Dhamma Padam

DHAMMA PADAM (Review)

DHAMMA PADAM (in Telugu) Author: Dr. Ratnakaram Baja Raju. Pages: 314 Price: Rs. 150.

Publishers: Adhyatmika Vidya Grandha Ratnamala Saketa Nilayam, 21, SBI Colony, Anantapur (A.P.) 515 001.

This excellently written book provides the original text in Pali and its translation in Sanskrit and Telugu with cross references to Upanishads and other pre-Buddhistic scriptures. With his wide knowledge and vast scholarship Dr. Balaraju offers his own commentary in the light of Vedas and Upanishads.

DHAMMA PADAM(the Path of Righteousness) is a rare jewel in Buddhist Philosophy and Ethics. It is an ethical code with emphasis upon the principles of good conduct. It is the essence of Buddha’s teaching because Buddha always taught that the secret of true happiness lies in the right choice between ‘PREYAS’ (What is pleasant) and SREYAS (what is good for society and the individual).

Buddha’s preachings as pre­served by his disciples are contained in DHAMMA PADA in the shape of 423 ‘gadhas’ arranged in 26 ‘vargas ‘ each preceptive saying being a capsule of knowledge and wisdom. These im­portant principles of good conduct are expressed in simple language by means of similes drawn from daily life and nature with which common people are familiar.

Swamy Vivekananda paid a glowing tribute to Buddha for convey­ing his ideas and message in Pali, the language of the masses. He said: “He wanted rapid and immediate results, and translated and preached in the language of the day– Pali. That was grand. He spoke the language of the people and the people understood him. It spread the ideas quickly and made them reach far and wide.”

Dr. Balaraju has profusely quoted from scholars like Rhys Davis. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Bala Gangadhar Tilak and Ranade to prove his points. He has explained difficult words like ‘Nirvana’. ‘Karma’ and ‘Kshanika vada’ in positive terms on the lines of the vedic and upanishadic thought. He blames the later-day Buddhists for creating confusion by distorting some of the teachings of Buddha. He takes the view that Bud­dha did not preach ‘Nihilism’.

The following are a sample assortment of fragrant flowers culled from the garden of DHAMMA PADA: (English translation is mine):

“The perfume of flowers and sandal wood does nottravel against the wind. The fragrance of the deeds of good men travels against the wind and spreads in all directions.” (54).

“Fresh milk does not turn into curds at once. Likewise the misdeeds of men instead of producing ill-effects immediately scorch the sinner unknown like the fire which lies concealed under the ashes.” (71)

“When you see a man of true knowledge and intelligence who repri­mands you for your blemishes in con­duct, you should serve him and treat him as though he showed you priceless treasures.” (76)

“The men of true Knowledge are not affected by praise or blame just as the mountain, is not affected by the winds.” (81)

“Intelligent persons renounce sensual pleasures and seek Nirvana by keeping themselves aloof from worries and mental unpeace.” (88)

“Even angels respect the person who has mastered pride and passions, just as the skilled rider disciplines the horse and holds the reins in his hands.” (91)

“That place is extremely beauti­ful where noble men reside even if it is a village, wilderness, valley or moun­tain.” (98)

“The man who conquers himself is a more valiant hero than the warrior who defeats a hundred people a hundred times in battle.” (103)

“A moment’s honour done to a good and noble person is greater than the regular performance of yagna and the rituals for a hundred years.” (106)

“The self-conquest of such a person cannot be changed into defeat even by Brahma Himself and Devas and Gandharvas.”

The man of good conduct who serves old people daily will get four blessings – longevity beauty, happi­ness and strength.”

“It is better to live for one day than to live for a hundred years with­out striving for Nirvana.”

“The man who pursues happi­ness but punishes others who also seek happiness like him will not get happiness after this birth.”

“Those who dig canals can send the water wherever they like. Those who make arrows give them, sharpness and right shape. Carpenters chisel the wood into proper form. Likewise wise men control their minds.” (145)

“The well-built chariots of Kings will deteriorate and get ruined. The human body too will get old. But the righteous conduct of good men will not get old.”
“The man of ignorance will get old and perish like a bullock. In flesh he will grow bulky but not in intelligence.” (152)

“The man who does not earn money in his youth and achieve equa­nimity will be helplessly standing like an old crane by the side of a tank without fish.” (155)

“This world is enveloped in darkness. Those who have eyes to see properly are few. Very few get to heaven like the birds escaping from the fowler’s net.” (174)

“Build an island for yourself. Doit quickly. Be wise. If you cleanse your mind of its impurities and become sinless, you will get the land of bliss.”

“The practice of yoga leads to Jnana (True knowledge). If yoga is not practiced knowledge will decline. One should exercise discretion in choosing between them.” (282)

“Oh, Sramana, motivate your­self. Evaluate yourself. Self-assess­ment leads to self-protection and even­tual happiness.” (370)

The book is a piece of pains tak­ing research. Dr. Balarajuhas made a substantial contribution to spiritual literature. It is a timely warning to our countrymen in particular and to the world in general so that they do not continue to deviate from the course of virtue (Dharma Padha) charted by Buddha a long ago. It is a timely publi­cation which, I am sure, will find its way into every library. As Swamy Ranganadhananda said in his ‘Bene­diction’, it has relevance for all of us.

- I. V. Chalapati Rao