Dhammapada
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"He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he
"He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,"--in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease ... "He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he
"He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,"--in those who do not harbour such thoughts hatred will cease ... "May both the layman and he who has left the
"May both the layman and he who has left the world think that this is done by me; may they be subject to me in everything which is to be done or is not to be done," thus is the mind of the fool, and his desire and pride increase ... "One is the road that leads to wealth, another the
"One is the road that leads to wealth, another the road that leads to Nirvana;" if the Bhikshu, the disciple of Buddha, has learnt this, he will not yearn for honour, he will strive after separation from the world The Wise Man (Pandita) ... "These sons belong to me, and this wealth belongs to
"These sons belong to me, and this wealth belongs to me," with such thoughts a fool is tormented He himself does not belong to himself; how much less sons and wealth? ... , A man is not a Muni because he
, A man is not a Muni because he observes silence (mona, ie mauna), if he is foolish and ignorant; but the wise who, taking the balance, chooses the good and avoids evil, he is a Muni, and is a Muni thereby; he who in this world weighs both sides is ca... , A man is not just if he carries
, A man is not just if he carries a matter by violence; no, he who distinguishes both right and wrong, who is learned and leads others, not by violence, but by law and equity, and who is guarded by the law and intelligent, he is called just ... , A wise man should leave the dark state
, A wise man should leave the dark state (of ordinary life), and follow the bright state (of the Bhikshu) After going from his home to a homeless state, he should in his retirement look for enjoyment where there seemed to be no enjoyment Leaving all ... , As on a heap of rubbish cast upon
, As on a heap of rubbish cast upon the highway the lily will grow full of sweet perfume and delight, thus the disciple of the truly enlightened Buddha shines forth by his knowledge among those who are like rubbish, among the people that walk in darkne... , But he whom those who discriminate praise continually
, But he whom those who discriminate praise continually day after day, as without blemish, wise, rich in knowledge and virtue, who would dare to blame him, like a coin made of gold from the Gambu river? Even the gods praise him, he is praised even by ... , He who pays homage to those who deserve
, He who pays homage to those who deserve homage, whether the awakened (Buddha) or their disciples, those who have overcome the host (of evils), and crossed the flood of sorrow, he who pays homage to such as have found deliverance and know no fear, his... , Looking for the maker of this tabernacle, I
, Looking for the maker of this tabernacle, I shall have to run through a course of many births, so long as I do not find (him); and painful is birth again and again But now, maker of the tabernacle, thou hast been seen; thou shalt not make up this t... , Not only by discipline and vows, not only
, Not only by discipline and vows, not only by much learning, not by entering into a trance, not by sleeping alone, do I earn the happiness of release which no worldling can know Bhikshu, be not confident as long as thou hast not attained the extinctio... , One's own self conquered is better than all
, One's own self conquered is better than all other people; not even a god, a Gandharva, not Mara with Brahman could change into defeat the victory of a man who has vanquished himself, and always lives under restraint ... A Bhikshu (mendicant) who delights in earnestness, who looks with fear
A Bhikshu (mendicant) who delights in earnestness, who looks with fear on thoughtlessness, moves about like fire, burning all his fetters, small or large ... A Bhikshu (mendicant) who delights in reflection, who looks with fear
A Bhikshu (mendicant) who delights in reflection, who looks with fear on thoughtlessness, cannot fall away (from his perfect state)--he is close upon Nirvana Thought ... A Bhikshu who has entered his empty house, and whose
A Bhikshu who has entered his empty house, and whose mind is tranquil, feels a more than human delight when he sees the law clearly ... A Bhikshu who, though he receives little, does not despise
A Bhikshu who, though he receives little, does not despise what he has received, even the gods will praise him, if his life is pure, and if he is not slothful ... A creature's pleasures are extravagant and luxurious; sunk in lust and
A creature's pleasures are extravagant and luxurious; sunk in lust and looking for pleasure, men undergo (again and again) birth and decay ... A fool does not know when he commits his evil
A fool does not know when he commits his evil deeds: but the wicked man burns by his own deeds, as if burnt by fire ... A man does not become a Brahmana by his platted
