PREFACE


Buddha lived around 600 B.C.E. in India. He was raised as a prince. After
the birth of his first son, he left his family and began a quest to seek out the
source of suffering in the world.

He tried all methods of meditation and is said to have fasted to the point of
eating only one grain of rice or bean per day. This left him near exhaustion
and no closer to the riddle of suffering. He sat down under a Bo tree and
ate something and rested.

He then began to see visions and became as he said, "awakened".

He then went and found the 6 ascetics with whom he had been traveling and
taught them what he had learned. Then for the next forty years taught his
message: The eight-fold path.

Toward the end of his life when his religion began to be established there
was an attempt on his life. He survived and continued to teach. The
bureaucratic power which always manifest around great religious figures
had already begun to take over the message.

When he was 82 he became ill while traveling from village to village. He
sat down under a tree and sent out word that he was dying. Many came to
see him. When he saw everyone, he went into mediation and left his body.

Within a month after his death, his followers gathered together and wrote
down his most famous sayings and teachings. These have come down to us
as the Dhammapada which contains 423 verses.

What I have done is not to interpret the original pictographs which have
been most surely manipulated over the millennium, but have taken several
translations and then put a peace and harmony WorldPeace orientation on
them. What has manifested is more of an interpretation than a literal
translation. This is what the saying of Buddha, as handed down over the
millennia say to me.

I have no intention to argue over the literal translation of what the Buddha
said. The thrust of his message is contained within my words.

Neither am I trying to convert anyone to my way of thinking. I am only
presenting what I have personally found after years of studying the sayings
of the Buddha.

My objective is to increase the peace on earth. My goal is to find like
minded souls to further explore these thoughts and to help manifest
WorldPeace.

THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

The Four Noble Truths

1. Every human being to some extent lives in confusion (sorrow) in the
manifestations of the Infinite and this reality.

2. The main cause of confusion is self centered desire because we think
that we are not at one with all of humanity.

3. We can put an end to our confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite
and this reality and begin to live in peace and harmony by overcoming our
self centered desire.

4. Confusion can be put to an end by following the peaceful and
harmonious eight fold path which consists of:


1. Peaceful and harmonious Knowledge. Know in our minds that all
things change.

2. Peaceful and harmonious Aspiration. Determination to live in the
peace and harmony of the oneness of the Infinite and humanity by refusing to
make distinctions that are the source of confusion in the manifestations of
this reality.

3. Peaceful and harmonious Speech. Always speak the truth and be
charitable in speaking to others.

4. Peaceful and harmonious behavior
a. Do not kill.
b. Do not steal.
c. Do not lie.
d. Practice sexual restraint
e. Avoid alcohol and drugs

5. Peaceful and harmonious livelihood. Pursue occupations that
promote peace and harmony and uplift humanity as opposed to those that
increase confusion within humanity.

6. Peaceful and harmonious Effort. Remain centered in the Oneness of
the Infinite.

7. Peaceful and harmonious Attention. Remaining moment to moment
attentive to the oneness of the Infinite.

8. Peaceful and harmonious Meditation to train the mind.

THE TWIN VERSES

CHAPTER 1

THE TWIN VERSES


1.

All the aspects of our individual and collective realities
are the result of our thoughts.
Our thoughts are the implementers
of our individual and collective paths of life.
All things are a manifestation of our thoughts.

If one's thoughts are confused,
then one becomes lost in the manifestations of those thoughts
the same way that a cart follows a horse.

2.

All the aspects of our individual and collective realities
are the result of our thoughts.
Our thoughts are the implementers
of our individual and collective paths of life.
All things are a manifestation of our thoughts.

If one's thoughts are in harmony with the oneness of Infinity,
then peace and harmony permeates one's existence
the same way that one's shadow never abandons one's body.

3.

"I was demeaned. I was assaulted. I was defeated. I was robbed."

As long as one dwell's upon these distinctions in one's life,
he will remain confused in the manifestations of the Infinite
and will not live in peace and harmony.

4.

"I was demeaned. I was assaulted. I was defeated. I was robbed."

One who does not dwell on these distinctions,
is centered in the oneness of Infinity (God)
and lives in peace and harmony.

5.

When confusion manifests hatred,
it cannot be overcome by more hatred.
Only by refusing to distinguish hatred
and by refusing to dwell upon it
and by remembering the oneness
of all the manifestations of the Infinite
can hatred be neutralized.
This is the universal law of peace and harmony.

6.

The majority of people avoid contemplating their mortality.
They are confused in this reality
and have forgotten the oneness of the Infinite.
Those who stay focused on the oneness of Infinity
are not confused in conflict with others
and live in peace and harmony.

7.

Those who mindlessly lust after possessions,
who are caught up in the physical pleasures of eating
and sexual stimulation,
who avoid the routine of working
at some productive endeavor,
are confused in the physical manifestations of this reality
and find living in peace and harmony
difficult to achieve and maintain.
They are like a tree with shallow roots
which succumbs to the monsoon rains.

8.

Those whose possessions are limited for the most part by utility,
like pots and pans for cooking and vehicles for transportation,
as opposed to ownership for the purpose of achieving social status;
whose food is simple and basic
and whose sexual pleasures are an integral part of loving someone
as opposed the to mindless gratification of the genitals,
tend not to be confused in the manifestations of this reality
and have a better chance of achieving
and maintaining peace and harmony in their lives.
These people can be likened to a mountain
which is unaffected by even the most violent of winds.

9.

One who is intemperate in succumbing to the physical pleasures,
who is untruthful, and who has little self restraint,
will find it difficult to live in peace and harmony.

10.

One who keeps the physical pleasures in perspective,
who is truthful in her encounters with others,
who maintains self-restraint in her daily life,
will live in peace and harmony.

11.

Those who believes that the manifestations of Infinity
are the true reality
and who thinks the oneness of Infinity is the unreal
are confused
and find it difficult to live in peace and harmony.

12.

Those who recognize the manifestations of Infinity as the unreal,
and recognize the oneness of Infinity as the true reality,
are not confused
and live in peace and harmony.

13.

As rain penetrates an improperly shingled roof,
so passion overwhelms a confused mind.

14.

As rain does not penetrate a properly shingled roof,
so passion does not overwhelm a mind
centered in the oneness of Infinity.

15.

Those who are confused in the manifestations of Infinity
are confused in this reality and the reality of the spirit as well.
Peace and harmony elude the confused.

16.

Those who are not confused in the manifestations of Infinity
are not confused in this reality or the reality of the spirit.
They live in the peace and harmony of the oneness of Infinity.

17.

Those who are confused in the manifestations of Infinity
have no peace in this reality or the reality of the spirit.
They seek peace and harmony in the manifestations of Infinity
and they therefore never achieve peace and harmony in their lives.

18.

Those who live in peace and harmony are not confused
in the manifestations of Infinity,
in this reality or the reality of the spirit.
They maintain peace and harmony in this reality
and the reality of the spirit
because they remain moment to moment
centered in the oneness of Infinity.

19.

One who can recite many sacred verses
but cannot live by them
is like an accountant who tallies the wealth of others.
He does not live in peace and harmony.

20.

One who can recite only a few sacred verses
but lives in the peace and harmony of those verses,
who has not succumbed to confusion in desire, passion or hatred
in the manifestations of Infinity,
lives in peace and harmony.

VIGILANCE

CHAPTER 2

VIGILANCE


21.

Vigilance in remaining centered in the oneness of Infinity
is the path of peace and harmony and the fullness of life.
The lack of vigilance in remaining centered
in the oneness of Infinity
is the path of confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite.
The vigilant do not become confused.
Those who lack vigilance are deprived
of the fullness of life as a result of their confusion;
even though on the surface they may appear
to live in peace and harmony.

22.

Having knowledge of the peace and harmony
and the fullness of life which vigilance manifests,
the wise embrace vigilance
and delight in the path of peace and harmony
and the fullness of life which vigilance manifests.

23.

The wise ones who moment to moment
meditate upon the oneness of Infinity,
who are unwavering in their vigilance
in remaining centered in the oneness of Infinity,
live in peace and harmony.

24.

One who is on the path to the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana
is one who never stops striving for peace and harmony,
who moment to moment meditates
on her oneness with the earth, with the universe, with God
and with all of humanity;
is truthful in character,
treats others as she desires to be treated,
acts with forethought and restraint,
is vigilant
and lives in harmony with her inner being
and her path of life.

25.

Through perseverance, vigilance and self-restraint,
a wise person creates a safe harbor for herself
that no storm can overwhelm.

26.

Those who are confused in the manifestations of the Infinite
place no value on vigilance;
but the wise ones regard their vigilance
as their greatest treasure.

27.

