Chapter 1: Who Should Help Whom
Simile:
Water has the quality of being able to cleanse impurities very well.
However, it is also natural that water absorbs those impurities into itself.
If the water does not receive sunlight and heat to help separate and evaporate those impurities away,
then the water becomes the one that is foul, dirty, and unpleasant
while the other things remain clear and clean
because of the water.
Meaning:
When we help others who are suffering,
it is like water helping to cleanse impurities.
But the suffering of others naturally comes to be involved within our own mind as well.
If we do not know how to use the Dhamma to separate our own mind from that suffering,
then even though we may be able to help relieve others’ suffering,
we ourselves will become the one who ends up carrying that suffering instead.
Chapter 2: Which Way Should One Go?
Simile:
A cart whose left wheel is smaller than the right will always veer and circle toward the left.
A cart whose right wheel is smaller than the left will likewise veer and circle toward the right.
But a cart with both wheels equal will move straight forward.
Meaning:
One who studies the Dhamma extensively but practices little will have thoughts that wander and circle in one direction.
One who practices a great deal but studies little will likewise have thoughts that wander and circle in another direction.
But one who balances both study and practice appropriately, in accordance with one’s own nature,
will steadily progress in understanding at all times.
Chapter 3: What Does “Just Right” Mean?
Simile:
An adult who works hard may need two plates of rice to feel properly full.
A child may feel satisfied with just one plate.
A sick person may already feel full after only half a plate.
What is “just right” does not depend on quantity,
but on the capacity of each individual.
Meaning:
One with great wisdom should study the Dhamma extensively.
One with moderate wisdom should study the Dhamma in moderation.
One with limited wisdom should learn only as much as they are able to understand.
One who tries to learn beyond the capacity of their own wisdom will never discover the Middle Path that leads to true success.
Chapter 4: The Bird Does Not See the Sky, the Fish Does Not See the Water
Simile:
A bird does not see the sky because it lives and flies within it, being a part of the sky.
A fish does not see the water because it lives and swims within it, being a part of the water.
A human being, however, can see both the sky and the water because one stands upon the ground.
Meaning:
One who makes merit while expecting a return
will not see the true fruit of their wholesome actions,
because they keep thinking that their merit has brought no result.
One who does unwholesome actions without any sense of shame
will not see the consequences of their actions,
because they believe they have done no wrong.
But one who makes merit without expecting anything in return
and who has a sense of moral shame toward wrongdoing
is rightly called one who truly sees the Dhamma.
Chapter 5: Is It Truly Short or Long?
Simile:
A man once took a long stick into a deep body of water, but it could not reach the bottom,
so he said the stick was too short.
Later, he took that same stick into a dense forest,
and he said the stick was too long and cumbersome.
In truth, the stick remained the same length all along—
it was only his perception that had changed.
Meaning:
When a person is experiencing happiness,
they often feel that time passes too quickly.
But when they are experiencing suffering,
they feel that time drags on endlessly.
In truth, time itself has not changed—
it is the mind that has changed.
Chapter 6: What Kind of Vessel Are You?
Simile:
A vessel that is cleaned only on the outside may look new and pleasant to touch,
but it is not suitable for cooking.
A vessel that is cleaned only on the inside may indeed be suitable for cooking,
but it appears dirty and is unpleasant to handle.
A vessel that is clean both inside and out
is beautiful, pleasant to handle, and well-suited for use.
Meaning:
One who focuses only on outward appearance
often has a mind that is impure, narrow, and self-centered.
One who focuses only on purifying the mind
without regard for outward conduct
may appear lacking in restraint or composure.
But one who consistently maintains restraint in body, speech, and mind
is truly pure, both outwardly and inwardly.
Chapter 7: Truth Is One
Simile:
Lamps may differ in colour, design, and the materials that form their outer coverings, according to the preferences of their makers.
Yet all lamps serve the same purpose—to give light and illuminate the path.
No matter how different the colours or outer forms of the lamps may be,
the light within them is always the same.
Therefore, one who walks the path should value the light that illuminates the way,
rather than becoming attached to the form or beauty of the lamp itself.
Meaning:
Every religion has its own rituals and methods of teaching,
which may differ according to the views of its founders.
Yet the aim of all these religions is the same—
to guide people toward a way of living that leads to happiness.
No matter how different the rituals or teachings may be,
the truth itself remains the same.
A wise person should value truth more than rituals.
Chapter 8: We Come Empty-Handed, We Leave Empty-Handed
Simile:
When first born, a human being cries, struggles, and tightly clenches their fists,
even though they have brought nothing with them at all.
Even when grown into adulthood and gaining understanding,
they still cry whenever they do not get what they desire.
And when nearing death, they cry once more out of attachment to what they love,
yet must leave this world with open hands—
unable to take anything with them at all.
