Saintly Himalayan Yogi's Eightfold Path

The Dhammapada: mind - Ajahn Brahm: God vs. Bodhi

An 85-year-old Himalayan yogi, rumored to leave no trace in the snow, says true happiness comes from...

The Wise Man on the Mountain - Existential Comics

• What is the "Yoga" (system, tapas, austerity, program) he follows? It is surely Integral Yoga also generally known as Ashtanga or "Eight Limbs." He does not merely do poses or keep a vegetarian diet. He goes much further to include all aspects of the path:

The definition of "yoga"

The Sage Pātañjali (author of the Yoga Sutras or "Yoga Aphorisms") begins his treatise on yoga (1st–3rd century CE) by stating the purpose of writing his book in the first sutra, followed by defining the word "yoga" in his second sutra of Book 1:[2].

योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः ॥२॥

yogaś-citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ

— Yoga Sutras 1.2

This terse definition hinges on the meaning of three Sanskrit terms:

I. K. Taimni translates it as, "Yoga is the inhibition (nirodhaḥ [usually translated as "cessation"]) of the modifications (vṛtti) of the mind (citta)" [3].

Swami Vivekananda translates this aphorism as, "Yoga is restraining (nirodhah) the mind-stuff (citta) from taking various forms (vrittis)" [4].

When the mind is stilled, the seer or real Self is revealed: 1.3. Then the Seer is established in his [or her] own essential and fundamental nature. 1.4.

In other states there is assimilation (of the Seer) with the modifications (of the mind) [5].

Sadhguru's no guru but tell jokes to Westerners

Eight limbs

Pātañjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga

Patanjali compiled the yoga aphorisms

Pātañjali set out his definition of "yoga" in the Yoga Sūtras as having eight limbs [following the popularity of the historical Buddha's Dharma being condensed into a Noble Eightfold Path] (अष्टाङ्ग, āṅga, "eight limbs") as follows. These are the Eight Limbs of Yoga:

1. yama (abstinences),
2. niyama (observances),
3. āsana (postures),
4. prāṇā-yāma (breath control),
5. pratyāhāra (withdrawal of the senses),
6. dhāraṇā (concentration),
7. dhyāna (meditation), and
8. samādhi (absorption)" [6].

The eightfold path of Pātañjali's yoga consists of a set of prescriptions for a morally disciplined and purposeful life, of which the āsana (yoga postures) form only one limb [7]. More

Buddhism has a different set of Eight Limbs to Enlightenment

What is the path to supreme liberation?

As in Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path, all of these terms are loaded. They are full of meaning, leaving many aspects to each term or heading. They are not the same path and do NOT lead to the same goal. The goal of yoga is "union," whereas the goal of the Buddha-Dharma is enlightenment and nirvana.

