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CHAPTER 1
MIND AND BODY
VERSE 1
Let a wise man blow off the impurities of his self, as a smith blows off the impurities of silver one by one, little by little, and from time to time.
Becoming enlightened is not the work of a day. It is achieved in the small, steady steps we take every day.
VERSE 2
Him I call enlightened who does not offend by body, word, or thought, and is controlled on these three points.
We must strive to control the negative impulses of our bodies and minds in order to approach the world with a peaceful, loving spirit
VERSE 3
We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts
Our outlook colors our personality. Dwell on the negative, and you will appear darker. Choose optimism, and people will respond to your attitude.
VERSE 4
Fine words bear fruit in a man who acts well in accordance with them.
Making resolutions is good, but we need to follow our promises up with action.
VERSE 5
He who lives without looking for pleasures, his senses well controlled, moderate in his food, faithful and strong, him evil will certainly not overthrow, anymore than the wind throws down a rocky mountain
Disciplining our bodies to resist temptation is good practice for training our minds to resist bad influences.
VERSE 6
Restraint in the eye is good, good is restraint in the ear, in the nose restraint is good, good is restraint in the tongue.
Our senses can bring joy, but be careful: do not to allow them to deceive you.
VERSE 7
The gods envy even him whose senses, like horses well broken in by the driver, have been subdued, who is free from pride and free from appetites.
Worldly concerns and desires distract us and bring suffering. Perfect peace comes when we learn how to value the spiritual wealth instead.
VERSE 8
Hunger is the worst of diseases, the body the greatest of pains; if one knows this truly, that is Nirvana, the highest happiness.
Do not allow the needs of the body to interfere with the needs of the spirit.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Zen Dogs"
by .
Copyright © 2016 Mango Media In.
Excerpted by permission of Mango Media, Inc..
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