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Buddhist Stories andthe Dhammapada
The Mustard Seeds
Eating Stale Food
Crying for the Moon
Dhammapada Verses 1 and 2
Rahula’s Mirror
The Mustard Seeds
Once upon a time, there lived in Savatthi, a girl called Kisa Gotami who belonged to the lowest caste.
Despite her poverty, she had kindness and wisdom. A rich
merchant, seeing her inner qualities, eventually married her.
The Mustard Seeds
Once upon a time, there lived in Savatthi, a girl called Kisa Gotami who belonged to the lowest caste.
Despite her poverty, she had kindness and wisdom. A rich
merchant, seeing her inner qualities, eventually married her.
The Mustard Seeds
Once upon a time, there lived in Savatthi, a girl called Kisa Gotami who belonged to the lowest caste.
Despite her poverty, she had kindness and wisdom. A rich
merchant, seeing her inner qualities, eventually married her.
The Mustard Seeds
However, the family of her husband despised her because of she came
from a low caste.
After a few years, she gave birth to a baby boy. Her husband’s family
began to accept her because she provided him with a son, and her
happiness knew no bounds.
The Mustard Seeds
However, the family of her husband despised her because of she came
from a low caste.
After a few years, she gave birth to a baby boy. Her husband’s family
began to accept her because she provided him with a son, and her
happiness knew no bounds.
The Mustard Seeds
Sadly, the little baby boy suddenly died one night.
Mad with grief, she went to all her neighbours carrying the dead child
and asking for medicine to bring him back to life.
They all told her that the baby was dead but she refused to accept it.
The Mustard Seeds
Sadly, the little baby boy suddenly died one night.
Mad with grief, she went to all her neighbours carrying the dead child
and asking for medicine to bring him back to life.
They all told her that the baby was dead but she refused to accept it.
The Mustard Seeds
Sadly, the little baby boy suddenly died one night.
Mad with grief, she went to all her neighbours carrying the dead child
and asking for medicine to bring him back to life.
They all told her that the baby was dead but she refused to accept it.
The Mustard Seeds
Eventually a kind man told her to seek the help of the Buddha. She rushed to see him begging him to bring her son
back to life.
The Buddha told her to bring him some mustard seeds. But they must come from a house where no one had lost a
child, husband, parent, or friend.
The Mustard Seeds
Eventually a kind man told her to seek the help of the Buddha. She rushed to see him begging him to bring her son
back to life.
The Buddha told her to bring him some mustard seeds. But they must come from a house where no one had lost a
child, husband, parent, or friend.
The Mustard Seeds
Kisa Gotami, full of hope, then went back to the city to look for the mustard
seeds. Every house pitied her and offered her some seeds to help.
But there wasn’t a house where no one could say that they had not lost a child,
husband, parent, or friend.
The Mustard Seeds
Kisa Gotami, full of hope, then went back to the city to look for the mustard
seeds. Every house pitied her and offered her some seeds to help.
But there wasn’t a house where no one could say that they had not lost a child,
husband, parent, or friend.
The Mustard Seeds
Unable to find the mustard seeds, she left the city in despair and wandered
around the countryside.
As night began to fall, she saw the lights in the city grow bright, flicker
then become dark again.
The Mustard Seeds
Unable to find the mustard seeds, she left the city in despair and wandered
around the countryside.
As night began to fall, she saw the lights in the city grow bright, flicker
then become dark again.
The Mustard Seeds
She then began to see that it is the nature of life that we are born, live our
lives, then eventually must die.
And as she suffered the loss of a loved one, so too had everyone else in the
city. She realized that death is common to all and is something that
everyone must face one day.
The Mustard Seeds
She then began to see that it is the nature of life that we are born, live our
lives, then eventually must die.
And as she suffered the loss of a loved one, so too had everyone else in the
city. She realized that death is common to all and is something that
everyone must face one day.
The Mustard Seeds
Seeing the truth, she buried her son then returned to the Buddha. She took
Refuge, become one of his disciples and eventually attained enlightenment.
Death is something we must eventually face. It is the impermanent nature of
our lives.
The Mustard Seeds
Seeing the truth, she buried her son then returned to the Buddha. She took
Refuge, become one of his disciples and eventually attained enlightenment.
Death is something we must eventually face. It is the impermanent nature of
our lives.