1. Right View: various summaries of "right view" can be found in Buddhist texts. A stock phrase is the opening of the dhamma-eye, in which knowledge arises: "All that has the nature of arising has the nature of ending" [33, Note 2]; showing the futility of striving after worldly fulfillment. More extensive treatments state that our karma (actions) have consequences, death is not the end, and our words, actions, and beliefs have consequences after death. The Buddha himself followed and taught a successful path out of this world and the other world (heaven and underworld/hells),[36, 37, 38, Web 2] and his example can be followed to the same successful result. Later on, right view came to explicitly include karma and rebirth and the importance of the Four Noble Truths, when "insight" (vipassana) became central to Buddhist soteriology, especially in Theravada Buddhism [39, 40].
2. Right Intention (samyaka-saṃkalpa/sammā-saṅkappa) can also be known as "right thought," "right aspiration," "right resolve," or "right motivation" [41]. In this factor, one aspires to let go, renounce (stop clinging to) the worldly life and follow the Buddhist path [42] of purification and freedom. The practitioner is full of thoughts of and intends to strive toward non-violence (ahimsa) and avoid violent and hateful/aversive conduct [40].
3. Right Speech: avoiding lying, abuse, division, and idle chatter [43, 44].
4. Right Conduct: to avoid killing or injuring, taking what is not given, sexual misconduct, intoxication.
5. Right Livelihood: avoiding trading in weapons, living beings, meat, intoxicants/poisons.
6. Right Effort: preventing the arising of unwholesome mental states that not arisen, deposing ones that have, generating wholesome states, and maintaining them to their consummation. What are the profitable mental states? The Seven Factors of Enlightenment (bojjhaṅgā). This includes "guarding the sense-doors" (indriya-samvara), restraint of the sense faculties [45, 46].
7. Right Mindfulness (sati; satipatthana; sampajañña): a quality that guards the heart/mind as it dispassionately watches over [47] and looks on. The stronger mindfulness becomes, the weaker unwholesome states of mind become, weakening their power "to take over and dominate thought, word, and deed" [48, Note 3]. In the insight meditation (vipassana) movement, mindfulness is interpreted as dispassionate "bare attention," watching, vigilance, remaining present and aware with whatever arises in this moment: not being absent minded, but rather being conscientious and conscious of what one is doing; this encourages the awareness of the impermanence of body, feelings, and mind, as well as to dispassionately examine the Five Aggregates clung to as self (skandhas), the Five Hindrances, the Four Noble Truths, and the Seven Factors of Enlightenment [46].
8. Right Samadhi (passaddhi; ekaggata; sampasadana): practicing the Four Stages of Jhana (Sanskrit dhyāna or "meditation"), which includes samadhi/absorption proper in the second stage and reinforces the development of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, culminating in equanimity (upekkhā) and mindfulness (sati) [50]. In the Theravada tradition and the insight meditation movement, this is interpreted as singlepointedness of mind (ekaggata), stillness, focus, concentration, one-pointedness of the mind, fulfilled through the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as vipassana meditation, which aims at liberating insight from all illusion. More

20 Indigenous/Native American sayings

You can lead a horse to water, but keep it clean.

Is timeless wisdom (prajna) limited to the historical Buddha? There are, in fact, many sources of profound insight and knowledge, much of it coming from this occupied land of the settler colonial project we call the USA. The Indigenous inhabitants kept harmony and balance for more than 10,000 years, and we would do well to learn their lessons of sustainability and preservation. Many Buddhist sayings are collected in the Dhammapada.

India should reclaim Buddhism to build power

The Dhammapada is the best known and most widely esteemed text in the Pali language collection, the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. The work is included in the Minor Collection of the Sutra Basket, but its popularity has raised it far above the place it occupies in the texts to the ranks of a world religious classic. Composed in the ancient Pali language spoken by the Buddha, this slim anthology of verses constitutes a perfect compendium of the Buddha's teaching, comprising between its covers all the essential principles elaborated at length in the 40-odd volumes of the Pali canon. According to the Theravada Buddhist tradition, each verse in the Dhammapada was originally spoken by the Buddha in response to a particular event or episode. Accounts of these, along with an explanation of the verses, are preserved in the classic commentary to the work, compiled by the great Buddhaghosa in the fifth century C.E. on the basis or material going back to much more ancient times. The contents of the verses, however, transcend the limited and particular circumstances of their origin, reaching out through the ages to various types of people in all the diverse situations of life

• The Dhammapada: The Buddha's Path of Wisdom

1. "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

This saying or proverb emphasizes the importance of stewardship for [seven] future generations. It calls us to consider the legacy we leave behind [when we leave off using this planet and its resources].

Living with this mindset encourages sustainable practices and a deep respect for nature. Reflecting on this, one might find inspiration to make conscious choices that protect the environment. It’s a reminder that our actions today will shape the world of tomorrow, urging us to be mindful custodians of our planet.

Family says Indigenous woman was beaten to death on Navajo Nation

(Indigenous police have no right to arrest non-Navajos who commit crimes)

2. “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth, befalls the children of the Earth.”

This proverb or traditional saying highlights the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. It teaches that every action has a ripple effect, influencing the broader ecosystem.

Understanding this connection fosters empathy and mindfulness, urging us to live in harmony with nature. It reminds us that our well-being is tied to the health of the planet.

Embracing this wisdom can guide us to make decisions that support ecological balance, promoting a sustainable future for ourselves and [seven] future generations.

3. “Walk lightly in the spring, and you will not disturb the summer.” More

• VIDEO: Unearthed Wonders: Exploring the Lost Cities of Ancient History in US, Cambodia, and elsewhere

• Ella Brown; Montezuma Local News (video); Xochitl, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Who created creation? Who's the Creator?

