WISE ACTION: full moon – Sunday 11th April 2025
As a beautiful flower without fragrance
is disappointing,
so are wise words without right action.
DHAMMAPADA v. 51
A great deal of inspiration can be gleaned from reading and listening to wise teachings. We might even know enough about the Buddhist path of practice to be able to talk about it and inspire others.The implication of Dhammapada verse 51 is that such inspiration is enhanced when our actions are congruent with this wisdom. Life is already disappointing enough without our adding to it, so let’s determine to act in ways befitting the wise teachings we have received.
FOR GOODNESS SAKE: full moon – Saturday 12th April 2025
Having performed a wholesome deed
it is good to repeat it, again and again.
Be interested in the pleasure of wholesomeness.
The fruit of accumulated goodness is contentment.
DHAMMAPADA v. 118
What is our first response when we are feeling challenged? Perhaps something along the lines of, ‘How do I handle this?’ or ‘What should I do to fix this?’ We then set about trying to make ‘right’ a situation that we view as ‘wrong’. Understandable as this response is, it doesn’t always work. Some situations we can’t make ‘right’. When this happens, if we are not careful, we can find ourselves feeling helpless and frustrated. From the perspective of Buddhist practice there is always something we can do that makes a positive difference. As simplistic as it might first appear, it is always possible to generate goodness. Don’t underestimate the potential benefit of even a small moment of positivity. And remember, this goodness is not supposed to get rid of the frustration or the anger. We are not talking here about denying the pain and indulging a naive addiction to positivity. Accumulated goodness is a source of strength that can help us take responsibility for the way we feel. Indeed, facing intense challenges with a well-stocked storehouse of goodness is much less risky.
ACCUMULATING BLESSING: full moon - 22nd May, 2024
“Blessed is the arising of a Buddha;
blessed is the revealing of the Dhamma;
blessed is the concord of the Sangha;
delightful is harmonious communion.”
DHAMMAPADA v. 194
There is a strong emphasis in our Buddhist teachings on suffering. It’s important we balance this with an appreciation of the encouragement to build up a storehouse of wholesomeness. According to the Commentaries, this Dhammapada verse was spoken by the Buddha on an occasion when he walked in on a group of monks discussing what happiness is. He highlighted what he saw as reliable happiness. On many occasions he taught about the skilful cultivation of happiness. When we are called upon to deal with life’s difficulties, it matters that we have reserves to draw upon. It is wise to not wait until we are feeling overly challenged.