Maintain your vigilance
and avoid overindulging in sensuous pleasures.
Those who maintain their vigilance and meditate
on the oneness of the Infinite
live in peace and harmony.

28.

When the wise person avoids confusion in sorrow
through his unwavering vigilance,
he ascends to the mountain peaks of peace and harmony.
He observes those below him, who remain confused in sorrow,
like a mountaineer observes people in the valley.

29.

Vigilant among those who are negligent,
awake among those who are asleep,
the wise advance on the path of peace and harmony
like the thoroughbred that outdistances the plowhorse.

30.

It was through vigilance
that Indra became the sovereign of all the gods.
Vigilance is moment to moment maintained
and negligence is always avoided by the wise.

31.

The sincere seeker of peace and harmony
who maintains vigilance and avoids negligence
advances on the path of peace and harmony like fire;
burning all her fetters both great and small.

32.

The sincere seeker of peace and harmony
who maintains vigilance and avoids negligence
is unlikely to be set back
on the path of peace and harmony.

MIND

CHAPTER 3

THE MIND


33.

The wise person straightens his mind,
which is restless and wavering,
difficult to guard and restrain,
as the fletcher straightens the arrow.

34.

As a fish out of water thrashes around on dry land,
so the mind resists the control of meditation
which separates it from confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite.

35.

The mind is wavering and capricious.
Its nature is to dart after everything no matter how trivial.
It is beneficial to discipline the mind.
Control of the mind manifests
peace and harmony within the self.

36.

The mind is intangible and very subtle.
Its nature is restless
and it tends to randomly pursue anything
that comes to its attention.
The wise person is vigilant in guarding her mind
because a well guarded mind
manifests peace and harmony within the self.

37.

The incorporeal mind which is solitary
and yet one with the body and spirit
is unlimited in its potential wanderings.
Those who control the mind avoid becoming confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite.

38.

One who possesses a wavering mind,
whose path of life has become
confused in the manifestations of the Infinite,
whose tranquility has been lost,
does not live in peace and harmony.

39.

One who is vigilant
in remaining centered in the oneness of the Infinite,
who is not confused in lust or passion,
who is not confused in hatred,
who understands the oneness of good and evil;
lives outside the realm of fear.

40.

Remembering that the body is as fragile as an earthen jar,
strengthen the mind into a fortress
in order to avoid confusion in evil (great confusion).
After emerging from confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite,
be ever vigilant in remaining centered in the oneness of Infinity.

41.

Very soon the body will lay upon the ground
-lifeless, devoid of mind, of consciousness-
cast aside and ignored like a useless log.

42.

A mind that is confused in the manifestations of the Infinite
does much greater harm to the self
than enemies one to another
or those who hate one to the other.

43.

Neither father nor mother nor indeed any relative
can confer upon someone the peace and harmony
that is the manifestation of a well disciplined mind.

FLOWERS

CHAPTER 4

FLOWERS


44, 45.

Who will achieve peace and harmony on earth
and in the Infinite dimensions?
Who will find her path of life
as the florist selects the perfect flower?

Those who remain centered in the oneness of the Infinite live
in peace and harmony on the earth
as well as in the infinite dimensions.
They find their individual paths of life
as the florist selects the perfect flower.

46.

Remembering that the physical body
is as fleeting as the foam of a wave;
remembering this reality is a mirage;
and having splintered the flower-tipped arrows
of confusion in the sensuous manifestations of the Infinite;
the wise person remains centered in the oneness of the Infinite
and lives in peace and harmony.

47.

One who, confused in the pursuit
of the flowers of sensuous pleasures
overindulges in such pleasures,
is carried off in confusion
the same way a sleeping village is carried off
by a tidal wave.

48.

One who is confused in the pursuit
of the flowers of sensuous pleasures,
whose mind has become distracted,
will succumb to death before his desires can be satiated.

49.

As the honey bee on her path of life
collects the nectar of the flowers
without becoming confused in their beauty or their fragrances,
so let the wise one proceed on her path of life
through a village, a town or a city.

50.

The wise one does not judge others;
not their words or deeds or what they have or have not done.
The wise one only contemplates her own words and deeds.

51.

Like a flower possessing perfect beauty and exquisite perfume
and yet devoid of nourishing nectar
are those who utter the truthful words of peace and harmony
yet render them fruitless by not acting on them.

52.

Like a flower possessing perfect beauty, exquisite perfume
and nourishing nectar
are those who utter the truthful words of peace and harmony
as well as act upon those words.

53.

From a tremendous heap of flowers
many garlands and wreathes can be created.
In the same way,
a wise person performs
many peaceful and harmonious deeds
in order to create a life that is a light to all beings.

54.

The subtle fragrances of flowers do not travel against the wind;
be it of sandalwood, tagara, or of jasmine.
But the essence of one who flows in peace and harmony
travels against the wind
and permeates all of humanity with serenity.

55.

Among the exquisite fragrance of sandalwood, tagara,
lotus and jasmine,
the essence of peace and harmony is supreme.

56.

The exquisite fragrance of sandalwood and tagara
is in truth trivial
when compared to the essence of peace and harmony
which permeates all beings in all dimensions.

57.

Those who flow in peace and harmony,
who are vigilant,
and who remain centered in the oneness of the Infinite,
never become confused in the manifestations
of the sensuous pleasures.

58,59.

As the lotus grows and blooms in perfect beauty,
exuding its exquisite fragrance from the center of the garbage dump,
so does the light of those
who remain centered in the oneness of Infinity
and who live in peace and harmony
shine among the multitudes
who are lost in confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite.

THE CONFUSED

CHAPTER 5

THE CONFUSED


60.

The night is long for those who cannot sleep.
A mile is a long way to a weary traveler.
Rebirth seems like an endless circle
to those who do not know
the peace and harmony path of life that ends confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite.

61.

If one seeks to maintain the clarity of a spiritual life,
it is best to associate with those who possess
a greater or equal sense of peace and harmony than one's self.
If one can not find such a person,
then it is better to travel alone.
There is no real companionship with those who are confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite
other than that of being a teacher to them.

62.

"These are my children and this is my wealth."

These are the words of one who is confused.
They do not truly possess their bodies
so how can they in truth possess children or wealth?

63.

Those who are confused and recognize their confusion
are in truth wise.
But those who are confused
and do not recognize their confusion
are lost in the confusion of confusion.

64.

Just because a person associates with those who are wise
and those who live in the peace and harmony
of the oneness of the Infinite,
he may no more understand the peace and harmony path of life
than the spoon experiences the taste of the soup.

65.

As the tongue savors the taste of the soup,
so a wise person who interacts with one
who lives in the peace and harmony
of the oneness of the Infinite
advances on the peace and harmony path of life.

66.

The confused are their own worst enemies.
They generally do and say things which increase their confusion.

67.

For the most part, deeds done in confusion cause regret
when the doer reaps the fruits of his deeds
with tears of confusion.

68.

Deeds done in harmony with one's path of life
are those which bring clarity and peace and harmony to the doer.

69.

Evil deeds, those done in the great confusion,
seem sweet as honey to the doer
until those deeds bear fruit.
Then he suffers in accordance
with the magnitude of his confused acts.

70.

Practicing austerity, those who are confused
may fast to the point of eating from the tip of a blade of kusa grass
and still not achieve one-sixteenth of the clarity
of those who are on their path of life.

71.

An evil deed, like fresh milk from a cow,
does not sour immediately.
It becomes a part of the confused doer
and smolders like coals under ashes
until one day it flares up and envelopes the doer in sorrow.

72.

When those who are truly confused
happen to hear the truth,
it is very often misunderstood or misinterpreted
and increases their confusion.

73.

Those who are confused in desire,
wish for reputation, high rank in society,
power in their affairs and praise from all people.

74.

"Let others believe that it was I alone who completed the task
and let them seek advice from me in all things great and small."

Such is the ambition of one who is confused
in the desire for power and prestige.

75.

The path of desire is not the peace and harmony path of life.
Let the followers of the Buddha contemplate this
and stay centered in the oneness of the Infinite
and live in peace and harmony.

THE WISE

CHAPTER 6

THE WISE


76.

One should associate with wise friends
who point out his faults and admonish him
as if revealing the location of hidden treasure.
Those who are fortunate enough to have such friends
will find it easier to stay on their path of life
and live in peace and harmony.

77.

The wise who admonish, instruct and dissuade others
from acts which tend to cause confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite
are esteemed by those who try to live in peace and harmony
and despised by those who are confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite.

78.

Try to avoid friendship with those who are confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite
as well as those who, for the most part,
pursue no more than the baser human instincts.
Seek friendship with the wise
and those who live in peace and harmony.

79.

Those who drink the water of the path of life
live in peace and harmony.
The wise forever delight in the path of life
as revealed by the great teachers.