Siddhartha in awakening, found 'the Creator'

It's interesting that when the wandering ascetic Siddhartha became "the Enlightened One," the Buddha, he found the Creator and said so. The words are famous in Buddhist history for what they say about our present situation even though we have not yet realized it. But we will at our awakening, when and if we become enlightened. It's not guaranteed that we will. In fact, if we do nothing, it's guaranteed that we won't. The Buddha's final words were, "All things are hurtling towards destruction; work out your salvation (enlightenment) with diligence." So what did he say?

"Through the round of many rebirths I roamed without reward, without rest, seeking the house-builder. Painful is rebirth again and again. House-builder, you are seen! You will not build a house again. All your rafters broken, the ridge pole destroyed, gone to the unformed, the mind has come to the end of craving."

— Dhammapada 153-4

I’ve seen you, house-builder!

You won’t build a house again!

Your rafters are all broken,

your roof-peak is demolished.

The mind, set on deconstruction,

has reached the end of craving.

Dhp 154—Bhikkhu Sujato (edited trans)

If there's no Creator, why does the Universe exist? A Buddhist answer

(Buddhism Podcast) June 4, 2025: Buddhism Explained. The universe exists not by a creator, but through endless cycles of conditions. The Buddha (in Buddhist cosmology) presents Dependent Origination, where everything that arises does so from interconnected causes, challenging traditional and scientific quests for a first spark [or prime mover].

Understand why the Buddha redirected focus from cosmic origins to the immediate path of ending suffering right here right now.

This profound wisdom finds surprising parallels in modern scientific thought, revealing a cosmos shaped by karma and interdependence. Learn how to transform external questions into inner clarity and liberation, finding peace in understanding reality as it truly unfolds.

• 00:00 - The human longing: Who made this?
• 06:12 - No creator: the universe of conditions
• 13:29 - The six realms [31 Planes of Existence] — where consciousness can reappear
• 17:43 - Waking from the cosmic dream [Maya]
• 21:20 - The real answer: From external questions to inner freedom

Ironic sarcasm (with a point)

Black Joshua, how shall we live? - It's all yours.

Aha, Buddhism must be wrong because obviously Creation must have a Creator. It's built right into the word. All of this was created by someone somewhere somehow at sometime. That much we know. The rest is a mystery. The Black God came down to Earth after it evaporated from being the "face of the deep," a great big sea or primordial soup, and he made a matching pair called Steve and Eve, or was that Adam and Lilith? And He, it was a he, right? We can all at least agree He was a white man, very Germanic, kind of Ashkenazi Scandinavian, but the Pair in the Garden got tanned from not wearing clothes or using the sunblock the Lord provideth... Preposterous, but so many of us buy into our society's creation myths without thinking.

Who created us? - We looked...

The Native American stories are best, very direct and campfiery. The Indigenous people were living by the beach in Tovaangar (future Los Angeles) and the Creator made a Rainbow Bridge for people to go to Catalina Island, saying, 'Don't look down as you cross over the ocean.' But some did, and as a result they fell off the bridge and became our brothers and sisters the dolphins."

Now that's a creation tale we can embrace, living on the beach, traversing rainbows, swimming with the dolphins.

down and fell. It had to be the Great D!

As Westerners invading the area, we laugh, but we can't imagine anyone laughing out our nonsense: "Once upon a time, before time, there was this nothingness but this Guy lived alone, very lonely, nothing to do all day but putter about, so he created us, put us in a Garden, male first to set the social order, populated the place with plants and animals, everyone living in peace, no one eating anyone else, everyone purely vegan and peaceful.

Should I have mentioned my Snake?

Except for this one snake jerk, a real troublemaker, doubting the Lord, and contaminating the mind of the Jenny-come-lately female pulled out of the male's rib. The Great Creator God wanted to keep us pig ignorant, and this dang Serpent (Reptilian) had to go and lead the Pair to the fruiting body of some kind of psychedelic mushroom growing off the lignans of a tree the Lord God forbade us from ever eating from. It's not like He set us up for failure or anything. We are full of sin and sinners, most of us unrepentant, so we deserve all we get. (Ya think maybe Natives roll their eyes at hearing such campfire tales from Bible thumpers?)

Both sound good. Don't know which to believe

Get real and stop joking around

Isn't the Buddha just another philosopher? NO!

