Peaceful Fight Reviewed Books/Video :

Philosophy / Religion

-------------------------------------------------

The Dhammapada : Translated By Juan Mascaro

In some ways this may be the forerunner / comptempory of the Tao Te Ching with the name translating as the "Path to Truth / Love / Life / Nirvana" so aligning very closely with the nature of the Dao. My view is that if separated peoples of the World developed similar or identical spiritual processes (eg prayer, Gods, a spirit world etc) they these must be a reflection of a natural, underlying human property. As to whether these similar practises are a "need" or just what a "natural human" is supposed to be, isn't the important part. It does suggest that the internalised, spiritual aspect of life is a true "human" condition and not one determined by society or external conditions. However, by "externalising" modern life so that we only value ourselves in terms of how we look, what we own, what job we have etc., we may have lost something precious of our "internalisation" without noticing its value. Balancing these two internal / external perceptions must be a good way to align us all with the Dao as free thinking individuals. Mascaro's translation (from the 3rd century BC Pali original) gives both insightful comment and idea without stifling the original objective of the text (to aid the formation of your own opinion). 423 verses are listed many of which strike a chord when you read them through. My favourites were :

"It is you who must make the effort. the Great of the past only show the way"

"If a fool can see his own folly, he in this at least is wise; but the fool who thinks he is wise, he indeed is the real fool"

"If on the journey of life a man can find an intelligent friend who is good and self controlled, let him go with that traveller; and in joy and recollection let them overcome the dangers of the journey"

"For it is better to go alone on the path of life rather than have a fool for a companion"

The text made me think a lot about my situation / understanding at this time (Aug 2002) and possible changes I could employ to assess how they affect my "personal Dao". There's still a long way for me to go.