This ancient book of Buddhist wisdom is older than the Bible. Rewritten in clear, clean modern language, the words of the Buddha will connect with the modern reader.
1 We are what we think about. All our lives are founded on our thoughts and our world is made up of our thoughts. Like the wagon drawn after an ox, suffering will follow a deluded mind.
2 We are what we think about. When our minds are clear and disciplined, happiness will follow us as faithfully as our shadow.
3 When we nourish hateful thoughts like “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,” hatred and suffering never go away.
4 When we learn to let go of such thoughts as “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me” enmity ceases and happiness follows.
5 Hatred can not be defeated by hatred. Only love can defeat hatred. This wisdom is as ancient as humanity.
6 Most people live as though they will never die. Those who know life is fleeting let go of anger and hatred.
7 It’s tempting to think passing amusements will bring happiness. But anyone who pursues temporary pleasures, who is lazy or overeats will be felled by Mara, the Illusionist, like a tree in the wind.
8 When we learn to enjoy life without grasping after temporary pleasures we can resist the Illusionist, the way a stony mountain resists the wind.
9 Those who wish to follow the Dharma Way must respect temperance and truth or they are unworthy to be in the company of those who travel that path.
10 Those who are diligent, focused and honest may contentedly travel with Dharma companions.
11 Those who look at a dream and think they see reality and those who look at reality and think they are seeing a dream are afflicted with empty longing.
12 Those who can distinguish between the truth and dreams may live happily in the world as it actually is.
13 An untrained mind is like a leaky roof. As rain will drip through a roof full of holes, so will craving pour through an unfocused mind.