Friday, November 7, 2014

Dhammapada Verse 130

Verse 130

     Having empathy for others
       one sees that all beings
       love life and fear death.
             Knowing this,
one does not attack or cause attack.

Reflection

By being open to others we bring benefits to
ourselves. In studying our own hearts and minds 
we generate benefits for others. Dhamma teaches
us to practise on both levels. On one level we 
cultivate insight that undoes deeply-held views
about 'self' and 'others' . This is our formal practice.
Meanwhile our daily-life practice calls us to accept
the relative validity of views like'self' and others';
to engage them in the cultivation of compassion
and kindness. Empathy is a companion of insight
and helps keep practice balanced. 
Ajahn Munindo


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