80.

Irrigators channel water, fletchers straighten arrows,
carpenters manipulate wood
and the wise discipline their minds.

81.

As a solid rock is indifferent to the wind and rain,
so the wise are indifferent to criticism and praise.

82.
The wise who drink from the waters of the path of life
become serene like a deep, calm, clear lake.

83.

The wise have abandoned desire as well as babbling about desires.
They are centered in the oneness of the Infinite
and do not distinguish happiness and sorrow.

84.

One who is centered in the oneness of the Infinite
has no desire for descendants, wealth or power
for herself or for others.
Certainly one who has no desire for anything
to be attained by wrongful means
is on the path of peace and harmony.

85.

Only a few are able to cross over to the other shore
of the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.
The vast majority simply run up and down this shore confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite.

86.

Those who have truly learned the peace and harmony path of life
as taught by the Buddha
and follow that path
will cross over to the other shore.

87.

Abandon the ways of confusion and darkness
and live in the light of peace and harmony.

88.

Become indifferent to home and homelessness
and enjoy the peace and harmony of solitude
which is so difficult to maintain.
Become devoid of confusion in possessions,
devoid of confusion in desires
and devoid of all confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite
by remaining centered in the Infinite oneness.

89.

Those who see the oneness of the Infinite
and the path of life in all things,
who no longer distinguish the manifestations of the Infinite,
who no longer are confused
in attachments to the manifestations of the Infinite,
and who radiate the light of peace and harmony,
have achieved the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana
while living in this reality.

THE SAGE (PART 1)

CHAPTER 7

THE SAGE (Part 1)


90.

The sage is not confused in attachments,
she is not confused in sorrow,
she is not confused in incarnation,
she is not confused in any of the manifestations of the Infinite.

91.

The sage constantly strives to remain centered
in the oneness of the Infinite
and avoids confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite.
The sage is not confused in the notion of home.
Like a swan who abandons a lake,
she moves from dwellings of a night or of decades
with indifference.

92.

The sage who has no possessions,
who is in harmony with all she eats
and who flows through life centered in the oneness of the Infinite,
leaves no evidence of
her life's journey
as the flight of a bird leaves no evidence of its flight through the sky.

93.

The sage who has extinguished all desires,
is indifferent to food and who flows through life centered
in the oneness of the Infinite,
leaves no evidence of her life's journey
as the flight of a bird leaves no evidence of its flight through the sky.

94.

The sage whose senses are subdued
like the well trained horses of a charioteer,
who is not confused in pride
and who is not confused in corruption
is held dear by the angels.

95.

The sage who is as indifferent as the earth,
who is as steadfast as a marble column,
whose character is as untainted as a mudless lake,
is centered in the oneness of the Infinite
and is not confused in her incarnation.

96.

The sage who is centered in the oneness of the Infinite
lives in the peace and harmony of unconfused words,
unconfused deeds and an unconfused mind.

97.

The sage who is not confused in the manifestations of the Infinite
who is centered in the oneness of the Infinite,
who is at one with all of humanity
who is not confused in personal ties,
who is not confused in temptations,
who is not confused in desire,
indeed lives in peace and in harmony
with all of humanity.

98.

Wherever the sage dwells,
be it in village, forest, mountain or valley,
there the peace and harmony are always increased.

99.

The sage does not distinguish the manifestations of the Infinite
and therefore is not confused in the sensuous pleasures.
She experiences peace and harmony in the forest
where the majority of people prefer not to dwell.

THE THOUSANDS

CHAPTER 8

THE THOUSANDS


100.

A single word that manifests peace
is better than a speech of a thousand useless words.

101.

A single verse that manifests peace
is better than a poem of a thousand empty verses.

102.

Reciting a single poem regarding the path of life
that manifests peace and harmony
is better than reciting a thousand superficial poems.

103.

The greater victor is the one who conquers the self
as opposed to the one
who conquers a thousand thousand on the battlefield.

104.

Conquering one's self is better than conquering others.

105.

Not even the gods can turn
the victory of conquering one's self into defeat.

106.

It is better for only a moment to acknowledge one
who has conquered her self
than to make a thousand religious offerings
each month for a hundred years.

107.

It is better for only a moment
to acknowledge one who has conquered her self
than to tend a thousand religious fires in the forest
for a hundred years.

108.

Regardless of the quality or quantity of religious offerings
one makes during the course of a year,
it is not equal to one-fourth of the reverence
given by acknowledging one who has conquered her self.

109.

Those who acknowledge the wise,
who are centered in the oneness of the Infinity,
will increase the peace and harmony of life,
beauty, happiness and strength within themselves.

110.

It is better to live one day in the peace and harmony
of virtue and contemplation than a hundred years
in the confusion of vice and uncontrolled thought.

111.

It is better to live one day in the peace and harmony
of wisdom and contemplation than a hundred years
in the confusion of folly and uncontrolled thought.

112.

It is better to live one day in the peace and harmony
of being vigorous and resolute
than a hundred years
in the confusion of idleness and weakness.

113.

It is better to spend one day contemplating
the birth and death of all things
than a hundred years never contemplating beginnings and endings.

114.

One day perceiving the immortal, infinite nature of the soul
is better than living a hundred years
never perceiving the immortal, infinite nature of the soul.

115.

It is better to live one day in the peace and harmony
of the oneness of the Infinite
than a hundred years in the confusion
of the manifestations of the Infinite.

CONFUSION (PART 1)

CHAPTER 9

CONFUSION (Part 1)


116.

Be quick to remain centered in the oneness of the Infinite
and avoid becoming confused in the manifestations of the Infinite.
If one is slow to embrace oneness,
then the mind drifts toward confusion.

117.

If one becomes confused in wrong doing,
let him not embrace it a second time
lest it become a habit.
Let one not take pleasure in wrong doing.
The accumulation of wrong doing is a mounting barrier
to peace and harmony.

118.

If one performs an act in peace and harmony,
let her repeat it often until it becomes natural.
Let her take pleasure in such acts
because the path of the peace and harmony
consists of an accumulation of these acts.

119.

Those who are confused in wrong doing
sometimes derive fleeting pleasures from their acts.
But when the wrong doing eventually manifests its fruit,
the wrong doer reaps that which he has created
and awakens to his past confusion.

120.

Those who act in peace and harmony
sometimes continue to endure in confusion,
but when the fruit of peaceful and harmonious acts
begin to bear fruit,
they remember their way back to the peace and harmony path of life.

121.

Do not trivialize small acts of confusion thinking,
"I will not have to reap what I have sown."
A pitcher is filled one drop of water at a time
and a confused person proceeds toward great confusion (evil)
one act at a time.

122.

Do not trivialize small acts of peace and harmony thinking,
"I will never reap what I have sown".
A pitcher is filled one drop of water at a time
and a person centered in oneness
who proceeds in peace and harmony
will soon manifest peace and harmony in his life.

123.

Just as a merchant traveling with great wealth
and a small escort avoids dangerous roads
and those who cherish life avoid perilous acts,
so one who cherishes peace and harmony
remains centered in the oneness of Infinity
and avoids confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite.

124.

If one does not have a fresh cut on one's hand,
then he can carry poisons with no ill effect.
Poisons do not affect those who have no cuts.
Likewise, those who are centered in the oneness of Infinity
avoid confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite.

125.

Whoever, in confusion, causes harm to another person
will reap the fruits of his harmful act
the same way dust thrown into the wind
rebounds on the one who threw it.

126.

Some souls choose rebirth in this reality.
Those who are confused, exist in confusion.
Those who stay centered in the oneness of Infinity
live in peace and harmony.
Those who are indifferent to all things
exist in the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

127.

Not in the sky, not in the ocean, not in a mountain cave
can a person hide from the fruits of the harm he does to others.

128.

Not in the sky, not in the ocean, not in a mountain cave
can a person hide from the inevitability of physical death
in this reality.

PUNISHMENT

CHAPTER 10

PUNISHMENT


129.

Everyone trembles in anticipation of punishment
and everyone trembles in anticipation of death.
Remembering your oneness with all of humanity
do not kill or cause the killing of another human being.

130.

Everyone trembles in anticipation of punishment
and life is dear to everyone.
Remembering your oneness with all of humanity
do not kill or cause the killing of another human being.

131.

One who values happiness for himself
but creates anxiety for others
is confused.

132.

One who values happiness for himself
and also values happiness for others
is centered in the oneness of humanity
and lives in peace and harmony.

133.

Do not speak harshly to others
because harsh words are generally countered with harsh words.
Angry words tend to manifest conflict
and conflict is the harbinger of confusion
in physical violence.

134.

If, like a broken gong, you can remain silent when falsely accused,
then you are on the path
of peace and harmony
and you are not confused in contention.

