The Hands of the Buddha

By Susan Brassfield Cogan

This ancient book of Buddhist wisdom is older than the Bible. Rewritten in clear, clean modern language, the words of the Buddha will connect with the modern reader. The Dhammapada has been called the distilled essence of Buddhism. In 423 brief verses, said to be actual sayings from the Buddha himself, you will find inspiration and guidance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Brassfield Cogan
• Release date: Dec 2, 2009
• ISBN: 9781458186720

Susan Brassfield Cogan

Susan Cogan is a full time writer and occasionally amuses herself as a graphic designer. She writes things that she enjoys and she enjoys quite a lot. She has been at various times a nurse’s aid, a belly dancer, an actress, a journalist, and a radio shock jock. Her career is long, varied, colorful, often exaggerated and occasionally untrue. Cogan is the author of many novels: Black Jade Dragon, Dragon Sword, Dragon Rising, The Button Man, The Last Gift, Heart of the Tengeri, Murder on the Waterfront and The Man Who Needed Killing. Her nonfiction works include: Hands of the Buddha, The Buddha’s Three Jewels, and The Pocket Darwin. She has also written numerous award winning short stories.

Book preview

5.0 out of 5 stars

Excellent interpretation of the Dhammapada, October 1, 2009

Review by J. Pellecchia

So, did I need another version of the Dhammapada? All-in-all the answer is a resounding Yes! and this version is rapidly becoming my version of preference. It has excellent readability, understandability, and simplistic in tone without being condescending -- just as I envision the Buddha to have taught.

The Hands of the Buddha

A Modern Interpretation of the Dhammapada

Susan Brassfield Cogan

Published by CoganBooks

Copyright 2009 Susan Brassfield Cogan

Cover Design by: Cogan Graphic Design

cogangraphicdesign.com

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Chapter 1

Choices

1

We are what we think about. All our lives are founded on our thoughts and our world is made up of our thoughts. Like the wagon drawn after an ox, suffering will follow a deluded mind.

2

We are what we think about. When our minds are clear and disciplined, happiness will follow us as faithfully as our shadow.

3

When we nourish hateful thoughts like He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me, hatred and suffering never go away.

4

When we learn to let go of such thoughts as He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me enmity ceases and happiness follows.

5

Hatred can not be defeated by hatred. Only love can defeat hatred. This wisdom is as ancient as humanity.

6

Most people live as though they will never die. Those who know life is fleeting let go of anger and hatred.

7

It’s tempting to think passing amusements will bring happiness. But anyone who pursues temporary pleasures, who is lazy or overeats will be felled by Mara, the Illusionist, like a tree in the wind.

8

When we learn to enjoy life without grasping after temporary pleasures we can resist the Illusionist, the way a stony mountain resists the wind.

9

Those who wish to follow the Dharma Way must respect temperance and truth or they are unworthy to be in the company of those who travel that path.

10

Those who are diligent, focused and honest may contentedly travel with Dharma companions.

11

Those who look at a dream and think they see reality and those who look at reality and think they are seeing a dream are afflicted with empty longing.

12

Those who can distinguish between the truth and dreams may live happily in the world as it actually is.

13

An untrained mind is like a leaky roof. As rain