敗れることがない
Undefeated
2024-07-30 18:00:00
People in the world compete with each other, striving to become the victors.
However, no matter what worldly matters one excels in, one cannot become a true victor.
This is because, in this world, only those who have attained enlightenment (= liberation) can be considered true victors.
Regarding this point, the following teaching can be found in the original Buddhist scriptures of Shakyamuni Buddha:
3 I am the one who should be respected in the world (a true person). I am the supreme one in the world. In the world of gods and humans, I am the victorious one who has defeated the devil. (Inspired Utterances, Udānavarga, Chapter 21: The Tathāgata, translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami-Bunko)
5 It should be known that those who have been able to completely eradicate impurities are "victors" like myself. I have overcome evil; therefore, I am a victor. Upaka. (Inspired Utterances, Udānavarga, Chapter 21: The Tathāgata, translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami-Bunko)
In this way, Shakyamuni himself declares that an enlightened person (= Buddha) is a victor.
Incidentally, the expression "undefeated" is sometimes used in the same sense as victory, and as a teaching, this expression can be said to more broadly and appropriately convey the essence of enlightenment.
To give a specific example,
179 The victory of the Buddha is one that cannot be defeated. No one in this world can achieve the victory he has attained. The Buddha's state is vast and limitless. By what path could one lead him, who leaves no trace? (Words of Truth, Dhammapada, Chapter 14: The Buddha, translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami-Bunko)
267 Cultivation, pure conduct, seeing the holy truth, and realizing tranquility (Nirvana) — this is unparalleled happiness.
268 When one is untouched by worldly affairs, with a mind unmoved, free from sorrow, unstained, and at peace — this is unparalleled happiness.
269 By practicing these things, one is undefeated in any matter and achieves happiness in all things — this is unparalleled happiness. (Words of the Buddha, Suttanipāta, Chapter 1: The Snake Chapter, 4: Unparalleled Happiness, translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami-Bunko)
Conversely, it is said that those who are far from enlightenment (= liberation) are defeated.
92 (The master replied), "It is easy to discern those who prosper, and it is easy to discern those who perish. Those who love the Dharma prosper, and those who hate the Dharma are defeated." (Words of the Buddha, Suttanipāta, Chapter 1: The Snake Chapter, 6: Ruin, translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami-Bunko)
In other words, even if one were to conquer all the people in the world, it would not be an action in accordance with the Dharma, and thus, they would be defeated.
Moreover, the victory of the enlightened one (= Buddha), which is the true victory, is achieved by overcoming none other than oneself, and it is said that this is the essential nature of the Dharma.
103 Rather than winning against a million people on the battlefield, the one who conquers only themselves is truly the greatest victor.
104, 105 Conquering oneself is superior to defeating other people. For the person who is always disciplined and has self-control—neither gods, Gandharvas (celestial musicians), demons, nor Brahma can turn their victory into defeat. (The Words of Truth, Dhammapada, Chapter Eight: On Thousands, translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami-Bunko)
201 From {worldly} victory arises enmity. The defeated lie down in suffering. But those who abandon victory and defeat and return to peace lie down peacefully. (The Words of Truth, Dhammapada, Chapter Fifteen: Happiness, translated by Hajime Nakamura, Iwanami-Bunko) — {Worldly} was added by SRKW Buddha.
A person of wisdom will surely seek that which cannot be defeated.
Only by doing so can they reach this perfect tranquility (= Nirvana).
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