The Mustard Seeds
The Buddha advised us to contemplate on death. This will serve to remind us
that we will eventually one day die.
Facing this truth will enable us to see things more clearly, live our lives more
responsibly and help us to become more calm and peaceful.
The Mustard Seeds
The Buddha advised us to contemplate on death. This will serve to remind us
that we will eventually one day die.
Facing this truth will enable us to see things more clearly, live our lives more
responsibly and help us to become more calm and peaceful.
Eating Stale Food
Once upon a time, in a city called Bhaddiya, a daughter was born to Dhananjaya, the city’s treasurer.
She was called Visakha and grew up to be bright and beautiful, and had a
kind and generous nature.
Eating Stale Food
Once upon a time, in a city called Bhaddiya, a daughter was born to Dhananjaya, the city’s treasurer.
She was called Visakha and grew up to be bright and beautiful, and had a
kind and generous nature.
Eating Stale Food
Once upon a time, in a city called Bhaddiya, a daughter was born to Dhananjaya, the city’s treasurer.
She was called Visakha and grew up to be bright and beautiful, and had a
kind and generous nature.
Eating Stale Food
When she became a teenager, some Brahmins saw Visakha and thought she would be an ideal wife for their
master Punnavaddhana, the son of a millionaire named Migara.
Accordingly, they made arrangements for Visakha to be
married to Punnavaddhana.
Eating Stale Food
When she became a teenager, some Brahmins saw Visakha and thought she would be an ideal wife for their
master Punnavaddhana, the son of a millionaire named Migara.
Accordingly, they made arrangements for Visakha to be
married to Punnavaddhana.
Eating Stale Food
From the day Visakha arrived in Savatthi, the city of her husband, she was kind and generous to everyone in the city and everyone loved her.
However, Visakha's father-in-law, Migara, was unhappy with her
because she was a devout follower of the Buddha while he was not.
Eating Stale Food
From the day Visakha arrived in Savatthi, the city of her husband, she was kind and generous to everyone in the city and everyone loved her.
However, Visakha's father-in-law, Migara, was unhappy with her
because she was a devout follower of the Buddha while he was not.
Eating Stale Food
He was a follower of naked ascetics, and while very wealthy, he was not a
generous man.
Migara looked for a chance to break off the marriage between his son and
Visakha, but her conduct was faultless.
Eating Stale Food
He was a follower of naked ascetics, and while very wealthy, he was not a
generous man.
Migara looked for a chance to break off the marriage between his son and
Visakha, but her conduct was faultless.
Eating Stale Food
One day, he was eating some sweet rice porridge from a golden
bowl when a monk entered the house for alms.
Although Migara saw the monk, he continued to eat as if he had not.
He ignored the monk and continued with his meal.
Eating Stale Food
One day, he was eating some sweet rice porridge from a golden
bowl when a monk entered the house for alms.
Although Migara saw the monk, he continued to eat as if he had not.
He ignored the monk and continued with his meal.
Eating Stale Food
Visakha politely told the monk, "Pass on, Venerable Sir, my father-
in-law is eating stale food."
Now Migara saw his chance to break off the marriage as he
thought she had brought disgrace to his family with her remark.
Eating Stale Food
Visakha politely told the monk, "Pass on, Venerable Sir, my father-
in-law is eating stale food."
Now Migara saw his chance to break off the marriage as he
thought she had brought disgrace to his family with her remark.
Eating Stale Food
Furious, he ordered her to be expelled from the house.
Visakha, calmly explained that he was eating the benefits of his past
good deeds and was not doing anything to ensure his continued
prosperity.
Eating Stale Food
Furious, he ordered her to be expelled from the house.
Visakha, calmly explained that he was eating the benefits of his past
good deeds and was not doing anything to ensure his continued
prosperity.
Eating Stale Food
She said, “by ignoring the monk and continuing to eat, wasn’t Migara’s actions the same as
eating stale food?”
Migara had to admit that she was right and asked her to stay back.
Eating Stale Food
She said, “by ignoring the monk and continuing to eat, wasn’t Migara’s actions the same as
eating stale food?”
Migara had to admit that she was right and asked her to stay back.
Eating Stale Food
She agreed on condition that Migara invite the Buddha and his monks for a
meal, and change his ways.
