I thought that instead of another angsty rant, I would whisper some words of Buddhist wisdom. The following quotes are extracts from a book I have entitled Buddhist Wisdom, which paraphrases various passages of The Dhammapada and other sources. They are a selection of my favourite verses. Some are notions/instructions I already adhere to, and others are lessons I ought to heed! I thought it ouwld be more constructive to offer myself some compassionate advice than rant on about bad stuff.

"Everything is illusion. Learn this and you will be free from suffering." (The Right Way, verse 279)

"One well-chosen word or one well-chosen line of poetry, which brings the listener peace, is better than a thousand spoken in vain. One verse of the Buddha's teaching, which is certain to bring the listener peace, is better than a thousand spoken for no reason." (The Thousands, verses 100-102)

"For a person without conscience, life seems easy. For a person striving to be pure, the journey is hard." (Flaws, verses 244 & 245)

"There is no justification for harming any living thing. If you do not hurt anything or anyone, you will be held in high esteem." (A Proper Life, verse 270)

"If you dwell on bad thoughts then your life will be full of negativity. However, if you don't allow bad thoughts you will be free of all things negative." (The Opposites, verses 3 & 4)

"The novice who knows he or she is just that, has a small amount of wisdom. But the novice who thinks he or she is wise, is a fool. (The Novice, verse 63)

"If you cannot find a good companion to travel with, walk alone, like an elephant roaming the jungle. It is better to be alone than to be with those who will hinder your progress." (The Elephant, verses 329 & 330)

"Whatever is the cause of your suffering, do not cause suffering to another." (Udanavarga)

"It is better to conquer yourself than to conquer thousands of others. Victory over others is a hollow gain, while victory over oneself is something not even the gods can reverse." (The Thousands, verses 103-105)

"Desire overwhelms those who only have pleasure as their aim in life, whereas desire has no place in the life of one who is self-disciplined. Be like the mountain in the face of a strong wind, firm and steady." (The Opposites, verses 7 & 8)

"Avoid doing physical harm, causing mental anguish or using harsh words. Use body, mind and speech only for good, for such is the way of an enlightened being." (Anger, verses 231-234)

"If you make vows, stick to them. If it is worth doing, do it properly. A half hearted renunciant does more harm than good." (Hell, verses 312 & 313)

"It is the nature of things that doubt shall arise." (Buddhacarita)

"Without a staff or a sword, the Buddhist is kind and sympathetic, and gives love and compassion towards all living beings." (Majjhima Nikaya)

"If you hurt an innocent person, then you are only hurting yourself, just as dust thrown into a wind is blown back in your face." (Bad Conduct, verse 125)

"All fear retribution. All fear death. All love life. Do not kill or cause others to kill." (Retribution, verses 129 & !30)

"Do not believe in something solely because someone has told you so, or tradition has it, or because many others do. Test for yourself, experience for yourself." (Kalama Sutta)

"Don't see others' faults, see your own. For if you dwell on others' faults. your own get stronger." (Flaws, verses 252 & 253)

"Trained elephants used to carry kings into battle. Train your mind to carry the weight of criticism." (The Elephant, verse 321)

"All beings wish for happiness, so extend your compassion to everyone." (Mahavamsa)