A man does not become a Brahmana by his platted hair, by his family, or by birth; in whom there is truth and righteousness, he is blessed, he is a Brahmana ... A man is not a mendicant (Bhikshu) simply because he
A man is not a mendicant (Bhikshu) simply because he asks others for alms; he who adopts the whole law is a Bhikshu, not he who only begs ... A man is not a supporter of the law because
A man is not a supporter of the law because he talks much; even if a man has learnt little, but sees the law bodily, he is a supporter of the law, a man who never neglects the law ... A man is not an elder because his head is
A man is not an elder because his head is grey; his age may be ripe, but he is called `Old-in-vain' ... A man is not an elect (Ariya) because he injures
A man is not an elect (Ariya) because he injures living creatures; because he has pity on all living creatures, therefore is a man called Ariya ... A man is not learned because he talks much; he
A man is not learned because he talks much; he who is patient, free from hatred and fear, he is called learned ... A man who has learnt little, grows old like an
A man who has learnt little, grows old like an ox; his flesh grows, but his knowledge does not grow ... A supernatural person (a Buddha) is not easily found, he
A supernatural person (a Buddha) is not easily found, he is not born everywhere Wherever such a sage is born, that race prospers ... A true Brahmana goes scatheless, though he have killed father
A true Brahmana goes scatheless, though he have killed father and mother, and two valiant kings, though he has destroyed a kingdom with all its subjects ... A true Brahmana goes scatheless, though he have killed father
A true Brahmana goes scatheless, though he have killed father and mother, and two holy kings, and an eminent man besides ... A wise and good man who knows the meaning of
A wise and good man who knows the meaning of this, should quickly clear the way that leads to Nirvana Miscellaneous ... After a man has once understood the law as taught
After a man has once understood the law as taught by the Well- awakened (Buddha), let him worship it carefully, as the Brahmana worships the sacrificial fire ... After a stronghold has been made of the bones, it
After a stronghold has been made of the bones, it is covered with flesh and blood, and there dwell in it old age and death, pride and deceit ... All men tremble at punishment, all men fear death; remember
All men tremble at punishment, all men fear death; remember that you are like unto them, and do not kill, nor cause slaughter ... All men tremble at punishment, all men love life; remember
All men tremble at punishment, all men love life; remember that thou art like unto them, and do not kill, nor cause slaughter ... All that we are is the result of what we
All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage ... All that we are is the result of what we
All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him ... An act carelessly performed, a broken vow, and hesitating obedience to
An act carelessly performed, a broken vow, and hesitating obedience to discipline, all this brings no great reward ... An envious greedy, dishonest man does not become respectable by means
An envious greedy, dishonest man does not become respectable by means of much talking only, or by the beauty of his complexion ... An evil deed is better left undone, for a man
An evil deed is better left undone, for a man repents of it afterwards; a good deed is better done, for having done it, one does not repent ... An evil deed, like newly-drawn milk, does not turn (suddenly); smouldering,
An evil deed, like newly-drawn milk, does not turn (suddenly); smouldering, like fire covered by ashes, it follows the fool ... And he who lives a hundred years, idle and weak,
And he who lives a hundred years, idle and weak, a life of one day is better if a man has attained firm strength ... And he who lives a hundred years, ignorant and unrestrained,
And he who lives a hundred years, ignorant and unrestrained, a life of one day is better if a man is wise and reflecting ... And he who lives a hundred years, not seeing beginning
And he who lives a hundred years, not seeing beginning and end, a life of one day is better if a man sees beginning and end ... And he who lives a hundred years, not seeing the
And he who lives a hundred years, not seeing the immortal place, a life of one day is better if a man sees the immortal place ... And he who lives a hundred years, not seeing the
And he who lives a hundred years, not seeing the highest law, a life of one day is better if a man sees the highest law Evil ... And the man who gives himself to drinking intoxicating liquors, he,
And the man who gives himself to drinking intoxicating liquors, he, even in this world, digs up his own root ... And this is the beginning here for a wise Bhikshu:
And this is the beginning here for a wise Bhikshu: watchfulness over the senses, contentedness, restraint under the law; keep noble friends whose life is pure, and who are not slothful ... And when the evil deed, after it has become known,