With her patience and wisdom, Visakha eventually converted her
father-in-law to be a follower of the Buddha.
Eating Stale Food
She agreed on condition that Migara invite the Buddha and his monks for a
meal, and change his ways.
With her patience and wisdom, Visakha eventually converted her
father-in-law to be a follower of the Buddha.
Eating Stale Food
Every single one of us here has accumulated a lot of good kamma in the past. If not, we will not be sitting here so
comfortably in this room.
Therefore, let us not just eat ‘stale food’.
We should carry on accumulating good kamma for the future.
Eating Stale Food
Every single one of us here has accumulated a lot of good kamma in the past. If not, we will not be sitting here so
comfortably in this room.
Therefore, let us not just eat ‘stale food’.
We should carry on accumulating good kamma for the future.
Eating Stale Food
Every single one of us here has accumulated a lot of good kamma in the past. If not, we will not be sitting here so
comfortably in this room.
Therefore, let us not just eat ‘stale food’.
We should carry on accumulating good kamma for the future.
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Eating Stale Food
So how should we accumulate good kamma?
Through the practice of dana, sila and bhavana :
Dana : generosity, helping others
Sila : morality, keeping the Precepts
Bhavana : meditation, mental cultivation
Crying for the Moon
Once upon a time, in a city called Savatthi, there lived a very rich but very
stingy Brahmin.
He had a young son whom he loved dearly. But such was the extent of his stinginess that he even made with his
own hands, the gold ornaments he gave his son, to save some money.
Crying for the Moon
Once upon a time, in a city called Savatthi, there lived a very rich but very
stingy Brahmin.
He had a young son whom he loved dearly. But such was the extent of his stinginess that he even made with his
own hands, the gold ornaments he gave his son, to save some money.
Crying for the Moon
Once upon a time, in a city called Savatthi, there lived a very rich but very
stingy Brahmin.
He had a young son whom he loved dearly. But such was the extent of his stinginess that he even made with his
own hands, the gold ornaments he gave his son, to save some money.
Crying for the Moon
One day, his son fell ill from jaundice and the mother pleaded with her
husband to get a doctor.
However, the father not wanting to pay for a doctor, went about asking for
prescriptions so that he can heal the boy himself.
Crying for the Moon
One day, his son fell ill from jaundice and the mother pleaded with her
husband to get a doctor.
However, the father not wanting to pay for a doctor, went about asking for
prescriptions so that he can heal the boy himself.
Crying for the Moon
The boy became steadily worse until it was too late. With His Divine Eye, the Buddha saw the dying boy and went to
his house for alms.
The boy caught sight of the Buddha and his heart was filled with happiness as he died. As a result of his pure mind, he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
Crying for the Moon
The boy became steadily worse until it was too late. With His Divine Eye, the Buddha saw the dying boy and went to
his house for alms.
The boy caught sight of the Buddha and his heart was filled with happiness as he died. As a result of his pure mind, he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
Crying for the Moon
After cremating the body, the father filled with remorse, went to the burning-
ground every night to cry for his son.
From the heavenly realm, the boy saw his father crying at the burning-ground, came down to earth, and reappeared
next to him in the form of a youth.
Crying for the Moon
After cremating the body, the father filled with remorse, went to the burning-
ground every night to cry for his son.
From the heavenly realm, the boy saw his father crying at the burning-ground, came down to earth, and reappeared
next to him in the form of a youth.
Crying for the Moon
The youth then started lamenting and crying loudly, and the father
asked him why.
The son (in the form of a youth) said that he was crying because he wanted to have the sun and the
moon.
Crying for the Moon
The youth then started lamenting and crying loudly, and the father
asked him why.
The son (in the form of a youth) said that he was crying because he wanted to have the sun and the
moon.
Crying for the Moon
The father said, “why are you crying for the sun and the moon which you cannot get? You are being foolish!”
The youth replied, “at least the sun and the moon are there in existence. You are even more foolish because
you are crying for your dead son who is no more!”
Crying for the Moon
The father said, “why are you crying for the sun and the moon which you cannot get? You are being foolish!”
The youth replied, “at least the sun and the moon are there in existence. You are even more foolish because
you are crying for your dead son who is no more!”
Crying for the Moon
The father realized the truth of the youth’s words and asked who he is. The youth then revealed himself as
his son.
