Episode 103 - Being an Upholder of The Dharma

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

In this episode we look at what it means to be an “Upholder of the Dharma” according to Buddha, and how we can, in a practical way, be one. In particular, we try to lessen the harm we do.

One does not uphold the Dharma

Only because one speaks a lot.

Having heard even a little,

If one perceives the Dharma with one’s own body

And is never negligent of the Dharma,

Then one is indeed an upholder of the Dharma. (Verse 259)

--Buddha, The Dhammapada

Doing no harm,

Practice what’s skillful,

Purify one’s mind:

This is the teaching of the buddhas.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada

References

Buddha. The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom. Translated by Acharya Buddharakkhita. Buddhist Publication Society Kandy, 1985. pp. 48.

The Story of Ekudana the Arahat.The Dhammapada: Verse and Stories, Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon, Burma, 1986. Courtesy of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=259