The Dhammapada
"The Dhammapada" by Eknath Easwaran is a collection of teachings attributed to the Buddha, focusing on the importance of mindfulness, ethical conduct, and the path to enlightenment. Easwaran's translation emphasizes the practical wisdom and spiritual principles that guide individuals toward inner peace and compassionate living. The text serves as a practical guide for cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself and the nature of suffering.
16 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Dhammapada, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.
If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path.
Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.
The mind is everything. What you think you become.
To understand everything is to forgive everything.
The fool who knows he is a fool is that much wiser.
In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.
Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
The path is not in the sky; the path is in the heart.
It is better to travel well than to arrive.
Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.
You are what you think. All that you are arises from your thoughts.
In the end, only kindness matters.
To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.
Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.