He then told his father of his heavenly rebirth due to his happy
thoughts at seeing the Buddha as he passed away.
Crying for the Moon
The father realized the truth of the youth’s words and asked who he is. The youth then revealed himself as
his son.
He then told his father of his heavenly rebirth due to his happy
thoughts at seeing the Buddha as he passed away.
Crying for the Moon
The next day, the father offered alms to the Buddha soon began to realize
the Dhamma.
Therefore, avoid crying for the moon or for things which are impossible or
not even in existence.
Crying for the Moon
The next day, the father offered alms to the Buddha soon began to realize
the Dhamma.
Therefore, avoid crying for the moon or for things which are impossible or
not even in existence.
Crying for the Moon
Avoid dwelling in the past, either by regretting past mistakes or basking in
past glories.
Learn from them, then move on. The past is no more in existence.
Crying for the Moon
Avoid dwelling in the past, either by regretting past mistakes or basking in
past glories.
Learn from them, then move on. The past is no more in existence.
Crying for the Moon
Avoid dreaming of the future, either by worrying about unforeseen
circumstances or by building castles in the air.
Plan as best you can, then return to the present. The future is yet to
come into existence.
Crying for the Moon
Avoid dreaming of the future, either by worrying about unforeseen
circumstances or by building castles in the air.
Plan as best you can, then return to the present. The future is yet to
come into existence.
Crying for the Moon
What matters most is the present.
By living in the present, we can see things more clearly and live our lives
to the fullest.
Crying for the Moon
What matters most is the present.
By living in the present, we can see things more clearly and live our lives
to the fullest.
The Dhammapada
This is a collection of 423 verses attributed to the Buddha, and consists of
teachings for the benefit of both the Sangha and laity.
It is divided into 26 chapters and arranged according to topics, and the first two verses are among the most well-known teachings in Buddhism.
The Dhammapada
This is a collection of 423 verses attributed to the Buddha, and consists of
teachings for the benefit of both the Sangha and laity.
It is divided into 26 chapters and arranged according to topics, and the first two verses are among the most well-known teachings in Buddhism.
The Dhammapada
This is a collection of 423 verses attributed to the Buddha, and consists of
teachings for the benefit of both the Sangha and laity.
It is divided into 26 chapters and arranged according to topics, and the first two verses are among the most well-known teachings in Buddhism.
Dhammapada Verse 1
Mind is the forerunner of all evil states.Mind is chief and evil states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind;Suffering follows as the wheel follows the
hoof of the ox.
Dhammapada Verse 1
Mind is the forerunner of all evil states.Mind is chief and evil states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind;Suffering follows as the wheel follows the
hoof of the ox.
Dhammapada Verse 1
Mind is the forerunner of all evil states.Mind is chief and evil states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind;Suffering follows as the wheel follows the
hoof of the ox.
Dhammapada Verse 2
Mind is the forerunner of all good states.Mind is chief and good states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind;Happiness follows as one’s own shadow
that never leaves.
Dhammapada Verse 2
Mind is the forerunner of all good states.Mind is chief and good states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind;Happiness follows as one’s own shadow
that never leaves.
Dhammapada Verse 2
Mind is the forerunner of all good states.Mind is chief and good states are all
mind-made.
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind;Happiness follows as one’s own shadow
that never leaves.
Rahula’s Mirror
After his enlightenment, the Buddha revisited his home town of Kapilavatthu and reunited with his wife, Yasodhara
and son, Rahula.
Rahula joined the Sangha at the tender age of seven, received many valuable
teachings from his father and eventually became an Arahant.
Rahula’s Mirror
After his enlightenment, the Buddha revisited his home town of Kapilavatthu and reunited with his wife, Yasodhara
and son, Rahula.
Rahula joined the Sangha at the tender age of seven, received many valuable
teachings from his father and eventually became an Arahant.
Rahula’s Mirror
In one of his teachings, the Buddha asked Rahula if he knew what a mirror is for.
Rahula, then still only seven years old, answered that a mirror is for reflection.
The Buddha replied that in the same way, actions of body, speech and mind should
be done with repeated reflection.
Rahula’s Mirror
In one of his teachings, the Buddha asked Rahula if he knew what a mirror is for.
Rahula, then still only seven years old, answered that a mirror is for reflection.