Meaning:
One who lacks understanding in the Dhamma
struggles and searches for things they love and cling to.
If they do not obtain what they love,
or if they are separated from it,
they weep and lament in deep suffering.
And at the final moment of life,
they weep again out of fear of losing what they love,
yet must still depart from this world
without being able to take any of it along.
Chapter 9: Knowledge and Wisdom
Simile:
If one wishes to make a strong and durable steel blade,
one must first seek out a good source of iron ore.
Once good ore is found,
it must be smelted and forged with effort and endurance,
hammered again and again until the blade takes the desired shape.
Then, once the blade is formed,
it must be carefully sharpened on a stone
and cooled with water
until it becomes sharp enough for use.
Thus it can be said that
“a sharp blade”
is simply
“a blade that has been well refined and properly sharpened.”
Meaning:
If one wishes to gain true knowledge,
one should first seek a good teacher.
Once a good teacher is found,
one must be willing to dedicate time,
endure effort and hardship,
and patiently learn.
Then, once knowledge has been acquired,
it must be carefully reflected upon and practiced
with a calm and mindful awareness.
Only then will sharp wisdom arise—
able to resolve problems effectively.
Thus, it can be said that
“wisdom”
is simply
“knowledge that has been well refined and cultivated.”
Chapter 10: What Is More Important?
Simile:
A wild elephant possesses immense strength
and roams freely according to its own will.
If one wishes to capture and train it for use,
a strong chain must be prepared to restrain it.
Yet no matter how strong the chain may be,
if it is not firmly anchored to a solid post in the ground,
the elephant will pull away—taking both the chain and the post with it.
Meaning:
The mind, like the wild elephant, possesses immense power—
yet it is often restless, unsettled, and inclined to wander freely.
If one wishes to train the mind and develop its strength,
one must apply suitable methods of meditation to restrain and steady it.
However, no matter how powerful these methods may be,
without mindfulness as a firm foundation guiding them,
the mind cannot be held steady at all.
Chapter 11: Do Not Cling to the Outer Form
Simile:
Whether tuna is placed on a banana leaf or on a golden tray,
it remains the same tuna.
When a cat sees the fish,
it eats it without concern for whether it is on a leaf or a golden tray.
But most people prefer to eat tuna that is served on a golden tray
rather than on a banana leaf.
The cat follows its instinct,
while humans follow their imagination.
Meaning:
The Dhamma remains the same
no matter how it is presented.
Some people value the substance of the teaching
more than the rituals.
But others become more interested in the rituals
than in the teaching itself.
Clinging to appearances and imagined embellishments
leads one further away from true understanding of the Dhamma.
Chapter 12: Intention Is What Matters
Simile:
A boat that is not leaking
can remain afloat without sinking.
However, a boat without oars or an engine
cannot move toward any destination.
Even if the boat does not leak and has a working engine,
without a rudder to steer its direction,
it cannot reach its intended destination.
Meaning:
A person with good fortune
naturally lives more comfortably than others.
However, without wisdom and right understanding,
they cannot truly improve or progress in life.
Even if one has good fortune, wisdom, and knowledge,
without right intention in how one lives,
one cannot arrive at true happiness and fulfillment
in the later stages of life.
Chapter 13: Learn from the Monkey
Simile:
A monkey that covers its eyes with both hands,
a monkey that covers its ears with both hands,
and a monkey that knows to cover its mouth—
that monkey lives at ease.
Meaning:
One who does not look at what should not be seen,
one who does not listen to what should not be heard,
and one who does not speak what should not be spoken—
that person lives with ease,
in both body and mind.
Chapter 14: Live a Life of Benefit
Simile:
A branch that bears abundant fruit
naturally bends low toward the ground.
But a branch that bears no fruit
often stretches upward toward the sky—
standing alone.
Both humans and animals
are naturally drawn to the branch that bears fruit.
Meaning:
One who possesses great knowledge
and shows kindness toward others
naturally becomes humble.
One who knows little yet is arrogant
tends to follow only their own will
and thus lives in isolation.
People are naturally drawn
to those who are beneficial to others
and who do not cling to status or pride.
Chapter 15: Too Much Strain Is Not Good
Simile:
When an actor puts on a mask,
they step onto the stage and perform according to their role.
But once they return backstage,
they should remove the mask and rest at ease.
An actor who refuses to take off the mask after the performance
will naturally feel discomfort and unease.
A good actor, therefore,
should not cling too tightly to the mask.
Meaning:
One who has duties to perform
should carry them out according to their role.
But once those duties are complete,
one should know how to let go and rest.
Those who become overly preoccupied and attached to their work
will naturally experience stress and discomfort.
A true practitioner of the Dhamma
should not cling too strongly to identity or self.
