Little though he recites the sacred texts

Much though he recites the sacred texts, but acts not accordingly, that heedless man is like a cowherd who only counts the cows of others — he does not partake of the blessings of the holy life.

Little though he recites the sacred texts, but puts the Teaching into practice, forsaking lust, hatred, and delusion, with true wisdom and emancipated mind, clinging to nothing of this or any other world — he indeed partakes of the blessings of a holy life. — Dhammapada

Translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita


If he recites many teachings, but
— heedless man —
doesn’t do what they say,
like a cowherd counting the cattle of
others,
he has no share in the contemplative life.

If he recites next to nothing
but follows the Dhamma
in line with the Dhamma;
abandoning passion,
aversion, delusion;
alert,
his mind well-released,
not clinging
either here or hereafter:
he has his share in the contemplative life.

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Comments

  1. Jayesh Thakkar

    January 20, 2021

    Administration is the process where responsibilities and hard handed actions overrule the nature of a human being.
    Wishing you a wonderful day ahead Jen.

  2. swarna kumar

    January 21, 2021

    good morning dearest jendhamuni…sweet kisses for you…

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