135.

As a cowherd drives cows to pasture with his rod,
time drives human beings to the end
of their physical existence.

136.

When one is confused in wrongful deeds,
he is not aware of their inevitable consequences.
The consequences of wrongful deeds is eventual suffering
comparable to being burned by fire.

137,138,139,140.

One who unjustly inflicts punishment on the innocent
will eventually reap one of these possible confusions;

pain, great deprivation, physical injury,
heavy affliction or loss of mind,
prosecution by the government, devastation,
accusations, loss of family, loss of wealth,
loss of home by fire and upon his death
confinement for a time in the great confusion of hell.

141.

Neither nakedness, nor matted hair, nor a filthy body,
nor fasting, nor sleeping on the ground,
nor covering the body with ashes, nor squatting on one's heals
can bring peace and harmony to one who is confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite.

142.

Even though a person is dressed in the finest of clothing,
if he lives in the peace and harmony
of the oneness of Infinity
he is indeed a sage.

143.

Is there anyone in the world
so perfectly centered in the oneness of the Infinite
that he is never subjected to criticism?
Is there a horse so perfectly trained
that he never feels the sting of the whip?

144.

Be like a well trained horse
who when touched by the whip
becomes swift and spirited.
By faith, devotion, vigilance and meditation
remain centered in the oneness of Infinity
and live in peace and harmony.

145.

As an irrigator channels water into the fields,
as a fletcher straightens the arrow,
as a carpenter works wood,
so the sage shapes her life.

OLD AGE

CHAPTER 11

OLD AGE


146.

Why do people laugh and exhibit so much joy
when humanity is so lost in confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite?
Why do people not seek the light
instead of laughing and making merry in darkness?

147.

Consider the human body
adorned with fine clothes and jewelry,
yet it is a structure of bones,
subject to all kinds of diseases and illnesses,
subject to innumerable desires,
and constantly changing and disintegrating.

148.

The body is in a constant state of decay,
a nest of disease, a putrid mass
which in a short time completely disintegrates.
All life in this reality ends in death.

149.

The dove-gray skeletal remains of human beings
are no more than gourds discarded at the end of summer.
Is there truly any pleasure in looking at them?

150.

The body is a castle made of bones
covered with flesh and blood.
Pride and deceit, decay and death dwell within.

151.

The magnificent chariots of great kings wear out
and the body decays in old age.
But the oneness of Infinity can never wear out.
Those who live in peace and harmony
proclaim this to all who will listen.

152.

Those who are confused in the manifestations of the Infinite
grow like an ox;
their flesh increases
but their wisdom does not.

153.

From time immemorial
I passed through cycles of births and deaths in vain
seeking the creator of this tabernacle.
Confusing indeed was this cycle of births and deaths.

154.

O creator of this tabernacle,
I have come to know your essence
and this tabernacle may never be built again.
All the rafters are broken and the ridgepole is sundered.
My mind has merged into the oneness of the Infinite
and I dwell in the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana
no longer confused in the manifestations of desire.

155.

Those who have not spent a lifetime
centered in the oneness of Infinity,
when they become old,
are confused in the manifestations of old age
like old herons on a dried up lake
where there are no fish.

156.

Those who have not spent a lifetime
centered in the oneness of Infinity,
when they become old,
lie on the ground like broken arrows
confused in the lamenting of past deeds.

SELF

CHAPTER 12

SELF


157.

If one values her self,
then she should be vigilant in guarding her self.
She should guard her mind
so that she remains centered in the oneness of Infinity
and does not become confused in the manifestations of the Infinite.

158.

First, firmly center yourself moment to moment
in the oneness of Infinity.
Only then will you be able to help others
out of their confusion.
Such a person is seldom ridiculed
because she lives the lessons she teaches.

159.

If a person can be what he admonishes others to be,
then he is worthy of being called a teacher.
However, very few can
live up to their expectations of others.

160.

The self is one's master.
Who else is in fact one's master?
And if the self is truly centered in the oneness of the Infinite,
it is the perfect master.

161.

The great confusion of evil
which is manifested by someone
is born of the self
and manifested by the self.
This evil will eventually crush the self
like a diamond grinds a hard gem.

162.

As the persistent vine destroys the grandest of trees,
so acts of confusion
gradually take one into the realms of darkness
where one's most bitter enemies wish him to be.

163.

It is very easy to act and to speak in confusion
in the manifestation of the Infinite
and very difficult to remain centered in the oneness Infinity.

164.

Those who are confused
and ridicule the examples of the sage,
who is centered in the oneness of Infinity,
eventually reap the fruit of their confusion
like the katthaka reed whose fruit
is the harbinger of its own death.

165.

Only the self embraces or rejects confusion
and only the self embraces or rejects the oneness of the Infinite.
Only the self is responsible for its condition,
no one else.

166.

No one should abandon the well being of the self
for the sake of another.
Each person is solely responsible for his condition
and no one else can assume another's responsibility.
Just be a light to others.
Each person must remain centered in the peace and harmony
of his or her own physical and spiritual essence
in order to live moment to moment
within the Infinite peace and harmony.

THE WORLD

CHAPTER 13

THE WORLD


167.

Never forget that
you are only temporarily residing in this reality.
Always keep this in mind.
Do not become confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite
but remain centered in the oneness of Infinity.

168.

Wake-up.
Be always alert.
Do not become confused in the manifestations of this world.

169.

Those who remain centered in the oneness of Infinity
experience the path of peace and harmony
in this world and in the world of the spirit.

170.

View this world as no more than a bubble;
see it as the mirage that it is.
Those who remain centered in the oneness of the Infinite
will not easily become confused in the manifestations of this world.

171.

Observe this world.
Is it not like an ornately painted royal chariot?
Fools are confused in the manifestations of it,
but the wise who remain centered in the oneness of Infinity,
do not distinguish it
or have an attachment to it.

172.

Those who were once foolish
and confused in the manifestations of this reality
but now have again become centered in the oneness of Infinity, illuminate the world
like the moon that emerges from behind the clouds.

173.

Those who replace their past deeds
that were done in confusion
with deeds done in the clarity of peace and harmony
illuminate the world
like the moon that emerges from behind the clouds.

174.

This world exists in the darkness of confusion
and few come to see it clearly.
As few birds escape the net,
only a few find their way
back to the clarity of the oneness of Infinity
in any one generation.

175.

By the miracle of flight,
swans follow the sun through the air.
And those who use their psychic powers
move through the ether between realities.
Those who remain centered in the oneness of Infinity
are not confused in the manifestation of death.


176.

A person who is confused in telling lies
and who believes that this world is the only reality
is capable of subjecting other human beings to great pain.

177.

Misers who are confused in hoarding
have great difficulty in finding peace and harmony.
The foolish do not freely give.
A wise person who is not confused
in attachment to her possessions
freely gives and lives in peace and harmony.

178.

Better than sovereignty over the world
or lordship over the universe
or entrance into heaven
is one moment on the path
of the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

THE BUDDHA

CHAPTER 14

THE BUDDHA


179.

What earthly path could possibly entice the Buddha
who is at one with the Infinite paths,
whose conquest of desire cannot be easily undone
and whose example few can duplicate.

180.

What earthly path could possibly entice the Buddha
who is at one with the Infinite paths;
in whom there is no confusion
in the entangling and poisonous desires
which dominate the earthly reality.

181.

The wise ones who moment to moment
meditate on the oneness of the Infinite,
who live in peace and harmony,
even the gods envy them.

182.

It is difficult to be born a human being
and difficult to live the life of a human being.
It is difficult to moment to moment
remain centered in the oneness of the Infinite.
Very rarely do Buddhas manifest in this reality.

183.

Remaining centered in the oneness of Infinity,
living in peace and harmony
and avoiding confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite,
is the wisdom of the Buddha.

184.

Forbearance is at the heart of peace and harmony.
Do not harm others or cause them pain
because it is not the way of the wise.

185.

Non-violence and non-aggression in words and deeds,
together with self-restraint,
moderation in eating and sleeping
and moment to moment meditation on the oneness of the Infinite;
this is the teaching of the Buddha.

186,187.

Unlimited wealth can not satisfy desire.
The wise are well aware that all pleasure is only fleeting
and most often leads to confusion in desire.
Those who seek the Buddha
remain centered in the oneness of the Infinite
and avoid confusion in desire.

188.

Those who are confused in suffering
seek refuge in the mountains and forests,
in shrines and sacred places.


189.

The earth provides no physical refuge
from confusion in suffering.

190,191,192.

Those who take refuge in the path of the Buddhas
and the wisdom of the Four Noble Truths, namely;

1) That confusion in suffering exists.

2) That the source of confusion in suffering is distinguishing
and judging the manifestations of the Infinite.

3) That refusing to distinguish and judging the manifestations
of the Infinite ends suffering.

4) That confusion in suffering can be avoided by following the
eightfold path.

find the only true refuge from confusion in suffering.

Once one finds that refuge,
she is not confused in anything.

193.

The manifestation of a Buddha is very rare.
The birth of a Buddha is not commonplace.
Wherever the Buddha is,
everything that is near to her
experiences a greater sense of peace and harmony.

194.

Wonderful is the birth of a Buddha.
Perfect is the truth of the oneness of Infinity.
Harmony is the essence of a community living in peace.

195.

Those who seek the path of the Buddha
and who moment to moment meditate on the oneness of Infinity
will live in peace and harmony
and advance on the path
of the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

JOY

CHAPTER 15

JOY

197.

Let us live in the peace and harmony of love
among those who are confused in hate.
Among those who hate, let us live without hatred.

198.

Let us live in the peace and harmony of wellness
among those who are confused in sickness.
Among those who are sick, let us live without sickness.

199.

Let us live in the peace and harmony of detachment
among those who are confused in desire.
Among those who have desires, let us live without yearning.

200.

Let us live in the peace and harmony of joy
that the ownership of few possessions brings.
Let us live in the peace and harmony of joy
like angels of light.

201.

Victory is the harbinger of hatred
because the conquered are confused in misery.
Those who are centered in the oneness of Infinity
live in peace and harmony
distinguishing neither victory not defeat.

202.

There in no fire like passion,
no confusion like hatred,
no pain like cancer
and there is no joy
like peace and harmony.

203.

There is no disease like greed
and no confusion greater than desire.
Knowing this is the path of
peace and harmony.

204.

Health is the greatest harmony,
contentment the greatest peace,
trust is the most valuable aspect of relationships,
and Nirvana is the supreme peace and harmony.

205.

Those who have experienced the peace and harmony
of solitude and inner tranquility
become free of confusion in fear
and confusion in taking advantage of others.
They live in the peace and harmony of joy.

206.

It is a joy to associate with others
who live in peace and harmony
and a source of potential confusion
to associate with those who are confused.

207.

Being in the company of those who are confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite
is like being in the company of an enemy.
But the joy of being with those who flow in peace and harmony
is like the joy of being with a loving family.

208.

Therefore, live among those who live in the peace and harmony
as the moon in peace and harmony follows its path
among the stars.

PLEASURE

CHAPTER 16

PLEASURE


209.

Those who are not in harmony with their path of life
and do things they should not do
and do not do things they should do,
as well as overindulge in the pleasures of the senses,
in the end come to envy those,
who through a lifetime of meditation on the oneness of Infinity
live in peace and harmony.

210.

Seeing what is harmonious is confusion.
Seeing what is not harmonious is confusion.
Peace comes in not distinguishing harmony or disharmony
but in seeing the oneness of both.

211.

Do not become attached to anything.
When you become confused in attachment,
at some point in the future you will become confused in loss.
Stay centered in the oneness of Infinity.
Do not become confused in attachments
and live in peace and harmony.

212.

Confusion in pleasure manifests
confusion in sorrow and fear.
Stay centered in the oneness of Infinity.
Do not distinguish pleasure
and you will avoid confusion in sorrow and fear.

213.

Confusion in affection manifests
confusion in sorrow and fear.
Stay centered in the oneness of Infinity.
Do not distinguish affection
and you will avoid confusion in sorrow and fear.

214.

Confusion in attachment
manifests confusion in sorrow and fear.
Stay centered in the oneness of Infinity.
Do not distinguish attachment
and you will avoid confusion in sorrow and fear.

215.

Confusion in desire manifests
confusion in sorrow and fear.
Stay centered in the oneness of Infinity.
Do not distinguish desire
and you will avoid confusion in sorrow and fear.

216.

Confusion in craving manifests
confusion in sorrow and fear.
Stay centered in the oneness of Infinity.
Do not distinguish craving
and you will avoid confusion in sorrow and fear.

217.

The people hold dear
those who possesses virtue and insight,
who remain centered in the oneness of Infinity,
who speak the truth and fulfill their obligations.
The people hold them dear.

218.

One who has an innate affinity
for the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana,
who meditates moment to moment on peace and harmony,
who is not confused in the desire for sensuous pleasures,
such a person is referred to as "one who goes upstream."

219.

One who has returned safe
from his long and far reaching travels
is welcomed home by relatives, friends and well-wishers.


220.

One who passes from this reality to the reality of the spirit
is welcomed by the peace and harmony
that was her life in this world,
the same way that relatives welcome a dear one.

ANGER

CHAPTER 17

ANGER


221.

Abandon confusion in anger, confusion in pride,
confusion in desire.
Those who possess little
and who are centered in the oneness of humanity
do not distinguish themselves from others.
They live in peace and harmony.

222.

One who controls his anger is like a charioteer
who controls the speeding chariot
as opposed to one who simply holds the reins.

223.

Overcome anger with love,
confusion with oneness,
greed with generosity,
and falsehood with truth.

224.

One who speaks the truth, controls his anger,
and gives what he can to those who are in need,
is centered in the oneness of humanity
and lives in peace and harmony.

225.

Those who embrace non-violence
and who control their emotions
live in peace and harmony.

226.

Those who are ever vigilant,
who study and meditate on the oneness of Infinity
night and day,
who strive for the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana,
for them confusion in passion disappears.

227.

Always keep in mind the old saying,

"They blame her who says too much.
They blame her who says too little.
They blame her who speaks in moderation.
There is no one in the world who is not blamed."

228.

Not in the past, not in the present,
not in the future
will there be found anyone who is always praised
or always blamed.

229.

The wise praise those who have character, virtue,
intelligence and wisdom.

230.

Who would censure a person
who is refined like pure gold?
Even the angels praise her.

231.

Control the body and guard against anger of the body.
Discipline the body, to live in peace and harmony.

232.

Control your speech and guard against angry words.
Discipline the tongue to speak in peace and harmony.

233.

Control the mind and guard against mental anger.
Discipline the mind to think peace and harmony.

234.

The wise who control their bodies,
control their speech,
and control their minds
are certainly on the path
of peace and harmony.

IMPURITY

CHAPTER 18

IMPURITY


235.

You are like a withered leaf
and the messengers of death await you.
Your body is on the threshold of death
and you have made no arrangements for your journey.

236.

Make yourself into a safe harbor; strive hard.
Without delay, center yourself in the oneness of Infinity
and become wise.
Free from confusion in desire
and cleansed of mental impurities
you are on the path to the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

237.

Your life has come to an end
and you now stand in the presence of death.
There is no place for you to hide
and you have made no arrangements for your journey.

238.

Make yourself into a safe harbor; strive hard.
Without delay, center yourself in the oneness of Infinity
and become wise.
Free from confusion in desire
and cleansed of mental impurities
you will be free from confusion
in birth and death.

239.

As a silversmith blows away the impurities
from his silver,
so a wise person should cast off his impurities;
one by one, little by little,
moment to moment.

240.

As rust corrodes iron,
so does the harm that one inflicts upon others
lead one down the path to great confusion (evil)
and the corrosion of one's self.

241.

Lack of recitation is the rust of the words of wisdom.
Lack of maintenance is the rust of homes.
Lack of exercise is the rust of the body.
Lack of vigilance is the rust of the wise.

242.

Lack of modesty regarding the body is an impurity.
Lack of benevolence when giving is an impurity.
Confusion is the source of impurities
in all realities.

243.

There is no greater impurity than confusion
in ignorance of the oneness of Infinity.
Overcome confusion in ignorance
and free yourself from all impurities.

244.

Life seems easy for one who is shameless,
rude, mischievous, insulting, arrogant and corrupt.

245.

In life, it seems difficult to stay centered in modesty,
to continuously seek to purify one's self,
to be detached, humble, introspective
and to live in peace and harmony
with all of humanity.

246,247.

Those who murder, lie, steal,
have sex with a married person,
and overindulge in intoxicating drinks
have become greatly confused
in the manifestations of Infinity
and destroy the roots of their being.

248.

Know that the lack of self control brings confusion
and confusion manifests anxiety and disharmony.
Do not allow confusion in desire
to manifest years of misery in your life.

249.

People give to others
because it is their nature to give
or possibly because of some selfish interest.
However, if one gives any consideration
to what others give or receive
he will have difficulty achieving peace and harmony.

250.

Those who are confused in jealously
find it difficult to achieve peace and harmony.

251.

There is no fire like lust,
no choke hold like hatred,
no trap like delusion,
no torment like desire.

252.

One easily distinguishes the faults of others
but only with great difficulty distinguishes one's own.
One sifts the faults of others like grain from the chaff
but conceals his own faults
like a hunter camouflages his body.

