Buddha's Teachings

This Penguin 60s Classic is a selection from Juan Mascaro's translation of The Dhammapada.

It takes the form of short statements (most only a sentence, some a couple of sentences) numbered, and arranged into categories, such as ‘Contrary Ways', ‘The Fool', ‘The Wise Man', ‘In Darkness', ‘Endurance', etc.

To me, a heathen of non-religious beliefs, who has a grudging respect for Buddhism due mainly to its ability to survive against the odds, and the fact it just appeals as a healthy life outlook, not burdened by intolerance, financial controls and aggressive marketing. My (uninformed) simplistic overview of Buddhism is summed up as ‘be a good person'.

These statements in this book are exactly the sort of things you expect a monk to say at a poignant moment. Not all of them, some of them fall a bit flat. But the good ones, just make you stop and think, which must be a good thing.

There are 423 statements (although a number are double numbered for some reason?)

49. As the bee takes the essence of a flower and flies away without destroying its beauty and perfume, so let the sage wander in life.163. It is easy to do what is wrong, what is bad for oneself; but very difficult to do what is right, to do what is good for oneself.