The Rod

Everybody fears being struck by a rod.

Everybody fears death.

Therefore, knowing this, feeling for others as for yourself,

Do not kill others or cause others to be killed.

∞



Everybody fears being struck by a rod,

Life being dear to all.

Therefore, knowing this, feeling for others as for yourself,

Do not kill others or cause others to be killed.

Though the following verses of this chapter start pointing towards the causes and effects of Kamma, I find the first two verses just as impacting on their own. I don’t feel that concern for others should depend upon thoughts of one’s Kamma, although if that’s what it takes to manifest a concern for others, then at least it’s a starting point.

What also catches my interest in these verses, besides the obvious teaching not to harm others, is that it points to the interconnection between all beings. In times that we are aware enough to feel for others as for ourselves, the idea that we are separate is left to crumble.