Sunday, January 8, 2012

The Beatitudes by Buddha


Not to serve the foolish; but to serve the spiritual;
to honor those worthy of honor, this is the greatest blessing.

To dwell in a spot that benefits your condition;
to think of the effect of your deeds;
to guide the behavior aright - this is the greatest blessing.

Much insight and education; self control and pleasant speech,
and whatever word be well spoken - this is the greatest blessing.

To support father and mother; to cherish spouse and child;
to follow a peaceful calling - this is the greatest blessing.

To bestow alms and live righteously; to give help to the kindred;
deeds which cannot be blamed - these are the greatest blessing.

To abhor and cease from error; abstinence from strong drink;
not to be weary in well doing - these are the greatest blessing.

To be long suffering and meek; to associate with the tranquil;
religious talk at due seasons - this is the greatest blessing.

Self-restraint and purity; the knowledge of the Noble Truths;
the attainment of Nirvana - this is the greatest blessing.

In the midst of the eight world miseries, like the person of pure life,
be calm and unconcerned - this is the greatest blessing.

Listener, if you keep this Dharma,
the Law of the spiritual world,
you will know its ineffable joy.
This is the greatest blessing.