253.

If one is inclined to distinguish the faults of others
and is forever taking offense,
his confusion increases and he moves further and further
off the path of peace and harmony.

254.

The path of peace and harmony
is not in the sky
but within the inner being of every human.
Humanity delights in confusion
but the Buddha's delight
is in the path of the supreme peace and harmony
of Nirvana.

255.

The path of peace and harmony is not in the sky
but within the inner being of every human.
All things change
and the Buddhas are at peace and in harmony
with change.

THE SAGE (PART 2)

CHAPTER 19

THE SAGE (Part 2)


256.

Those who achieve their purpose through violence
are confused in violence.
The sage remains centered in the oneness of Infinity
and avoids confusion in violence.

257.

Those who are centered in oneness
lead others in the peace and harmony of non-violence
and become beacons of light for all of humanity.

258.

One is not a sage
simply because he appears to have an answers to many questions.
A person is a sage if she lives in peace and harmony
and is not confused in fear and hatred.

259.

One does not necessarily live in peace and harmony
simply because he can speak about it at length.
One who grasps only a small part of the truth of oneness,
meditates upon that small part,
and applies it in his daily living
will increase the peace and harmony
in his life and in the world.

260.

A person is not necessarily a sage
because his hair is gray
and he has survived to old age.

261.

A person is a sage regardless of her age
if she flows in the peace and harmony
of truth, virtue, nonviolence,
self-control and moderation.

262.

Those who have the gift of eloquence
and physical good looks
are not worthy of respect
if they are confused in jealousy, selfishness and deceit.

263.

Those who are not confused
in jealousy, selfishness, deceit or hatred
but who are centered in oneness
and live in peace and harmony
are truly worthy of respect.

264.

One who has no self-control
and who is confused in lying
cannot become a sage
by simply shaving his head.
How can anyone who is confused in desire and greed
live in peace and harmony?

265.

A true sage is one who remains centered in oneness
and is not confused in the manifestations of the Infinite
whether they be great or small.

266.

One is not a sage simply because he acts like one.

267.

A true sage is one who
is indifferent to merit and demerit,
one who lives in peace and harmony,
and one who remains centered in the oneness of the Infinite.

268,269.

A foolish and ignorant person
does not become a sage simply by being silent.
A sage is one who
in silence contemplates all things
as if holding a scale balanced by the two extremes
of some manifestation.
He who understands the oneness of good and evil
is in truth a sage.
270.

One who needlessly injures living beings is confused.
Those who are centered in the oneness of Infinity
embrace non-violence.

271,272.

Not by morality, not by great learning,
not by meditation, not by solitude
does one attain the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana;
but only by the extinction of desire and attachment.

THE PATH

CHAPTER 20

THE PATH

273.

Of all paths, the Eightfold is preferred.
Of truth, the Four Noble Truths are preferred.
Of all mental states, detachment is preferred.
Of all people, those who are centered in oneness
and live in peace and harmony are preferred.

274.

Only the eightfold path
leads one to the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana
and enables one to avoid confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite.

275.

Whoever travels the eightfold path
brings an end to confusion in sorrow.
When I discovered the path,
I proclaimed it to the world.

276.

You yourself must make the effort.
The Buddhas only point the way.
Those who stay centered in oneness through meditation
avoid confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite.

277.

All things are transient.
Those who acknowledge this are not confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite.
This understanding
leads to the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

278.

All of humanity is confused in sorrow.
Those who acknowledge this are not confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite.
This understanding leads
to the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

279.

Everything is unreal.
Those who acknowledge this are not confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite.
This understanding leads
to the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

280.

Those who do not arise when it is time,
who are lazy even though they are young and strong,
and who lack determination.
very seldom live in
peace and harmony.

281.

Controlling one's thoughts, words and deeds
are disciplines that help manifest peace and harmony.

282.

Meditation helps keep one centered
in the oneness of Infinity
and the neglect of meditation
tends to lead one down the path of confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite.
Meditation is the path of peace and harmony.

283.

Cut down the entire forest of desires,
not just one tree.
Cut down the entire forest and its underbrush
and the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana
will manifest.

284.

When the desire for sex
goes outside the boundary of nature
and the harmony of love,
confusion begins to manifest
and one becomes bound to sex
as a suckling calf to its mother.

285.

End confusion in ego
by remembering your oneness with all of humanity.
Seek the path of peace and harmony
by following the path of the Buddha.

286.

Those who are confused
contemplate where they will dwell in the rainy season
and where they will dwell in the winter and in the summer.
They have lost sight of the transient
and brief nature of life
and are unprepared for death.

287.

As the great flood carries off a sleeping village,
so death abruptly carries off one who is confused
in his attachment to his children and his possessions.

288.

Neither children nor parents
can offer any protection to one who is about to die.

289.

Moment to moment
stay centered in the oneness of Infinity.
This leads to the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.
Never forget the transience of life.
Keep the manifestation of this reality in perspective.
Remember everything is transient.

MISC

CHAPTER 21

MISCELLANEOUS


290.

If by foregoing a small pleasure
one achieves a greater sense of peace and harmony,
the wise person will choose
to forego the small pleasure.

291.

Those who seek pleasure for themselves
by creating pain in others
are confused in hatred
and have forgotten their oneness with all of humanity.

292.

One who does what should not be done
and neglects to do what should be done
is confused in arrogance and foolishness.

293.

Those who meditate on the oneness of the Infinite,
who discipline their minds and bodies,
who do not do what should not be done
and do what should be done
are on the path of peace and harmony.

294.

A sage is not confused in desire;
is not confused in egotism
which causes him to see himself as separate from others;
is not confused in distinguishing the doctrines
of the immortality or the annihilation of the soul;
is not confused in passion
or attachment to the manifestations of the Infinite.
He goes his way in peace and harmony.

295.

A sage is not confused in desire;
is not confused in egotism
which causes him to see himself as separate from others;
is not confused in distinguishing the doctrines
of the immortality or the annihilation of the soul;
is not confused in lust, ill will, sloth,
restlessness or doubt.
She goes her way in peace and harmony.

296.

The followers of the Buddha
are moment to moment awake and vigilant;
constantly centered in the oneness of Infinity.

297.

The followers of the Buddha
are moment to moment awake and vigilant;
constantly living in peace and harmony.

298.

The followers of the Buddha
are moment to moment awake and vigilant;
constantly aware of their oneness with all of humanity.

299.

The followers of the Buddha
are moment to moment awake and vigilant;
constantly aware of the mortality of the body.

300.

The followers of the Buddha
are moment to moment awake and vigilant;
constantly residing in non-violence.

301.

The followers of the Buddha
are moment to moment awake and vigilant;
constantly meditating.
302.

It is difficult to live in society
and it is also difficult to live outside society.
It is difficult to live as a part of a family
and it is also difficult to live among those
who are unsympathetic.
It is confusing to continuously be reborn.
One should seek the path of the supreme peace and harmony
of Nirvana
and avoid confusion in sorrow.

303.

Those who stay centered in the oneness of Infinity
and live in peace and harmony
are respected no matter where they travel.

304.

Those who stay centered in the oneness of Infinity
and live in peace and harmony
shine from far away
like the snowy peaks of the Himalayas.
Those who are confused in the manifestations of the Infinite
are unseen like arrows shot into the night.

305.

Those who are indifferent to sitting alone,
sleeping alone, living alone,
and are vigilant in disciplining their minds and bodies,
find peace and harmony
by avoiding confusion in the forest of desires.

CONFUSION (PART 2)

CHAPTER 22

CONFUSION (Part 2)


306.

Those who intentionally tell lies
and those who deny doing what they have done
are confused in untruth.
Both are equally confused in this reality and the next.

307.

Many of those who wear the saffron robe of a Buddhist monk
possess a bad character and are undisciplined.
They are confused in this reality
and the next.

308.

It is better for a monk of bad character
and without discipline
to swallow a red hot iron ball
than to eat the food offered
by charitable people.

309,310.

A person who commits adultery acquires eight misfortunes;
loss of integrity, loss of sleep,
condemnation by others,
a loss of peace and harmony in their lives,
sexual pleasures in a fearful state,
the potential of criminal punishment,
confusion in lust, loss of integrity.
Committing adultery is not the path of peace and harmony.

311.

Just as a blade of kusa grass
if carelessly handled will cut the hand,
asceticism, if practiced casually, can lead to confusion.

312.

Any act carelessly performed,
any promise not kept,
any commitment not honored,
increases one's confusion
and impairs one's ability
to live in peace and harmony.

313.

If one has something to do,
then it should be done wholeheartedly
and to the best of one's ability.
Any act half-heartedly done
only manifests confusion in the doer.

314.

