Chapter 1 –
This chapter addresses one’s inner self. If you harbor peace, you will share peace. If you harbor bitterness/guilt/hatred, you will share the same. If you seek pleasure in life you will fall to the tempter. If you live without looking for pleasures you will not fall to the tempter. There are many life lessons here. Happiness is a choice. One has to seek happiness. Happiness is not something that we are entitled to if we do not pursue it.
Chapter 7 –
I understand this section to imply death. I see this as teaching us that we need to keep all our appetites in check and control our emotions and actions so that when the day comes that we perish, we are not lost and can find joy in a new rebirth.
Chapter 11 –
This chapter is entitled, “Old Age.” Is it any wonder that this is what it talks about? To me it talks about how the body will age and the body will decompose and be tossed aside, that also applies to the belongings of the individual. I don’t quite grasp 153, 154. Is this implying that if one has attained nirvana that they will not be born again? Is this trying to teach that once you have learned or attained nirvana that you will no longer be born again?
Chapter 14 –
Restraint brings prosperity of the mind/soul. The Buddha is a simple, but complex supernatural individual. Seekers of Buddha and worshipers of Buddha can find peace. This peace is found by adhering to the Law and the Church. Seeking refuge in Buddha will also bring the peace that one needs.
Chapter 15 –
This chapter offers guidance as to where true happiness can be attained. It identifies where things that detract from happiness can be found. Even among the ailing or the unhappy we can find happiness; however, we should be wise in our decisions making. We should choose good individuals to associate with. This can help bring happiness to our lives.
