When drops of water fill a vase,
It is not the first drop that fills it,
Nor the last drop or each drop individually;
Through the gathering of dependent factors the vase is filled.
Likewise, when someone experiences joy and suffering – the effects –
This is not due to the first instant of their cause;
Nor is it due to the last instant of their cause.
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References ‘Mind Training: The Wheel of Sharp Weapons’, Attributed to Dharmaraksita, Translated by Thupten Jinpa, 2006, Stanzas 111 & 112 (partial); published by The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, http://www.budaedu.org
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