Dhammapada Verse 172

Verse 172

There are those who awaken from heedlessness.
          They bring light into the world
                      like the moon
                emerging from clouds. 

Reflection

On the full-moon day of the month of Asalha,
over two thousand five hundred years ago, the
Buddha first revealed the Four Noble Truths. The
hearts of those who heard these teachings were
filled with the joy of perfect understanding, as cool 
and brilliant as a moon emerging from a covering
of clouds. We assume the world and our suffering
to be more substantial than it really is. But if we
turn our attention towards the true causes of
suffering -  desire rooted in ignorance -- these 
Four Ennobling Truths generate a radiance that
disperses the clouds of delusion and dissolves the
world of suffering.  Our contemplations awaken
us from heedlessness, moment by moment
we contribute to the continued turning of this 
Dhamma Wheel.
Ajahn Munindo