The Buddha replied that in the same way, actions of body, speech and mind should
be done with repeated reflection.
Rahula’s Mirror
In one of his teachings, the Buddha asked Rahula if he knew what a mirror is for.
Rahula, then still only seven years old, answered that a mirror is for reflection.
The Buddha replied that in the same way, actions of body, speech and mind should
be done with repeated reflection.
Rahula’s Mirror
Before one does any action of body, speech or mind, one should reflect
whether that action will harm our self, others, or both.
If so, then it is an unwholesome action because it will result in suffering, and that action of body, speech or mind
should thus be avoided.
Rahula’s Mirror
Before one does any action of body, speech or mind, one should reflect
whether that action will harm our self, others, or both.
If so, then it is an unwholesome action because it will result in suffering, and that action of body, speech or mind
should thus be avoided.
Rahula’s Mirror
If not, then we may proceed with that action of body, speech or mind.
Therefore, we should train ourselves by constantly reflecting on our actions of body, speech and mind, and thereby
eventually purify ourselves.
Rahula’s Mirror
If not, then we may proceed with that action of body, speech or mind.
Therefore, we should train ourselves by constantly reflecting on our actions of body, speech and mind, and thereby
eventually purify ourselves.
The 10 Demeritorious Deeds
1. Killing
2. Stealing Bodily actions
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying
5. Slandering Verbal actions
6. Harsh speech
7. Gossip
8. Covetousness
9. Ill-will Mental actions
10. Wrong view
The 10 Demeritorious Deeds
1. Killing
2. Stealing Bodily actions
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying
5. Slandering Verbal actions
6. Harsh speech
7. Gossip
8. Covetousness
9. Ill-will Mental actions
10. Wrong view
The 10 Demeritorious Deeds
1. Killing
2. Stealing Bodily actions
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying
5. Slandering Verbal actions
6. Harsh speech
7. Gossip
8. Covetousness
9. Ill-will Mental actions
10. Wrong view
The 10 Demeritorious Deeds
1. Killing
2. Stealing Bodily actions
3. Sexual misconduct
4. Lying
5. Slandering Verbal actions
6. Harsh speech
7. Gossip
8. Covetousness
9. Ill-will Mental actions
10. Wrong view
The 10 Meritorious Deeds
1. Compassion
2. Generosity Bodily actions
3. Self-control
4. Truthful speech
5. Kind speech Verbal actions
6. Pleasant speech
7. Meaningful speech
8. Sympathetic joy
9. Loving-kindness Mental actions
10. Right view
The 10 Meritorious Deeds
1. Compassion
2. Generosity Bodily actions
3. Self-control
4. Truthful speech
5. Kind speech Verbal actions
6. Pleasant speech
7. Meaningful speech
8. Sympathetic joy
9. Loving-kindness Mental actions
10. Right view
The 10 Meritorious Deeds
1. Compassion
2. Generosity Bodily actions
3. Self-control
4. Truthful speech
5. Kind speech Verbal actions
6. Pleasant speech
7. Meaningful speech
8. Sympathetic joy
9. Loving-kindness Mental actions
10. Right view
The 10 Meritorious Deeds
1. Compassion
2. Generosity Bodily actions
3. Self-control
4. Truthful speech
5. Kind speech Verbal actions
6. Pleasant speech
7. Meaningful speech
8. Sympathetic joy
9. Loving-kindness Mental actions
10. Right view
It is clear that everything
stems from the mind.
So how do we train
our minds?
It is clear that everything
stems from the mind.
So how do we train
our minds?
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right SpeechMorality – The Foundation of Everything
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort Mental Development – To Train our Minds
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right UnderstandingWisdom
Right Thought
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right SpeechMorality – The Foundation of Everything
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort Mental Development – To Train our Minds
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right UnderstandingWisdom
Right Thought
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right SpeechMorality – The Foundation of Everything
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort Mental Development – To Train our Minds
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right UnderstandingWisdom
Right Thought
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right SpeechMorality – The Foundation of Everything
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort Mental Development – To Train our Minds
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right UnderstandingWisdom
Right Thought
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right SpeechMorality – The Foundation of Everything
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort Mental Development – To Train our Minds
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Right UnderstandingWisdom
Right Thought
Prepared by T Y Lee
www.justbegood.net
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