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The Dhammapada: The Monk Chapter 5

Thich Nhat Hanh · December 11, 2012 · Hermitage, Plum Village, France · Monastic talk
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The twentieth gatha for the monastic (in Dhammapada 380) emphasizes “self is the protector of self”—we must take care of ourselves, but this does not contradict non-self: when caring for ourselves, we still contemplate and see that there is no separate self. Knowing the preciousness of “the self” while respecting the “self” of others, not causing harm to one another, is what truly makes one a sage.

The Dharma is not only a religion but the teachings of the Buddha. Great joy arises from cherishing, learning, and practicing the Dharma, opening the door to deeper happiness. When the mental formations (saṃskāra) settle, and we recognize their impermanence, interdependent origination, and non-self, we attain lasting calm—a peace that does not come from a separate self, but from letting go of discrimination.

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