Hoa Vo Uu (Buddha Dharma Education Association)
Venerable Shravasti Dhammika
The Buddha’s Words of Wisdom
Here in the world
One should train carefully in virtue,
For virtue when cultivated
Brings success near at hand.
The careful one should guard virtue,
Desiring the three types of happiness—
The praise of others, wealth,
And heaven after death.
The virtuous one makes many friends
Because of self-restraint,
But the immoral one, practicing evil,
Is estranged from his friends.
The immoral one gains only ill-repute
And bad reputation,
The virtuous gains reputation,
Fame and praise.
Virtue is the foundation, the forerunner,
The origin of all that is good and beautiful,
And therefore one should purify one’s virtue.
Virtue is the control, the restraint
And the delighting of the mind,
And thus the place where all Buddhas cross over.
Therefore, one should purify one’s virtue.
Virtue is a mighty power,
Virtue is a sharp weapon,
Virtue is the supreme adornment,
Virtue is a wonderful armour.
Virtue is a sturdy bridge,
Virtue is an unsurpassed perfume,
Virtue is the best ointment,
Sending fragrance in all directions.
Virtue is the foremost provision,
Virtue is food for the journey,
Virtue is the best vehicle,
For going in any directions.
