Introduction
Dhammapada are Buddhist guiding verses and scriptures, which forms the basis of their religious beliefs. They are the founding principles under which the followers derive their faith and strength. Dhammapada verses are usually spoken and used in various situations, especially during Buddhist religious meetings and functions. They are also the basis under which their rituals are performed. They contain guidelines, which are to be followed and imparted to other people who profess the religion. In this discussion, we shall be focusing on some of the teachings of Dhammapada and their implications.
Four Noble Truths
The four noble truths’ highlights fundamentals truths that people need to know, which will help them in overcoming stress, grief and anxiety. Buddhism emphasizes on the importance of the wellbeing of the mind and the soul, which are often affected by external and internal pressures. When people know the four noble truths, they will be able to overcome some of the negative pressures that cause psychological strain and torture. The truths as highlighted by include The truth of dukkha which causes suffering, anxiety and stress, The truth of about the origin of dukkha, The truth of the cessation of dukkha and finally The truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha (Easwaran, 36-50).
The origin of dukkha is sorrow, which causes a sadness of heart. Even though the Buddhist believes in happiness but emphasize on the fact that it is never permanent. A number of issues, which will make them sad and unhappy, will be encountered. This brings them to the truth about its origin. This has been explained as cravings that are brought about by the unsatisfactory nature of human being. There is usually a desire to live a better happy life that makes crave for the process, which will mostly make them unhappy and sad. After knowing the origin, there is the cessation part, which is aimed at setting the individual free. Once a person understand what causes them stress and anxiety, it will be easier for them to look for means through which they will be freed. This is involves traditional practices and actions that will ensure the individuals relaxes. For instance, if the anxiety is because a person lacks knowledge, then they will make all efforts to search for the knowledge. The fourth and final truth is the cessation of dukkha, which is the Eight-fold path. It is discussed below
Eight-fold path
The Eight-fold path describes steps that are taken by an individual in their effort to overcome suffering. It is referred to us the stage of awakening where a person is expected to stop dreaming and live in reality. We realize that what causes a person to have stress and anxiety is because of the things they do not have control over. More often, a person dreams of being something that is different from what they are (Easwaran, 54). They keep wishing that things were different and live with the hope that what they desire will one day be achieved. Living a lie is a principle that is addressed by the Dhammapada. There is emphasis on people to know who they really are and accept life the way it is. This is to be achieved by living their lives in today rather than tomorrow.
They therefore need an individual to live in content by not comparing themselves with others. Knowing that their status is the best they could have will make them appreciate life even the more and therefore living in content. Eight-fold path is a practice that Buddhists have to go through in a school setting where they get to know and realize whom they are. They are also empowered to reach their highest potentials and therefore knowing the limit of their capabilities. The practice may differ from school to school depending on the environmental setting. This has also been affected by modernization where adjustments have to be made to cater for the changing needs.
Conclusion
The Dhammapada is mainly concerned about the psychological wellbeing of a person. This can only be achieved through inner discovery and content. It is a process that is not to achieve as many people live a lie. Knowledge is essential for freedom, which has to learned and practiced. Once people know what causes them anxiety, why it is caused and how they can free themselves, they will learn to appreciate every moment of their life (Easwaran, 87). This is not just a one-time practice as the Dhammapada highlights. It is a practice that has to be adopted on a daily basis. This is because of the realization that stress an anxiety is something that is likely to occur to an individual on a daily basis. Unless one adopts strategies that will help them resist all the negative pressures and appreciate life new, they will be overwhelmed. This is the basic reason why Dhammapada has to be read ob a regular basis and its teachings adopted by the followers.
Works cited
Easwaran, Eknath. The Dhammapada. London: Nilgiri Press, 2007.
