As I mentioned before one of my favourite little books, which I carry almost everywhere with me so I can dip into it is the Dhammapada.
The first verses of the first chapter are quite arresting, and I’ve been pondering on how true they are, and how simple!
We are what we think.
All that we are arises with our thoughts.
With our thoughts we make the world.
Speak or act with an impure mind
And trouble will follow you
As the wheel follows the ox that draws the cart.
The wonders of the internet mean I have been able to find a Pali version with a pronunciation guide. Pali is a very early Indian language and many of the Buddhsit scriptures were written in pali
Manopubbaṅgammā dhammā
Manoseṭṭhā manomayā
Manasā ce paduṭṭhena
Bhāsati vā karoti vā
Tato naṃ dukkham anveti
Cakkaṃ va vahato padaṃ
It’s not very long, or very difficult, so my plan this week, is to try to learn it!
Lois Elsden 