Is irony any way to teach? Probably not given that we live in a Post-Ironic Age and everyone suffering from irony deficiency.

The Buddha often spoke of an imagined "Creator," Brahma ("Supremo") or Maha Brahma ("Great Supremo"). There are gods. Gods have powers and can create things. Now imagine a God creates something, as the creative gods can do on higher planes. That would not mean that they really bring us into being or end us, save us from bad karmic ("sin") results, or get us into heavens, of which there are many, none of which are actually permanent. No God creates new beings, new souls, new selves and individuals. But, then, what is creating ALL of this?

In a sense, each of us is the creator of our experience. This is deep and hard to understand by our usual way of thinking -- all of the misguided assumptions we've inherited. The Buddha was well aware of these philosophical problems and questions. Some are good. Most such questions do not lead to freedom, liberation, the end of suffering, enlightenment, or nirvana.

Indeed, there was once a dissatisfied Buddhist monk (Malunkyaputta) who, failing to meditate, got to thinking: Who am I, why am I here, is life infinite or not, what happens after death, and many such perplexing questions. He realized he had never asked the Buddha and gotten clarity on these philosophical conundrums, yet he was a monk.

So he went over to the Buddha and said, "If you cannot answer these questions to my satisfaction, I will stop being a monk and leave the sangha." Rather than answering him, the Buddha asked if they had ever entered into an agreement that if he became a monk, the Buddha would answer all of these perplexing questions.

The monk agreed that he did not. The Buddha further pointed out that what he said was for fast progress toward enlightenment and freedom. And these questions, whatever the answer, were not conducive to that.

It was far better to follow the Path than to remain stuck pondering all of these types of questions (which probably included the Four Imponderables). Become enlightened and see for yourself is the spirit of the matter. The monk was flummoxed by this logic.

Then the Buddha removed all doubt by teaching this monk using an amazing analogy: The Parable of the Poisoned Arrow

#BuddhistCosmology #Buddhism #NoCreator. Channel's purpose and commitment: This channel is committed to sharing the beauty and wisdom of Buddhist teachings with the purpose of education and inspiration. All content is created with deep respect for the [historical] Buddha’s teachings, aiming to promote understanding, mindfulness, and compassion in everyday life. The goal is to present the values and practices of Buddhism in a way that is accessible and beneficial to everyone, regardless of their background or [religious, agnostic, or atheistic] beliefs. It does not seek to influence or alter anyone’s faith but simply to offer insights into the timeless wisdom of Buddhism as a source of guidance and positivity. This channel is a space for learning, reflection, and connection, guided by the principles of respect, kindness, and truth. Feedback or concerns are welcomed as is open and respectful dialogue. Thanks for supporting the mission to share the meaningful messages of Buddhism with the world.

• Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, American Dad); Buddhist Podcast (video), June 4, 2025; Bible stories with Mrs. Betty Bowers, America's Best Christian; text by Dhr. Seven, Ashley Wells, Amber Larson, Xochitl, Wisdom Quarterly

Can Buddhism be summarized in a nutshell?

What is the Buddha-Dharma?

One way to summarize Buddhism, which is vast and varied, broken up into various schools, and differing from country to country is to say that what Buddh-ism ("Awaken-ism") is really a path to enlightenment. Nearly everything else is commentary. Buddhism in a nutshell is the compacted message of the Four Noble Truths. Noble means "enlightened," and the four truths are ennobling = enlightening. Again and again, the Buddha's Teaching (the Doctrine or Dharma of the Awakened One) comes back to this.

Many things are true, but very few lead to bodhi

Students completely misunderstand if they adopt the view that these are four propositions to believe, memorize, repeat, or anything like that. These are not dogmas but fundamental truths about life that lead to the complete end of suffering because all suffering is rooted in ignorance and delusion. Life is an illusion because although things are impermanent, disappointing, and impersonal, we take it to be the exact opposite. Buddhism is not a faith to adopt. It is a path-of-practice to penetrate by calm and insight (samadhi and vipassana or the meditative absorptions and practice of Dependent Origination).

Buddhism is kinda out there, Man

(Exurb1a) In three years this video has garnered 4.1 million views. For those interested in Buddhism, this is some stuff the author certainly got a kick out of over the years: A massive amount of this video comes from a lecture series by Malcolm David Eckel. Listen to it (audible.com/pd/Buddhism...); it's just ace. And no, this is not sponsored.

