Dhammapada Chapters 5, 6 & 7: Ignorance, Wisdom & the Path to Nirvana

This essay delves into Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of the Dhammapada, examining the concepts of Balavagga (spiritual immaturity), Panditavagga (wisdom), and Arhat (enlightenment). It discusses how the text contrasts the characteristics of the foolish with the wise, emphasizing the importance of humility and self-awareness in attaining spiritual growth. The analysis highlights the qualities of an enlightened being, their detachment from worldly pleasures, and their unwavering peace. The reflection includes personal insights on practicing these teachings and striving for a more balanced and enlightened state of mind. Desklib provides access to a wealth of similar student-contributed assignments and study resources.

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DHAMMAPADA
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1DHAMMAPADA
Chapter 5
The fifth chapter of the ‘Dhammapada’ is originally called ‘Balavagga’ which refers
to someone who is spiritually immature. Here, ‘bala’ literally stands for one who is a fool or
ignorant.
This chapter relates the fate of those who are ignorant about the truths of life, thereby
attempting to create an awareness among humankind. As in all religious texts, this book also
considers ‘pride’ as a cardinal sin. This is the predominant message, sometimes directly
mentioned, as in verses 62, 73 and 74, while at other times, it runs in the undercurrent. Here,
Buddha refers to a person who is steeped in pride, as foolish (Muller 2008). His pride
prevents his knowledge of truth and drives him towards evil deeds. In verse 63, Buddha
seems to echo Socrates when he says that a person who knows and accepts his foolishness is
wise, whereas a person who is too full of himself to recognize his own errors is the real fool.
The chapter brilliantly expresses the ignorance of the ‘fool’ by way of comparison. In the
very first verse he compares the drawbacks of an insomniac and a tired person to the fool’s
ignorance of the brevity of life (Muller 2008). Even in the middle, especially in verses 64 and
65, he compares the shortcomings of the fool and the capabilities of the intelligent on the
same yardstick. He not only presents their drawbacks, but also provides remedy for this
ignorance, especially in the last verse.
I sincerely believe that one can try to practice these teachings at a very personal level
by trying to avoid bragging about one’s own self in front of others and by silently helping
others, without taking credits for the same.

2DHAMMAPADA
Chapter 6
The sixth chapter of the ‘Dhammapada’ is originally called ‘Panditavagga’ which
means the study or teachings of the wise. Here, ‘pandita’ literally stands for one who has
achieved wisdom and knowledge about the cycle of existence.
This chapter presents the qualities of a wise man and advises to follow that person. It
tells us how we can live a happy and righteous life in the company of virtuous people. The
chapter begins by Buddha telling us how to identify a wise man, insisting us to follow him,
no matter how much difficulty one has to face for that, and then, by way of comparison, gives
an account of the qualities of virtuous people, thus hinting at the advantages of being in such
a company (Muller 2008). In the end, verse 89, he gives an in-depth view into the mental
state of the wise man, which would lure the readers towards such a life. As mentioned in the
Bhagavad Gita – Chapter 2, Sloka 56, part 1, similarly in this chapter Buddha also talks
about the calmness and placidity of the wise, who remains unperturbed by his surrounding
events, feels neither excited nor depressed, but remains at a psychologically balanced state.
The most important thing is to give up ones pride and ego. As that starts to go away, one
starts moving closer towards the enlightened state of the ‘wise’.
I sit for meditation regularly for at least ten minutes and the peace of mind it provides
can possibly help me embark on a spiritual journey.

3DHAMMAPADA
Chapter 7
The seventh chapter of the ‘Dhammapada’ is originally called ‘Arhat’, which stands
for the venerable or respected person who has achieved the enlightened state of ‘Nirvana’.
This chapter goes on to present an elaborate description of the physical and mental
state of the enlightened being. Here, Buddha describes the unique qualities of a saint. He
begins by mentioning about the end of life’s struggles for the saints and their constant state of
absolute bliss that can only be felt inwardly (Muller 2008). They have freed themselves from
all earthly bonds and its consequent passions and anxieties. They have realized the
meaninglessness and transitory nature of worldly pleasures. This detachment has made the
saint unperturbed in the face of challenges. He feels an unconditional love for all beings and
is aware of the secrets of existence which is unknown to many. The tranquil yet
inconceivable state of his being is finely described in verses 92 and 93 by comparing it with
the flight of birds (Muller 2008). Buddha, in verse 94, goes on to say that this heightened
spiritual being is envied even by the Gods. The venerable saint remains happy even in the
most unfavourable of situations. He remains contented with anything that comes his way.
It is hard to achieve such a state, but one must remember that even these saints were
once social beings with all sorts of mundane human frailties. This provides food for thought
about how they were manifested to that sublime state. For a start, I would gather information
about their lives and teachings, draw inspirations from them, and try to follow their dictates
in my own life.

4DHAMMAPADA
Reference List:
Muller, F., 2008. Pali Buddha. MSAC Philosophy Group.