The Garland-Maker & The Seeker Understands

The Story of Five Hundred Monks

Chapter 4: Flowers • Verse 1

The Verse

Who shall overcome this earth, this realm of Yama and this sphere of men and gods? Who shall bring to perfection the well-taught path of wisdom as an expert garland-maker would his floral design?

— Dhammapada, Chapter 4, Verse 1

The Story

While residing at the Jetavana Monastery, the Buddha spoke these verses with reference to five hundred monks.

Five hundred monks, after accompanying the Buddha to a village, returned to the Jetavana Monastery. In the evening, while the monks were talking about the trip, especially the condition of the land, whether it was level or hilly, or whether the ground was of clay or sand, red or black, the Buddha came to them.

Knowing the subject of their talk, he said to them, "Monks, the earth you are talking about is external to the body; it is better, indeed, to examine your own body and make preparations for meditation practice."

The Garland-Maker & The Seeker Understands

The Story of Five Hundred Monks

Chapter 4: Flowers • Verse 1

The Verse

Who shall overcome this earth, this realm of Yama and this sphere of men and gods? Who shall bring to perfection the well-taught path of wisdom as an expert garland-maker would his floral design?

— Dhammapada, Chapter 4, Verse 1

The Story

While residing at the Jetavana Monastery, the Buddha spoke these verses with reference to five hundred monks.

Five hundred monks, after accompanying the Buddha to a village, returned to the Jetavana Monastery. In the evening, while the monks were talking about the trip, especially the condition of the land, whether it was level or hilly, or whether the ground was of clay or sand, red or black, the Buddha came to them.

Knowing the subject of their talk, he said to them, "Monks, the earth you are talking about is external to the body; it is better, indeed, to examine your own body and make preparations for meditation practice."

Dhammapada — Timeless wisdom from the Buddha's teachings

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