Dhammapada, best text of Ethics, every Verse of Dhammapada is inspiring man to do efficient deeds. Cittavagga is an important vagga of Dhammapada.
About Dhammapada :
Dhammapada consists of 26 vaggas and has 423 verses compiled. Dhammapada,This is a collection of verses. Verses of these collections have come into existence by different scholars, due to different contexts, at different times. In the Atthakatha (Commentary) of Dhammapada, at which place, where, in which context, Buddha said these verses, it has been explained. This text has also been translated into many languages.
The best values of ethics are explained in Dhammapada. The basis of all these values is Paññā (Wisdom), Sīla (Virtue), Karuna (compassion) and Mettā (Loving-kindness). All these values are considered the best values in Buddhist philosophy. Buddha considered man as the focal point and denied the existence of God. That is why the verses of Dhammapada prove inspiring to make every person happy.
About Cittavagga :
Cittavagga (mind) is the third vagga of the Dhammapada. Restraint of mind is described in Cittavagga of Dhammapada. This vagga consists of a total of 12 verses analyzing the mind. In this vagga, the topic has been presented on the basis of beautiful similes. Verses of Cittavagga are very inspiring and full of moral values.
Nature of Mind :
The Fickle nature of mind is described in the very beginning of Cittavagga–
Phandanaṃ capalaṃ cittaṃ,
Durakkhaṃ dunivārayaṃ;
Ujuṃ karoti medhāvi,
usukāro va tejanaṃ.
(Mind is agitated, wavering, hard to control and hard to restrain. The wise one makes straight his mind, just as the arrow maker straightens the arrow.)
When Buddha was residing on the mountain named Cālikā, Thera Meghiya was his retainer. He asked permission to go to the mango grove one day, then Buddha did not give permission. Despite not getting permission, he went there, but could not meditate. Returning in the evening told Buddha all. Then, while addressing Thera Megahiya, the Buddha said the above verses.
Direction to Control the Mind :
Describing the fickle nature of the mind in Cittavagga, direction has also been given to restrain the mind. Also, the results of restrained mind have also been told.
As a fish struggles when snatched from out its watery home and cast on the land, In the same way, mind strives to come out of the clutches of the Māra (the Evil one).
It is difficult to control the mind; the mind goes where it wants. It is difficult to control it, the mind in control is pleasing. Which is not easy to understand, which is very clever, such a wise man should protect his mind, such a protected mind is pleasing.
Emphasis on Purification of Mind :
It is described in Chittavagga– ‘Awakened man whose mind is not impure, whose mind is stable, who is free from sin and virtue, has no fear’. This means Cittavagga, emphasizes ‘purity of mind’. In Buddhism purity of mind, this value is extremely important. A person is of any caste, religion, if he keeps his mind pure and behaves like that, then he is considered as a Buddhist, the Buddhist who knows the mind. The culmination of a person’s personality is the purification of the mind.
The base of Nibbāna is also mind. The whole world is an expression of the mind. The expression of all personal- social relations, morals, ideals etc. values is also mind. Stressed and depressed mind can never experience peace and happiness. Stability of the mind is necessary for Paññā (Wisdom) to arise. and Sīla (Virtue) brings stability to mind. The essence of all Buddhist literature is of Sīla (Virtue), Samādhi (Concentration), and Paññā (Wisdom), etc.
Mind, Responsible for Good and Bad Deeds :
It is only the mind, who does good and bad deeds. The way a person thinks, acts, he gets the same result.
Diso dasaṃ yan- taṃ kayirā,
Verī vā pan verinaṃ;
Micchāpanihitaṃ cittaṃ,
Papiyo naṃ tatao kare.
(Whatever an aggressor might do to an aggressor, or an enemy to an enemy, but a mind that’s ill-directed can do worse than that to him.)
Na taṃ mātā pitā kayirā,
Anne vā pi ca natakā;
Sammāpanihitaṃ cittaṃ,
Seyyaso naṃ tato kare.
(Mother and father might not do for him, or other relatives, as much good as a mind that is rightly directed can do for him.)
Teachings of Cittavagga :
In Cittavagga, the mind has been taught to stay away from the wrong path and walk on the good path. In this way, when a person’s mind is on a good path, treats everyone the same. Compassion and loving kindness awakened in mind bring a person to the level of equality. It is necessary to keep the mind restrained. When efficient, unskilled emotion is created in the mind, then it should be controlled with awareness, it is explained in this Cittavagga.
That is why Cittavagga has an important place in Dhammapada.