Across the globe, religious teachings and spiritual philosophies tell us that love and
compassion will bring us both inner peace and world peace. Through prayer, meditation, contemplation, self-reflection, self-study, awareness, and awakening we can find harmony within and spread harmony with-out: to our personal relationships, our environment, and across the globe.
In the following teaching, The Sharpest Sword, from The Gospel of the Buddha the Buddha tells us how to live a life of peace and harmony:
On a certain day when the Buddha dwelt at Jetavana, a celestial deva came to him in the shape of Brahman, whose countenance was bright and whose garments were white as snow.
The deva asked the Buddha, “What is the sharpest sword? What is the deadliest poison? What is the fiercest fire? What is the darkest night?”
The Buddha replied, “A word spoken in wrath is the sharpest sword; covetousness is the deadliest poison; hatred is the fiercest fire; ignorance is the darkest night.”
The deva asked, “What is the greatest gain? What is the greatest loss? What armor is invulnerable? What is the best weapon?”
The Buddha replied, “The greatest gain is to give to others; the greatest loss is to receive without gratitude. Patience is an invulnerable armor; wisdom is the best weapon.”
The deva asked, “Who is the most dangerous thief? What is the most precious treasure?”
The Buddha replied, “Unwholesome thought is the most dangerous thief; virtue is the most precious treasure.”
The deva asked, “What is attractive? What is unpleasant? What is the most horrible pain? What is the greatest enjoyment?”
The Buddha replied, “Wholesomeness is attractive; unwholesomeness is unpleasant. A bad conscience is the most tormenting pain; awakening is the height of bliss.”
The deva asked, “What causes ruin in the world? What breaks off friendships? What is the most violent fever? Who is the best physician?”
The Buddha replied, “Ignorance causes ruin in the world; envy and selfishness break off friendships; hatred is the most violent fever; the Buddha is the best physician.”
The deva then continued, “Now I have only one doubt to be cleared away: What is it fire cannot burn, nor moisture corrode, nor wind crush down, but is able to benefit the whole world?”
The Buddha replied, “Blessing! Neither fire, nor moisture, nor wind can destroy the blessing of a good deed, and blessings benefit the whole world.”
Hearing these answers, the deva was filled with joy. Bowing down in respect, he disappeared suddenly from the presence of the Buddha.
Peace and Blessings to All!
Through the Peacock's Eyes 
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Reblogged this on indrajitrathore and commented:
Wonderful thank you Julianneji – reminds me of the sermon on the mound – its such a pity we dont live in an age when another such prophet is around – all religions seem to suggest that one might be coming soon! cant wait – as the buddha said patience is virtue – the armour we need.
Nice, but one doubts that the wise, true, and humble Buddha would say that “the Buddha is the best physician.”
I agree, but I interpret it as saying that the Buddha in all of us is the best physician, i.e. compassion. Namaste!
Thank you everyone!
Hi Julie! I am linking this very sweet one to my post today ~ thanks! ♥ Peace! Tomas
You’re welcome Kozo! 😉
God I wish I could be as quick and witty as the Buddha. How’s that for a focus on my own ego? haha.
Love this, Julianne. Thanks for blogging for peace. {{{Hugs]}} Kozo
Thank you!
Reblogged this on verum intus, fulsi vacuus and commented:
#Buddha Speak …
Great narration … More Power To You !
Reblogged this on ELANA – The Voice of the Future.
Reblogged this on PhoPort and commented:
A lot of wisdom here.
I love this story of the Buddha. The first time I read it, immediately I thought of the New Testament story of the devil and Jesus in the desert and the three temptations. Completely different focus. Thank you for this post!