Dhammapada – The Wise

As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind,

so the wise are not shaken by blame and praise.

As a deep lake is clear and calm,

so the wise become tranquil after they listen to the truth.

Good people walk on regardless of what happens to them.

Good people do not babble on about their desires.

Whether touched by happiness or by sorrow,

the wise never appear elated or depressed.

(Dhammapada, 8, “The Wise”)

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There was never a time when we were not there, nor a time when we would cease to exist. Knowing this, the wise do not rejoice or grieve about birth and death. They do not get elated by praise nor do they get dejected by criticism. They are not bamboozled by the duality of good and bad, right and wrong, light and darkness, etc. They very well know that these distinctions exist only in the mind.

Life is like a river with 2 banks. Although that is what is apparent, deep down the river is one single entity. The wise see the oneness in the multiplicity. Good people keep on keeping on. They limit their desires, but most importantly, they give up attachment to those desires. The good people when confronted with the truth become wise. They listen more and talk less. They know that life’s a journey, not a destination.

Keep on walking …

God Bless!