• The Dhammapada or Sayings of the Buddha
• Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shunryu Suzuki)
• Another brilliant intro to Zen by Alan Watts
• VIDEO: Act Normal (a great documentary about a Western Buddhist monk)

Geometry for Ocelots

Exurb1a wrote a book, Geometry for Ocelots, where it's the end of history. Humanity transitioned to the era of holy technology. Now humans present as saintly animals, spending their days in meditation and drug-induced euphoria, far from the dark secrets their paradise is founded upon. Then an ancient prophet returns in the form of a troubled young girl. Galactic peace can only last so long. Geometry for Ocelots is the story of two monarch siblings gone to war — a holy empress and an alcoholic dean of a university. With galactic resources dwindling, both believe they hold the answer to the crisis, spiritual salvation
or technological nirvana.

► Other books tinyurl.com/ycnl5bo3.  ► T-shirts, mugs, and sadness ► teespring.com/stores/exurb1a. Exurb1a also makes horrendous music ► exurbia-1exurbia-1 For sending personalized insults ► exurb1a. Help him do this kind of thing full-time for those deranged enough think he should ► patreon.com.

• Exurb1a, 6/3/21; Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Verses of the Dhammapada (Dhp. 1)

Sutta Friends (Dhp. 1: Pairs (6-20); Dhr. Seven, Crystal Q. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

A new translation of The Dhammapada (Gil Fronsdal)

So much potential as "Buddha Boy," now Ram Bahadur Bomjon is sunk in controversy.

.

Could Buddha Boy become a buddha?

6. People who quarrel do not realize that one day through these quarrels they will die, but those who do realize this fact [quickly] settle their quarrels.

7. Whoever lives focused on the pleasant nature of things, with sense faculties unguarded, immoderate in eating, lazy and sluggish, will be overpowered by Māra (Death), just as a storm throws down a weak [and stiff] tree.

8. Whoever lives focused on the unpleasant nature of things, with their sense faculties guarded, moderate in eating, faithful and diligent, will not be overpowered by Māra, just as a storm cannot shake a mountain of rock.

9. Whoever is defiled, devoid of self-control, devoid of truthfulness yet wears the monastic robe is surely unworthy of such a robe.

10. Whoever has removed defilements, is well established in virtue, is filled with self-control, is filled with truthfulness is indeed worthy of such a robe.

Knowing-and-seeing is best.

11. In the world there are unbeneficial things. Some mistake these unbeneficial things for beneficial ones. They also mistake beneficial things -- such as developing virtue, stillness (concentration), and wisdom -- for unbeneficial ones. They are enveloped in wrong thoughts. They never reach what is beneficial.

12. Based on right view some people think right thoughts. These wise ones know beneficial things -- such as developing virtue, stillness, and wisdom -- to be beneficial. They also know unbeneficial things to be unbeneficial. That is why they reach the most beneficial, nirvana.

13. Just as rain breaks through a poorly thatched house, lust penetrates the mind that has not been developed by calm-and-insight meditation.

14. Just as rain does not break through a well thatched house, lust fails to penetrate a mind that has been well developed by calm-and-insight meditation.

15. The wrongdoer grieves in this life and in the next, grieves in both worlds, cries and is afflicted, seeing one's own defiled deeds.

16. The maker of merit rejoices in this life and the next, rejoices in both worlds, rejoices and is delighted, seeing one's own pure actions.

17. The wrongdoer feels regret in this life and in the next, feels regret in both worlds, is remorseful knowing, “I have done harm.” One is even more remorseful once reborn on a plane of misery.

18. The maker of merit is delighted in this life and in the next, is delighted in both worlds, is delighted in knowing, “I have made merit.” One is delighted even more once one is reborn on a [fortunate plane].

19. Even though a negligent person preaches much Dharma (Truth) to others, one does not practice accordingly. That person is like a cowherd who counts only the cows of others. That person does not attain the stages of enlightenment as a monastic.

20. Even if a person practicing the Dharma preaches little to others, one lives according to the Dharma. With developed knowledge and a well-freed mind, one abandons passion, aversion, and wrong view (greed, hatred, and delusion). Not clinging to anything in this world or the next, one attains the stages of enlightenment as a monastic.

