Short Aphorisms

The following are the sayings of some of the wisest of men, which are put down in order that one may clearly see the way to go:
1. One who is watchful of all his actions of body, speech and mind, is clearly aware of those actions which are of benefit both to himself and to others. Then he should constantly promote those actions. One who does this is a wise man.

2. If one only restrains oneself with morality, one has still not developed Dhamma, because restraining oneself from harming others still does not mean that one benefits either them or oneself.

3. There are those who have a short life because they destroy the life of other beings.
There are those who have much illness because they persecute and molest others.
There are those who are enamoured of prosperity and success, because they steal things.
There are those who have enemies because they commit adultery.
There are those who have a bad reputation because they indulge in wrong speech.
There are those who hear only harsh words because they indulge in abusive language.
There are those who lose their friends because they indulge in malicious talk and backbiting.
There are those who hear only bad rumours because they indulge in vain talk.
Because of stinginess, one experiences poverty.
Because of wrong livelihood, one becomes the victim of deceit and fraud.
Because of a stubborn and unyielding character, one is born into an inferior family.
Because of envy and jealousy, one has little energy and vigour. Because of anger, one becomes repulsive to look at.
Because one does not ask questions of wise men, one remains stupid and ignorant.
These are the probable results experienced by those who do these things; they are sure to come only to misfortune.

4. People may attain happiness and peace in the Realms of Brahma. The development of the practice of the boundless Jhanas of Form and Formlessness (Rupa-Jhanappamanna-Bhavana and Arupa-Jhana) which are Fearless States give rise to the attainment of life in these same realms.

Another way of attaining happiness and peace is to take refuge in the good Dhamma ( Nissay (Nissaya-Sadhamma), in the subtle Dhamma (Dhamma-Sukhuma) which is deep and profound. The conquerorsi all proclaim that common foolish people are frightened of cessation of becoming to the above realms.

Another way of attaining happiness and peace is to take refuge in the good Dhamma ( Nissay (Nissaya-Sadhamma), in the subtle Dhamma (Dhamma-Sukhuma) which is deep and profound. The conquerorsi all proclaim that common foolish people are frightened of cessation of becoming to the above realms.

5. Foolish people are likely to be disturbed by fear and dread when told that we do not remain in this existence, and that when we change and leave it, there is no beyond that we go to, for there is no present and no future. As for the wise, they have finished with feelings of fear and dread.

6. The Buddha who spoke only in order to benefit and help people, often said that all are born due to the belief-in-Self (Ahamkara)2 and due to the belief that other things belong to us (Mamankara).