And when the evil deed, after it has become known, brings sorrow to the fool, then it destroys his bright lot, nay, it cleaves his head ... As a cowherd with his staff drives his cows into
As a cowherd with his staff drives his cows into the stable, so do Age and Death drive the life of men ... As a fish taken from his watery home and thrown
As a fish taken from his watery home and thrown on dry ground, our thought trembles all over in order to escape the dominion of Mara (the tempter) ... As a fletcher makes straight his arrow, a wise man
As a fletcher makes straight his arrow, a wise man makes straight his trembling and unsteady thought, which is difficult to guard, difficult to hold back ... As a grass-blade, if badly grasped, cuts the arm, badly-practised asceticism
As a grass-blade, if badly grasped, cuts the arm, badly-practised asceticism leads to hell ... As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind,
As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, wise people falter not amidst blame and praise ... As a tree, even though it has been cut down,
As a tree, even though it has been cut down, is firm so long as its root is safe, and grows again, thus, unless the feeders of thirst are destroyed, the pain (of life) will return again and again ... As long as the evil deed done does not bear
As long as the evil deed done does not bear fruit, the fool thinks it is like honey; but when it ripens, then the fool suffers grief ... As many kinds of wreaths can be made from a
As many kinds of wreaths can be made from a heap of flowers, so many good things may be achieved by a mortal when once he is born ... As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, passion will break through
As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, passion will break through an unreflecting mind ... As rain does not break through a well-thatched house, passion
As rain does not break through a well-thatched house, passion will not break through a well-reflecting mind ... As soon as he has considered the origin and destruction
As soon as he has considered the origin and destruction of the elements (khandha) of the body, he finds happiness and joy which belong to those who know the immortal (Nirvana) ... As the bee collects nectar and departs without injuring the flower,
As the bee collects nectar and departs without injuring the flower, or its colour or scent, so let a sage dwell in his village ... As the impurity which springs from the iron, when it
As the impurity which springs from the iron, when it springs from it, destroys it; thus do a transgressor's own works lead him to the evil path ... As the Vassika plant sheds its withered flowers, men should
As the Vassika plant sheds its withered flowers, men should shed passion and hatred, O ye Bhikshus! ... Bad conduct is the taint of woman, greediness the taint
Bad conduct is the taint of woman, greediness the taint of a benefactor; tainted are all evil ways in this world and in the next ... Bad deeds, and deeds hurtful to ourselves, are easy to
Bad deeds, and deeds hurtful to ourselves, are easy to do; what is beneficial and good, that is very difficult to do ... Be not thoughtless, watch your thoughts! Draw yourself out
Be not thoughtless, watch your thoughts! Draw yourself out of the evil way, like an elephant sunk in mud ... Because a man is rid of evil, therefore he is
Because a man is rid of evil, therefore he is called Brahmana; because he walks quietly, therefore he is called Samana; because he has sent away his own impurities, therefore he is called Pravragita (Pabbagita, a pilgrim) ... Before long, alas! this body will lie on the earth,
Before long, alas! this body will lie on the earth, despised, without understanding, like a useless log ... Better it would be to swallow a heated iron ball,
Better it would be to swallow a heated iron ball, like flaring fire, than that a bad unrestrained fellow should live on the charity of the land ... Better than sovereignty over the earth, better than going to heaven,
Better than sovereignty over the earth, better than going to heaven, better than lordship over all worlds, is the reward of the first step in holiness The Buddha (The Awakened) ... Beware of bodily anger, and control thy body! Leave
Beware of bodily anger, and control thy body! Leave the sins of the body, and with thy body practise virtue! ... Beware of the anger of the mind, and control thy
Beware of the anger of the mind, and control thy mind! Leave the sins of the mind, and practise virtue with thy mind! ... Beware of the anger of the tongue, and control thy
Beware of the anger of the tongue, and control thy tongue! Leave the sins of the tongue, and practise virtue with thy tongue! ... But he who has cleansed himself from sin, is well
But he who has cleansed himself from sin, is well grounded in all virtues, and regards also temperance and truth, he is indeed worthy of the yellow dress ... But he who lives a hundred years, vicious and unrestrained,
But he who lives a hundred years, vicious and unrestrained, a life of one day is better if a man is virtuous and reflecting ... But life is hard to live for a modest man,