Well said, well said, well said! (Sādhu, sādhu, sādhu!) WQ translation based on Dhp. 1 Yamaka Vagga: Pairs (1-20) – suttafriends.org

Strange Secret to Success: right thinking?

After Skool, 6/20/23; Sheldon S., Seth Auberon, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Fake Buddha quote? No, an elaborated mistranslation of what the Buddha teaches in the opening lines of the Dhammapada: "Mind is the forerunner of all conditions." Thinking (intention) precedes acting (karma) and colors it, thereby molding the result. Skillful actions will yield fortunate results (vipaka, phala), unskillful actions (akusala karma) will bring woeful results.

The Strange Secret to Success: Earl Nightingale

The Strangest Secret

(After Skool) What is the strangest secret to success? "We become what we think about"?

Earl Nightingale V (March 12, 1921–March 25, 1989) claims "everyone" was in agreement on this point. It's so famous a saying that it has become a fake Buddha quote.

• AUDIO: The Strangest Secret and This I Believe: How to Live the Life You Desire

What did the Buddha actually say? "Things [life circumstances] are preceded by the mind (heart), ruled by the mind, made by the mind. If one speaks or acts [i.e., performs karma] with a corrupted mind then suffering follows — just as the wheel of the ox cart follows the ox that pulls it" (Dhp. 1). "Mind is the forerunner of all conditions; they are preceded by mind, ruled by mind, made by mind. If one speaks or acts with a calm and bright mind then happiness follows just as one's shadow that never departs" (Dhp. 2).

Earl Nightingale at the mic, bloviating.

Nightingale was an American radio speaker and author, dealing mostly with the subjects of human character development, psychology, motivation, and meaningful existence.

He was the voice, during the early 1950s, of Sky King, the hero of a radio adventure series. He was also a WGN radio program host from 1950 to 1956. He was the author of The Strangest Secret, which economist Terry Savage has termed "one of the great[est] motivational books of all time."

The goal is not to end thinking. Stay calm.

• *"Right thought," one of the factors of Buddhism's Noble Eightfold Path (noble = aryan = "ennobling" = enlightening), means thinking thoughts of renunciation (letting go, non-clinging, non-lust rather than the usual sensual craving that overtakes one), thoughts of non-harming (ahimsa) or non-ill-will, thoughts of non-cruelty. "Right thought" is usually defined as right intention or right resolve, referring to the underlying motivation for an action or deed (karma). The resultants to be expected are called the vipaka (karmic resultant) and the phala (karmic fruit).

Like this video? Want to help create more? Please support After Skool on Patreon patreon.com/AfterSkool To get in touch, visit our website afterskool.net. For prints and merch shop.afterskool.net. For daily inspirational art, follow After Skool on IG and please subscribe.

“Rule your mind or it will rule you”

Bodhipaksa (fakebuddhaquotes.com) edited by Dhr. Seven, Ananda, CC Liu, Wisdom Quarterly

While this quote is not Buddhist in origin, it is close. The Buddha gives similar advice in the Dhammapada. Anger is no friend.

It is a derived English translation of the Roman poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus). It came from something he wrote in Latin in a letter to his friend, Lollius Maximus: Ira furor brevis est; animum rege, qui, nisi paret, imperat; hunc frenis, hunc tu compesce catena.

R.M. Millington translated it in his book The Epistles of Horace in Rhythmic Prose, for the Student (1870):

“Rage is brief madness; so, then, for it is or the slave or lord. Restrain the mind with bridle and with chain.”

H. P. Haughton’s archaic translation in The Classical Student’s Translation of Horace (1844) is:

“Ire is a brief fury; rule you your mind; which unless it obeys, commands. This do you restrain with curbs, this do you restrain with a chain.”

The style here, particularly the final sentence, is close to early Buddhist scriptures. A more modern translation of the same passage by David Ferry (The Epistles of Horace, 2001) has:

"…A fit of rage

Is a fit of honest-to-goodness genuine madness.

Keep control of your passions. If you don’t,

Your passions are sure to get control of you.

Keep control of them, bridle them, keep them in chains."

In the 1926 edition of Putnam’s Complete Book of Quotations, Proverbs and Household Words (p. 490), edited by William Gurney Benham, the quote is given as:

Animum rege, qui, nisi paret,

Imperat.

