From "The Path of Virtue" an Ancient Buddhist text: extract from "The Thousands"

FROM "THE DHAMMAPADA"
(THE PATH OF VIRTUE)

Extract from "The Thousands"

...Better than reciting a hundred verses composed of meaningless words is one text on hearing which one becomes peaceful.

If a man were to conquer in battle a thousand times a thousand men, and another conquer one, himself, he indeed is the greatest of conquerors.

Conquest of self is indeed better than the conquest of other persons; of one who has disciplined himself, who always practices self-control.

Not even a god nor a fairy nor the tempter (Mara) along with Brahma could turn into defeat the victory of such a one.

If a man month after month for a hundred years should sacrifice with a thousand sacrifices, and if he but for one moment pay homage to a man whose self is grounded in knowledge, better is that homage than what is sacrificed for a hundred years...

To him who constantly practices reverence and respects the aged, four things will increase, life, beauty, happiness, and strength.

But he who lives a hundred years, wicked and unrestrained, a life of one day is better if a man is virtuous and reflecting.

And he who lives a hundred years, idle and weak, a life of one day is better if a man strenuously makes an effort.

And he who lives a hundred years, not perceiving beginning and end, a life of one day is better if a man perceives a beginning and end.

And he who lives a hundred years not perceiving the highest law, a life of one day is better if a man perceives the highest law.

Source: "A Sourcebook in Indian Philosophy" by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Charles A. Moore

Photos and narration by Tanja Nayak
Image generated by Tanja Nayak with CANVA