Monday, January 19, 2009

Right Action. Justice.

an excerpt from the Dhammapada, chapter 4:

Pay no attention to harsh words uttered by others.
Do not be concerned with what others have or have not done.
Observe your own actions and inactions.

Like a beautiful, brightly colored flower without fragrance
is the well-spoken word without action.
Like a beautiful, brightly colored flower full of fragrance
is the well-spoken word and the deed that matches the word.

The scent of flowers is carried
No farther than the wind allows,
Neither the sandalwood, tagar, nor jasmine.
But the fragrance of the deeds of good people spreads
to the ends of the earth, in all directions,
Regardless of the wind...

trans. Ananda Maitreya

No comments: