30 Aug 1957
Every Friday I shall read out to you a few verses of the Dhammapada, then we shall meditate on that text. This is to teach you mental control. If I think it necessary I shall give you an explanation.
The Dhammapada begins with conjugate verses; here is the first one:
In all things the primordial element is mind. Mind predominates. Everything proceeds from mind.
Naturally, this concerns the physical life, there is no question of the universe.
If a man speaks or acts with an evil mind, suffering follows him as the wheel follows the hoof of the bullock that pulls the cart.
That is to say, ordinary human life, such as it is in the present world, is ruled by the mind; therefore the most important thing is to control one’s mind; so we shall follow a graded or “conjugate” discipline, to use the Dhammapada’s expression, in order to develop and control our minds.
There are four movements which are usually consecutive, but which in the end may be simultaneous: to observe one’s thoughts is the first, to watch over one’s thoughts is the second, to control one’s thoughts is the third and to master one’s thoughts is the fourth. To observe, to watch over, to control, to master. All that to get rid of an evil mind, for we are told that the man who acts or speaks with an evil mind is followed by suffering as closely as the wheel follows the hoof of a bullock that ploughs or draws the cart.[p.183]
This is our first meditation.
The Mother
CWM, Vol. 03, p. 183-184
Негізгі бет On the Dhammapada (30 August 1957) - The Mother
Пікірлер: 8