Dear Nina and friends,

thanks again for the explanation. In my previous post, I have
misinterpreted your words. What I mean is, as follows, that

if the text refers to dhammo as a/kusala citta, which means
un/wholesome thought, this relates to the action (verbal or physical)
which will be carried out subsequently.

as such, I suggest that manopubba`ngamo means "gone first to the
mind" or "first conceived by the mind". In this way, we actually see
the entire chain of events unfolding through each of the verses.

1. First conceived by the mind are (all) phenomena,
with the mind in the essence are (our) thoughts;
if with a corrupted mind (one) speaks or acts,
pain follows that (person) thereafter,
like the wheel the foot of the (one) bearing (loads).

2. First conceived by the mind are (all) phenomena,
with the mind in the essence are (our) thoughts;
if with a purified mind (one) speaks or acts,
happiness follows that (person) thereafter,
like the shadow never departing.

What do you think?

There is an article by Andrew Olendzki online. I have been tracking
it down, and only able to retrieve it today with the help of a friend
from Singapore. It is really worth a read:

http://www.shambhalasun.com/Archives/Features/2005/November/ThreeLittl
eWords.htm

metta,
Yong Peng.

--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, Nina van Gorkom wrote:

when looking at the text it seems to refer to kusala citta or akusala
citta that motivate deeds bringing results. I would take rather to
forerunner.

> I am still thinking of the very first phrase of the verse:
> manopubba`ngamaa dhammaa
>
> I am tempted to translate it as:
> conceivable by the mind are all phenomena