But life is hard to live for a modest man, who always looks for what is pure, who is disinterested, quiet, spotless, and intelligent ... But that is not a safe refuge, that is not
But that is not a safe refuge, that is not the best refuge; a man is not delivered from all pains after having gone to that refuge ... But there is a taint worse than all taints,--ignorance is
But there is a taint worse than all taints,--ignorance is the greatest taint O mendicants! throw off that taint, and become taintless! ... But they whose whole watchfulness is always directed to their body,
But they whose whole watchfulness is always directed to their body, who do not follow what ought not to be done, and who steadfastly do what ought to be done, the desires of such watchful and wise people will come to an end ... But those who, when the law has been well preached
But those who, when the law has been well preached to them, follow the law, will pass across the dominion of death, however difficult to overcome ... But, like a beautiful flower, full of colour and full
But, like a beautiful flower, full of colour and full of scent, are the fine and fruitful words of him who acts accordingly ... By earnestness did Maghavan (Indra) rise to the lordship of
By earnestness did Maghavan (Indra) rise to the lordship of the gods People praise earnestness; thoughtlessness is always blamed ... By oneself the evil is done, by oneself one suffers;
By oneself the evil is done, by oneself one suffers; by oneself evil is left undone, by oneself one is purified Purity and impurity belong to oneself, no one can purify another ... By rousing himself, by earnestness, by restraint and control, the wise
By rousing himself, by earnestness, by restraint and control, the wise man may make for himself an island which no flood can overwhelm ... Come, look at this glittering world, like unto a royal
Come, look at this glittering world, like unto a royal chariot; the foolish are immersed in it, but the wise do not touch it ... Cut down the whole forest (of lust), not a tree
Cut down the whole forest (of lust), not a tree only! Danger comes out of the forest (of lust) When you have cut down both the forest (of lust) and its undergrowth, then, Bhikshus, you will be rid of the forest and free! ... Cut off the five (senses), leave the five, rise above
Cut off the five (senses), leave the five, rise above the five A Bhikshu, who has escaped from the five fetters, he is called Oghatinna, `saved from the flood' ... Cut out the love of self, like an autumn lotus,
Cut out the love of self, like an autumn lotus, with thy hand! Cherish the road of peace Nirvana has been shown by Sugata (Buddha) ... Death carries off a man who is gathering flowers and
Death carries off a man who is gathering flowers and whose mind is distracted, as a flood carries off a sleeping village ... Death comes and carries off that man, praised for his
Death comes and carries off that man, praised for his children and flocks, his mind distracted, as a flood carries off a sleeping village ... Death subdues a man who is gathering flowers, and whose
Death subdues a man who is gathering flowers, and whose mind is distracted, before he is satiated in his pleasures ... Difficult (to obtain) is the conception of men, difficult is
Difficult (to obtain) is the conception of men, difficult is the life of mortals, difficult is the hearing of the True Law, difficult is the birth of the Awakened (the attainment of Buddhahood) ... Do not follow the evil law! Do not live on
Do not follow the evil law! Do not live on in thoughtlessness! Do not follow false doctrine! Be not a friend of the world ... Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low
Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low people for friends: have virtuous people for friends, have for friends the best of men ... Do not speak harshly to anybody; those who are spoken
Do not speak harshly to anybody; those who are spoken to will answer thee in the same way Angry speech is painful, blows for blows will touch thee ... Earnest among the thoughtless, awake among the sleepers, the wise man
Earnest among the thoughtless, awake among the sleepers, the wise man advances like a racer, leaving behind the hack ... Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness the path of
Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness the path of death Those who are in earnest do not die, those who are thoughtless are as if dead already ... Even a good man sees evil days, as long as
Even a good man sees evil days, as long as his good deed has not ripened; but when his good deed has ripened, then does the good man see happy days ... Even an evil-doer sees happiness as long as his evil
Even an evil-doer sees happiness as long as his evil deed has not ripened; but when his evil deed has ripened, then does the evil-doer see evil ... Even in heavenly pleasures he finds no satisfaction, the disciple who
Even in heavenly pleasures he finds no satisfaction, the disciple who is fully awakened delights only in the destruction of all desires ...