Buddhārakkhita Thera

The Path of Protection

TheGentleLaw Community

Buddhārakkhita Thera’s verse calls attention to the importance of mindfulness and protection through wisdom, offering timeless advice for navigating the challenges of life.

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The Poem

Pāli:
Yāvad eva anāvilaṁ, dhammaṁ paññāya passati;
Sīlena ca samādāya, paṭividdhaṁ samādhinā.

English Translation:
As long as one sees the Dhamma with wisdom,
And practices the Sīla with serenity,
Such a person is protected by mindfulness and concentration.

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Background and Context

Buddhārakkhita Thera, a revered monk, emphasizes the combined power of wisdom (paññā) and ethical conduct (sīla) in his verse. His teaching suggests that these two pillars, when supported by mindfulness (sati) and concentration (samādhi), offer true protection on the spiritual path.

Buddhārakkhita’s verse resonates strongly with modern readers, especially in today’s world, where the mind often faces many distractions. His words encourage us to cultivate a balanced practice that integrates ethics, wisdom, and meditation.

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