"Rule your mind, which, unless it is your servant, is your

master."

(Horace, Ep., 2, Part 1)

Horace inspired by devi muses.

This is different than the quote in question, which is actually from the index of the book, where references to the actual quotes are arranged by theme.

“Rule your mind or it will rule you” is found twice, under “Inclination” and also under “Mind.” The wording given is not meant to be a translation of Horace, but rather a summary of what Horace was saying.

In fact, the index suggests that this paraphrase also applies to another quote, on page 559. So “Rule your mind or it will rule you” paraphrases Horace rather than directly translating him.

Over the decades, however, the paraphrase in the index came to be presented as a direct quote of Horace.

The Buddha says many things like this in the Dhammapada or "The Imprint or Way of the Dharma," that parallels this Latin phrase. He compares spiritual training with training a wild animal, like a young elephant brought out of the jungle to be tamed, trained, and put to good use. For example, in two translated verses of the Dhammapada run:

322. Excellent are well-trained mules, thoroughbred Sindhu horses, and noble tusker elephants. But better still is one who has subdued oneself.

323. Not by these mounts [animals one travels on such as the garuda], however, would one go to the Untrodden Land (nirvana), as one who is self-tamed goes by one's own tamed and well-controlled mind.

In the Numerical Discourses of the Buddha (Anguttara Nikaya) the Buddha says:

"Meditators, I know not of any other single thing so conducive to great loss as the untamed mind. The untamed mind indeed conduces to great loss.

"Meditators, I know not of any other single thing so conducive to great profit as the tamed mind. The tamed mind indeed conduces to great profit."

Another verse from the Dhammapada reads:

42. "Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm."

New Age sentiments (fakebuddhaquotes.com)

The Buddha seems to have in mind an understanding similar to what Horace later wrote and expressed differently.

In one extended metaphor, the Buddha says that six wild animals tied together would all try to run off in different directions. The overall direction they would take would depend on the competing desires and relative strengths of the different beasts.

This collection represents the mind (as one of the six senses) divided and pulled in all directions by competing urges arising as sense desires or cravings.

Mindfulness is the solution the Buddha offers, for it acts like a stake placed in the ground to which the six may be fixed and brought under control then pacified then used for insight and liberation:

“It is just as if a person, catching six animals of different ranges and habitats, were to bind them with a strong rope. Catching a snake, one would bind it with a strong rope. Catching a crocodile… a bird… a dog… a hyena… a monkey, one would bind it with a strong rope. Binding them of all with a strong rope, one would tether them to a strong post or stake in the ground.

“Then those six animals, of different ranges and habitats, would each pull toward its own range and habitat. The snake would pull thinking, ‘I’ll go into the anthill.’ The crocodile would pull thinking, ‘I’ll go into the water.’ The bird would pull thinking, ‘I’ll go up into the air.’ The dog would pull thinking, ‘I’ll go into the village.’ The hyena would pull thinking, ‘I’ll go into the charnel ground.’ The monkey would pull thinking, ‘I’ll go into the forest.’

"And when these six animals become exhausted, they stand, sit, or lie down next to the post or stake.

"In the same way, when a meditator pursues and develops mindfulness fixed on the body,

• the eye does not pull toward pleasing forms, and displeasing forms are not regarded as repulsive.
• The ear does not pull toward pleasing sounds…
• The nose does not pull toward pleasing aromas…
• The tongue does not pull toward pleasing flavors…
• The body does not pull toward pleasing tactile sensations…
• The mind does not pull toward pleasing mental phenomena, and displeasing mental phenomena are not regarded as repulsive. This, meditators, is restraint.”

He said, "Do all that is good, avoid all bad."

If we watch our minds for any length of time in meditation, we notice that it does in fact dart here and there like a monkey suffering from ADHD.

Staying with an object of meditation (e.g., the breath or a sensation) is extremely difficult. But mindfulness, as it strengthens, gives us the power to notice when the mind goes astray. And as we notice we gain the power to bring it back to the object.

Since many of the thoughts to which the mind would turn if it were left unrestrained would reinforce anxiety, anger, doubt, and so on, we find ourselves growing calmer and happier. A mind compassionately and mindfully restrained is a happy mind. More