The Dhammapada
by Anonymous
"The Dhammapada," a foundational text of Buddhist philosophy, encapsulates the essence of wisdom, mindfulness, and ethical conduct. Central to its teachings is the idea that true wisdom is not measured by verbal prowess but by one's ability to embody peace, love, and fearlessness. The text emphasizes the transformative power of love over hatred, asserting that genuine compassion is the true antidote to conflict. A prominent theme is self-mastery, where conquering one’s own mind is depicted as a more significant victory than defeating external foes. The narrative encourages personal responsibility, highlighting that one’s thoughts shape their reality and that awareness is a vital path to enlightenment. The text advocates for the importance of companionship on the spiritual journey, cautioning against the influence of the foolish and emphasizing the value of solitude when necessary. Moreover, "The Dhammapada" underscores the impermanence of life, urging readers to recognize the transient nature of existence to alleviate suffering and grief. The pursuit of virtue, mindfulness, and inner peace is presented as the path to liberation and ultimate joy, culminating in the attainment of Nirvana. Through its verses, the text invites readers to cultivate compassion, clarity, and a deep understanding of their true nature, fostering a life of fulfillment and spiritual awakening.
30 popular highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most popular and impactful highlights and quotes from The Dhammapada:
A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving and fearless then he is in truth called wise.
Conquer the angry one by not getting angry; conquer the wicked by goodness; conquer the stingy by generosity, and the liar by speaking the truth.[Verse 223]
Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.
Better than a thousand hollow words is one word that brings peace.
If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone. There is no companionship with the immature.
The one who has conquered himself is a far greater hero than he who has defeated a thousand times a thousand men.
You are what you think. All that you are arises from your thoughts. With your thoughts you make your world.
A man traveling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice, he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above. Trembling, the man looked down to where, far below, another tiger was waiting to eat him. Only the vine sustained him.Two mice, one white and one black, little by little started to gnaw away the vine. The man saw a luscious strawberry near him. Grasping the vine with one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. How sweet it tasted!
Many do not realize that we here must die. For those who realize this, quarrels end.
There's a mess inside you: You clean the outside.
If you never see a fool You'll always be happy.The one who keeps company with fools Will be sorry for a long time.It's painful to live with fools, Like being always with an enemy.
The non-doing of any evil,the performance of what's skillful,the cleansing of one's own mind:this is the teaching of the Awakened.
In the village, a sage should go about Like a bee, which, not harmingFlower, colour or scent, Flies off with the nectar.
Now may every living thing, young or old,weak or strong, living near or far, known orunknown, living or departed or yet unborn,may every living thing be full of bliss.
From the dear comes grief; From the dear comes fear.If you're freed from the dear You'll have no grief, let alone fear.
The ignorant man is an ox. He grows in size, not in wisdom.
The fool who knows his folly Becomes wise by that fact.But the fool who thinks he's wise - He's called 'a fool' indeed!
Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.
Better than a thousand sayings Made up of useless wordsIs one word of meaning Which calms you to hear it.
I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.
If there is no wound in your hand You can carry poison in your hand.Poison does not attack one who is unwounded. There is no evil for one who does not do evil.
The virtuous man delights in this world and he delights in the next
The aware do not die; The unaware are as though dead already.
Those who consider the inessential to be essential And see the essential as inessential Don't reach the essential, Living in the field of wrong intention
Though you might conquer in battle A thousand times a thousand men,You're the greatest battle-winner If you conquer just one - yourself.
If you cannot find a good companion to walk with, walk alone, like an elephant roaming the jungle. It is better to be alone than to be with those who will hinder your progress.
Not merely by rules of conduct and religious observances, nor by much learning either, nor even by attainment of concentration, nor by sleeping alone, do I reach the happiness of freedom, to which no worldlings attain. If you have not put an end to compulsions, nurse your faith
Though you recite much scripture, If you are unaware and do not act accordingYou are like a cowherd counting others' cattle, Not a sharer in the wanderer's life.
Watchfulness is the path of immortality:Unwatchfulness is the path of death.Those who are watchful never die:Those who do not watch are already as dead.Those who with a clear mind have seen this truth,Those who are wise and ever watchful,They feel the joy of watchfulness,The joy of the path of the great.And those who in high thought and in deep contemplationWith ever living power advance on the path,They in the end reach NIRVANA,The peace supreme and infinite joy.~ Buddha
He has no need for faith who knows the uncreated, who has cut off rebirth, who has destroyed any opportunity for good or evil, and cast away all desire. He is indeed the ultimate man.