All evil acts eventually manifest remorse in the doer.
Acts done in peace and harmony seldom manifest remorse.
The wise act in peace and harmony.

315.

Like a frontier city,
well guarded within and without,
guard yourself.
Moment to moment
remain centered in the oneness of Infinity
so that you avoid gradually slipping
into ever growing confusion.

316.

Those who are ashamed
of what they should not be ashamed of
and are not ashamed
of what they should be ashamed of
are confused
and do not live in peace and harmony.

317.

Those who are afraid when there is nothing to fear
and who have no fear when there is a potential risk
are confused
and do not live in peace and harmony.

318.

Those who perceive confusion where there is none
and do not perceive confusion where it exists
do not live in peace and harmony.

319.

Those who through knowledge discern the path of confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite
from the oneness of the Infinite
are on the path of peace and harmony.

THE ELEPHANT

CHAPTER 23

THE ELEPHANT


320.

As the elephant endures the battlefield arrows,
I will bear abusive words.
In truth, the majority of humanity
is confused in self-righteousness.

321.

Only disciplined elephants are used in battle.
The king rides a disciplined elephant.
Those who are well disciplined in the oneness of the Infinite
endure abuse indifferently.

322.

When disciplined, mules are an asset;
so too are Sindhu horses
and great elephants.
The well disciplined person
is a beacon of peace and harmony to all.

323.

No one can ride a well trained animal
to the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana;
only a mind disciplined in the oneness of Infinity
can carry one to Nirvana.

324.

The great elephant Dhanapalaka
when in rut is difficult to control
and will not eat if bound;
he longs for his mate.

325.

If one is lazy and eats too much
and sleeps too much
and rolls around like a great hog fattened on meal,
that person is confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite
and finds it difficult to live in peace and harmony.

326.

In the past, my mind wandered uncontrolled where it pleased
and when it pleased.
But now, in vigilance, I hold my mind in check
as an elephant driver controls the rutting elephant
with his hooked staff.

327.

Moment to moment remain vigilant and guard your thoughts.
Draw your mind out of confusion
as an elephant draws himself out of the mud.

328.

If during your life's journey,
you should find a companion who is wise,
self-controlled and centered in the oneness of Infinity,
travel with her in joy, in vigilance
and in peace and harmony
overcoming all potential perils.

329.

If during your life's journey,
you should not find a companion who is wise,
self-controlled and centered in the oneness of Infinity,
then travel alone like a king
who has renounced his kingdom
or like a great elephant alone in the forest.

330.

It is better to travel life's journey alone
than to have for a companion
one who is confused in the manifestations of the Infinite.
It is better to live alone centered in the oneness of Infinity
and flowing in peace and harmony
like a great elephant living alone in the forest
than to live in confusion in the manifestations of the Infinite.

331.

Mutual friendships flow in peace and harmony
and good deeds are assets at the time of death.
However, achieving the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana
is the ultimate intention.

332.

A mother, a father, a monk, a sage:
all who are centered in the oneness of Infinity
and consequently live in peace and harmony
are in truth equal.

333.

The oneness of Infinity
is the peace and harmony of virtue, faith, wisdom
and the lack of confusion.

CRAVING

CHAPTER 24

CRAVING


334.

The craving of those who are confused in desire
grows like a creeping vine.
In the search for pleasure,
they jump from tree to tree
like a monkey in search of fruit.

335.

Those who succumb to their every craving
multiply their confusion in desire
the same way that the ubiquitous grass
multiplies with the spring rain.

336.

Those who stay centered in the oneness of Infinity
avoid confusion in desire
and their cravings fall away like drops of water
from a lotus leaf.

337.

Dig up the root of cravings
as you would uproot weeds.
Do not allow your cravings to again and again
lead you into confusion
the same way the river current again and again
crushes reeds on the banks.

338.

As a tree that has been cut down recovers
and grows again if its roots are not damaged,
so will confusion return
if the roots of craving is not overcome.

339.

Those who allow the many streams of mental craving
to rush toward the manifestations of pleasure
will be carried away by waves of confusion in desire.

340.

Streams of craving flow everywhere
and the creeping vine of craving grows everywhere.
Be vigilant in the identifications of cravings
and in wisdom immediately cut them off.

341.

All human beings are vulnerable to craving
and to attachment to pleasure.
Succumbing to these cravings and pleasures
leads one down the path of confusion in desire.

342.

Those who succumb to their cravings
circle round and round like the hunted hare.
Bound by the bonds and fetters of cravings
they become lost in the confusion of desire.

343.

Those who succumb to their cravings
circle round and round like the hunted hare.
Therefore, let those who desire to flow in peace and harmony
stay centered in the oneness of Infinity
and avoid confusion in desire.

344.

Those who emerge from their confusion in desire
by becoming centered in the oneness of Infinity
and then through lack of vigilance again become confused
in desire
can be said to have run back to their bondage.

345.

The wise do not consider fetters
of iron and wood and rope
to be as great
as the fetters of confusion in desire.

346.

The fetters of confusion in desire
leads one to increased confusion.
Even though attachment and desire
seems easy to control
they are in fact difficult to escape.
Overcome confusion in desire by centering yourself
in the oneness of Infinity
and live in peace and harmony.

347.

Those who are confused in the passionate craving of lust
are like a spider caught in its own web.
Those who center themselves in the oneness of the Infinite
break out of the loop of lustful cravings
and live in peace and harmony.

348.

Do not distinguish the past;
do not distinguish the future.
Live in the oneness of now.
Do not distinguish birth or death or life.
Stay centered in the oneness of Infinity.

349.

Those who are confused in the manifestations
of doubt and passion and pleasure,
strengthen the fetters of confusion
which blind them to the peace and harmony
of the oneness of Infinity.

350.

Those who delight in meditating
on the oneness of Infinity
and do not distinguish the pleasant from the unpleasant
avoid confusion in desire
and live in peace and harmony.


351.

Those who remain centered in the oneness of Infinity,
who have no fear nor desire,
who are not confused in any of the manifestations of the Infinite,
have removed the thorns of life.
352.

Those who are not confused in desire or attachment,
who understand the oneness of all the manifestations of the Infinite
and the abstract nature of words and speech
which attempt to describe those manifestations;
they truly live in peace and harmony.

353.

I have conquered all confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite.
I am all knowing because I am centered in the oneness of Infinity.
I am attached to nothing and I am free of confusion in desire.
I have achieved this by going inside myself.
It is a journey in which I had no companions
and a journey in which I cannot be a companion.

354.

The gift of truth
of the oneness of the Infinite excels all gifts.
It is greater than all pleasures.
It is the foundation of peace and harmony in all realities.

355.

Those who are foolish become confused in wealth.
But the wise who are centered in the oneness of Infinity,
though possessing wealth, are not confused in it.
They live in peace and harmony.

356.

Fields are blighted by weeds
the same way humanity is blighted by confusion in passion.

357.

Fields are blighted by weeds
the same way humanity is blighted by confusion in hatred.

358.

Fields are blighted by weeds
the same way humanity is blighted by confusion in desire.

359.

Fields are blighted by weeds
the same way humanity is blighted by confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite.

THE SAGE (PART 3)

CHAPTER 25

THE SAGE (Part 3)


360.

Discipline the eye, the ear, the nose, the tongue and the body
to remain centered in the oneness of the senses
and to live in peace and harmony.

361.

Discipline body, mind, speech
and all the manifestations of one's self
and live in peace and harmony.

362.

Those who discipline body, mind, speech
and all manifestations of the self,
who meditate on the oneness of Infinity
and live in peace and harmony,
who are solitary and yet at one with society,
are in truth sages.

363.

The sage who is centered in the oneness of Infinity,
who disciplines her speech, who is humble,
whose life is an example of the peace and harmony
that is a function of staying centered the oneness of the Infinite,
her truth is indeed enlightening.

364.

The sage is one who dwells in the oneness of Infinity,
meditates on it, delights in it, stays centered in it
and as a result lives in peace and harmony.

365.

The sage is content with what he has
and is not confused in jealousy over what others have.
Those who are confused in jealousy
do not live in peace and harmony.

366.

Even the saints praise the sage
who is content with what she has,
who works in harmony with others
and is not confused in laziness.

367.

The sage has no attachment to her name,
or to the attributes of her body,
nor is she confused in desire over what
she does not possess.

368.

The sage abides in loving kindness
toward humanity because she acknowledges her oneness with it.
She is centered in the oneness of Infinity
and lives in peace and harmony.

369.

The sage empties her vessel so it will sail lightly.
She empties her life of confusion in lust and hatred
and lives in peace and harmony.

370.

