subject to reincarnation. Quiet are his thoughts, word and deeds. He has cut all ties, removed all temptations, renounced all desire, his is the greatest of men.
Chapter 11 - Old Age
This chapter deals with seeking something beyond in life before old age/death sets in.
How can one be happy and joyful when the world is always getting away from us. Shouldn't we seek a answer to the darkness that surrounds us? Our bodies are wasted just heaps of corruption in which life will ultimately end. What pleasure is really left in life! Once set in our ways, we grow old and die. We face destruction. If you don't learn you just grow old and eventually die and go back to the rebirth and death process again. But now there is a way that one can approach the eternal extinguishing all desires. It appears men who have not observed proper discipline and the right type of knowledge (wealth) will perish.
Chapter 14 - The Buddha-the awakened
This chapter deals more with the specific characteristics of Buddha, the Enlightened one.
He has won the ultimate battle, what more can he pursue. He has no desire for snares or poisons that can lead one astray. Even authorities envy him and his meditation, wisdom and delight in finding his enlightenment. Patience is his highest penance, long-suffering the highest Nirvana. He is moderate in actions and dwells upon the highest thoughts. He has no satisfying lusts for he knows what they would bring. One who takes refuge with Buddha, with clear understanding of the four truths (pain, origin of pain, destruction of pain and the eightfold way to quieting that pain) finds the best way.
Chapter 15 - Happiness
This chapter explores what is happiness and how should one find it. It also emphases the concept of “Don’t be fooled, bad company corrupts good character.”
Live happily - not hating (especially those who hate us), from ailments, from greed, though we call nothing our own, we shall feed on happiness itself. The elements of the body (senses) are the greatest evil. Health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the best riches and trust is the best of relationships. One who has tasted the results of solitude and tranquility, is free from fear and free from sin. He who walks in the company of fools suffers a long way, company with fools is always painful; company with wise is pleasure. Therefore one ought to follow wise, intelligent, learned and much endured.