New Acropois Pune Branch hosted a talk on the topic “Dhammapada – Timeless Lessons from the Buddha” on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The session, offered insights into the teachings of the Buddha as captured in the ancient text, Dhammapada.
The talk began with a reflective introduction to the early life of Prince Siddhartha, later known as the Buddha, highlighting the pivotal moment when Siddhartha became deeply aware of life’s inherent suffering, prompting his search for a path to true peace.
She explained that while the Buddha’s teachings were preserved and written down by his disciples much later, the Dhammapada remains a cornerstone of his wisdom, containing timeless verses that continue to guide seekers today.
One of the key highlights of the session was the reading and interpretation of a powerful verse:
“If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage… If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.”
The speaker emphasized that while pain may be a part of our lives, each one of us has a personal choice on how long we allow it to linger in our minds.
Drawing from the Dhammapada, she encouraged participants to reflect on the tools available within the teachings that can help reduce suffering and enhance inner happiness. “To be happy is also our decision and choice,” she noted, urging the audience to embrace mindful living.