Cut off the five fetters of confusion of this reality;
selfishness, doubt, empty rituals and ceremonies, lust and hatred.
Renounce the five fetters of confusion in the spiritual dimension; attachment to the tangible, attachment to the intangible, ego, restlessness, and ignorance.
Cultivate the five facets
of the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana;
faith, vigilance, energy, meditation and wisdom.

371.

Meditate.
Be vigilant.
Do not meditate on the pleasures of the senses
or you will become confused in lust
and you will deviate from the path of peace and harmony.

372.

The sage meditates
because meditation is the source of wisdom.
Those who meditate are on the path
of peace and harmony.

373.

The sage who has calmed her mind
and who has withdrawn into her inner being
centers herself in the oneness of Infinity
and experiences the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

374.

When the sage centers herself in the oneness of Infinity
and experiences the oneness of birth and death,
she achieves the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

375.

The sage controls his senses, lives in peace and harmony,
lives within the social law
and prefers the company of others
who live in peace and harmony.

376.

The sage who is a friend to everyone,
performs all his obligations
and lives in peace and harmony.

377.

As the jasmine sheds its withered flowers,
the sage sheds her confusion in passion and hatred.

378.

The sage's body, mind and speech
are at peace and in harmony with the oneness of Infinity.
She is not confused in the
manifestations of desire in this reality.

379.

The sage by her own efforts
and by self examination achieves peace and harmony in her life.
She moment to moment guards her thoughts
and is vigilant in remaining centered
in the oneness of Infinity.

380.

The sage is her own master and her own protector.
She disciplines herself
as the professional trainer disciplines a horse.

381.

The sage who moment to moment
remains centered in the oneness of Infinity
achieves the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

382.

The sage, though young in years,
who moment to moment remains centered in the oneness of Infinity
and lives in peace and harmony,
gives light to the world
like the moon freed from the clouds.

THE BRAHMAN

CHAPTER 26

THE BRAHMAN


383.

Cut off the stream of craving.
Conquer desire.
When you understand that
all of the manifestations of Infinity
disintegrate back into Infinity,
then you will know and begin to experience the oneness of Infinity
and live in peace and harmony.

384.

When one goes beyond meditation and contemplation,
one merges with the oneness of Infinity
and experiences the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

385.

The Brahman does not distinguish this reality
or the spiritual reality
but perceives only the oneness of Infinity.
He is not confused in fear
or confused in any of the manifestations of Infinity.

386.

The Brahman is meditative,
is in harmony with his environment and society,
performs his duties, is not confused in passion,
and moment to moment lives
in peace and harmony.

387.

The sun shines by day and the moon by night.
The warrior shines in his armor and the Brahman in her meditation.
The Buddha who is centered in the oneness of Infinity,
living in the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana,
is a beacon of light to all human beings both day and night.

388.

A Brahman is centered in the oneness of Infinity
and is not confused in the manifestations of Infinity.
She lives in the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

389.

One should not strike a Brahman.
If struck a Brahman should not become confused in anger.
One who strikes a Brahman is confused in violence.
The Brahman who vents his wrath is a Brahman in name only.

390.

A Brahman is not confused in the pleasures of life.
Because she is not confused in the desire to harm others
she lives in peace and harmony.

391.

A Brahman is not confused in hurting others
through her words, thoughts or deeds.
Through discipline
she avoids confusion in violence
and lives in peace and harmony.

392.

As the Brahman reveres the sacrificial fire,
the sage acknowledges those who live in peace and harmony.

393.

One does not become a Brahman
by having matted hair, or by having a noble family
or by having a birthright.
One who is centered in the oneness of the Infinite
and who moment to moment lives
in peace and harmony
is a Brahman.

394.

Dear and foolish one,
what is the value of matted hair or finely tailored clothing?
Outwardly you put on an air of respect
but inwardly you are confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite.

395.

Those who wear old clothing,
who are thin, whose veins stand out,
who meditate alone in the forest;
they are Brahman.

396.

Being born into a noble family, or possessing wealth,
or holding a respected title,
does not make one a Brahman.
But one who is centered in the oneness of Infinity,
who is not confused in attachments to the desires
of the manifestations of the Infinite
is a Brahman.

397.

A Brahman is
one who has thrown off the chains of confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite;
one who is not confused in fear,
one who is not confused in attachments,
one who is at one with the Infinite
and lives in peace and harmony.

398.

A Brahman is
one who has cut the strap of confusion in hatred,
the thong of confusion in desire,
the rope of confusion in religion,
and the inherent human tendency to be confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite.

399.

A Brahman is
one who is innocent but endures
blame, abuse and punishment
by remaining centered in the oneness of Infinity.

400.

A Brahman is
one who is disciplined in body, mind and speech,
who is dutiful,
who is not confused in anger or passion.
and one who lives in peace and harmony.
401.

A Brahman is
one who does not cling to confusion in pleasure
in the same way that water does not cling to a lotus leaf
or a mustard seed does not cling to the point of a needle.

402.

A Brahman is
one who has cast aside the burden of confusion
in the manifestations of the Infinite
and who has thus becomes free;
who is centered in the oneness of Infinity
and moment to moment lives
in peace and harmony.

403.

A Brahman is one whose knowledge is deep,
who is possessed with wisdom,
who understands the human tendency to become confused
in the manifestations of the Infinite
but who moment to moment remains centered
in the oneness of Infinity
and lives in peace and harmony.

404.

A Brahman is one who
remains centered in the oneness of Infinity
and lives in peace and harmony;
avoiding confusion in the manifestations of Infinity
regardless of whether he has a family and a home
or whether he wanders alone
and without possessions like an ascetic.

405.

A Brahman owns no weapons
and is not confused in violence toward any creature
beyond sustaining his body or preserving his life.

406.

A Brahman is tolerant among those confused in intolerance,
non-violent among those confused in violence,
has no possessions among those confused in ownership.

407.

A Brahman is one in whom confusion in passion, hatred,
pride and insincerely have fallen away
like a mustard seed from the point of a needle.

408.

The words of a Brahman are harmonious,
instructive and true.
The words of a Brahman are not intended to offend.

409.

A Brahman is one who never takes what
is not given to him regardless of whether
it is long or short, great or small, beautiful or ugly.

410.

A Brahman is centered in the oneness of Infinity
and does not distinguish this reality or any other reality
and is not confused in desire or attachment to anything.

411.

A Brahman is not confused in desire or doubt
because of her experience within the oneness of Infinity.
She moment to moment resides in the deathless state
of the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

412.

A Brahman understands the oneness of good and evil,
is not confused in sorrows or passions,
and lives in peace and harmony.

413.

A Brahman is like the moon;
clear, bright, peaceful and in harmony with the heavenly bodies.
She is at one with all realities.

414.

A Brahman sees the oneness of life and death,
birth and rebirth
which is difficult to comprehend.
She is not confused in the delusions
of the manifestations of Infinity,
understands the oneness of all realities,
meditates moment to moment in all realities,
is free from confusion in passion and doubt,
holds on to nothing
and lives in peace and harmony.

415.

A Brahman is indifferent to the sensuous pleasures of this world,
is indifferent to being born or not being born in this reality,
is centered in the oneness of all dimensions
and moment to moment lives in peace and harmony.

416.

A Brahman is centered in the oneness of Infinity,
and moment to moment lives
in peace and harmony;
indifferent to life in this reality,
indifferent to existence in the spiritual reality.

417.

A Brahman is at one with all of humanity,
at one with all the saints and angels
and at one with all the manifestations of the Infinite.

418.

A Brahman is indifferent to pleasure as well as pain.
She lives in peace and harmony.
Birth and death are one to her.
She has conquered all realities
by remaining centered in the oneness
of the infinite realities of the Infinite.

419.

A Brahman has awakened to the oneness of Infinity,
is in harmony with never ending change,
with never ending birth and rebirth,
with the never ending manifestations and disintegrations
of the potential of the Infinite.
She moment to moment
lives in peace and harmony.

420.

A Brahman is one whose path no human,
no spirit, no angel can know.
For her, all things are merged into the oneness of Now.
She exists in the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.

421.

A Brahman has no inclination to re-experience the past
or to view the future.
She is centered in the oneness of the Infinite
where past and future merge into Now.
She possesses nothing, desires nothing, is attached to nothing.

422.

A Brahman has conquered herself:
she is not confused in fear,
she is steadfast because she is centered in the oneness of Infinity,
she is heroic, she is free from all desires
and she is free from all confusion in the manifestations of Infinity.

423.

A Brahman is aware of her past and future lives
but does not dwell on them.
She has risen above life and death,
as well as manifestations and disintegrations
because she is at one with Infinity.
She is at one with heaven and hell.
Because she is centered in the oneness of Infinity
where all things merge into oneness.
She perfectly sees all things.
She exists simultaneously in all dimensions
and in all realities.
She exists in the supreme peace and harmony of Nirvana.