The Dhammapada, an anthology of 423 verses, has long been recognised as one of the masterpieces of early Buddhist literature. It has been regarded as the most succinct expression of the Buddhas teaching found in the Theravada!ali "anon of scriptures #no$n as the %hudda#a &i#aya '()inor "ollection( of the +utta!ita#
The Dhammapada, an anthology of 423 verses, has long been recognised as one of the masterpieces of early Buddhist literature. It has been regarded as the most succinct expression of the Buddhas teaching found in the Theravada!ali "anon of scriptures #no$n as the %hudda#a &i#aya '()inor "ollection( of the +utta!ita#
The Dhammapada, an anthology of 423 verses, has long been recognised as one of the masterpieces of early Buddhist literature. It has been regarded as the most succinct expression of the Buddhas teaching found in the Theravada!ali "anon of scriptures #no$n as the %hudda#a &i#aya '()inor "ollection( of the +utta!ita#
The Dhammapada, an anthology of 423 verses, has long been recognised as one of the masterpieces of early Buddhist literature. From ancient times to the present, the Dhammapada has been regarded as the most succinct expression of the Buddhas teaching found in the Theravada !ali "anon of scriptures #no$n as the %hudda#a &i#aya '()inor "ollection(* of the +utta !ita#a. Buddhist tradition has it that shortly after the passing a$ay of the Buddha his disciples met in council at ,a-agaha for the purpose of recalling to mind the truths they had received from their beloved Teacher during the forty.five years of his ministry. Their hope $as to implant the principles of his message so firmly in memory that they $ould become a lasting impetus to moral and spiritual conduct, for themselves, their disciples, and for all future disciples $ho $ould see# to follo$ in the footsteps of the /$a#ened 0ne. 1ith the Teacher no longer among them, the mon#s found themselves $ith the responsibility of handing on the teaching as faithfully as possible. 2aving no $ritten texts to rely on, they did as their ancestors had before them and prepared their discourses for recitation, that is, basic themes $ere repeated $ith variations in order to impress the ideas on their hearers. /t that time, according to the +inhalese, the Dhammapada $as orally assembled from the sayings of 3autama given on some three hundred different occasions. +ubse4uently, several renditions of the Dhammapada in the +ans#rit and "hinese languages came into circulation. 5i#e$ise, a number of stan6as are to be found almost verbatim in other texts of the canonical literature, testifying to the esteem in $hich its content $as anciently held. +ince first collated, the Dhammapada has become one of the best loved of Buddhist scriptures, recited daily by millions of devotees $ho chant its verses in !ali or in their native dialect. 7t $as inevitable that differences in interpretation of teaching as $ell as of disciplinary practices $ould arise, $ith the result that about a century after the First "ouncil $as held a second gathering $as called to affirm the purity of the doctrine. 7t $as at this +econd "ouncil that the /rhats divided into t$o main streams, namely, the )ahasanghi#a or (3reat /ssembly( and the Theravada or (Doctrine of 8lders.( These gradually developed into the )ahayana or &orthern +chool of Buddhism espoused chiefly in 7ndia, Tibet, "hina, and later 9apan, and the 2inayana or +outhern +chool $hose stronghold is +ri 5an#a, Burma, and the countries of +outh. east /sia. 'From the Dhammapada Fore$ord of Dr. 2arischandra %aviratna, $ith minor adaptations, :;<=, Theosophical >niversity !ress* The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age : Table Of Contents The Dhammapada. Translated by Thomas Byrom The Dhammapada ............................................................................................................ : Table 0f "ontents ............................................................................................................ 2 :. "hoices ...................................................................................................................... 3 2. 1a#efulness ............................................................................................................. 3 3. )ind ......................................................................................................................... 4 4. Flo$ers ..................................................................................................................... 4 ?. The Fool .................................................................................................................... ? @. The 1ise )an .......................................................................................................... @ A. The )aster ................................................................................................................ @ <. The Thousands ......................................................................................................... A ;. )ischief .................................................................................................................... A :=. Biolence .................................................................................................................. < ::. 0ld /ge .................................................................................................................... < :2. Courself ................................................................................................................... ; :3. The 1orld ............................................................................................................... ; :4. The )an 1ho 7s /$a#e ........................................................................................ := :?. 9oy ......................................................................................................................... := :@. !leasure ................................................................................................................. :: :A. /nger ...................................................................................................................... :: :<. 7mpurity ................................................................................................................ :2 :;. The 9ust ................................................................................................................. :3 2=. The 1ay ................................................................................................................ :3 2:. 0ut 0f The Forest ................................................................................................. :4 22. The Dar# ............................................................................................................... :4 23. The 8lephant ......................................................................................................... :? 24. Desire .................................................................................................................... :@ 2?. The +ee#er ............................................................................................................. :A 2@. The True )aster ................................................................................................... :< The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age 2 1. Choices 1e are $hat $e thin#. /ll that $e are arises $ith our thoughts. 1ith our thoughts $e ma#e the $orld. +pea# or act $ith an impure mind /nd trouble $ill follo$ you /s the $heel follo$s the ox that dra$s the cart. 1e are $hat $e thin#. /ll that $e are arises $ith our thoughts. 1ith our thoughts $e ma#e the $orld. +pea# or act $ith a pure mind /nd happiness $ill follo$ you /s your shado$, unsha#able. (5oo# ho$ he abused me and hurt me, 2o$ he thre$ me do$n and robbed me.( 5ive $ith such thoughts and you live in hate. (5oo# ho$ he abused me and hurt me, 2o$ he thre$ me do$n and robbed me.( /bandon such thoughts, and live in love. 7n this $orld 2ate never yet dispelled hate. 0nly love dispels hate. This is the la$, /ncient and inexhaustible. Cou too shall pass a$ay. %no$ing this, ho$ can you 4uarrelD 2o$ easily the $ind overturns a frail tree. +ee# happiness in the senses, 7ndulge in food and sleep, /nd you too $ill be uprooted. The $ind cannot overturn a mountain. Temptation cannot touch the man 1ho is a$a#e, strong and humble, 1ho masters himself and minds the dharma. 7f a mans thoughts are muddy, 7f he is rec#less and full of deceit, 2o$ can he $ear the yello$ robeD 1hoever is master of his o$n nature, Bright, clear and true, 2e may indeed $ear the yello$ robe. )ista#ing the false for the true, /nd the true for the false, Cou overloo# the heart /nd fill yourself $ith desire. +ee the false as false, The true as true. 5oo# into your heart. Follo$ your nature. /n unreflecting mind is a poor roof. !assion, li#e the rain, floods the house. But if the roof is strong, there is shelter. 1hoever follo$s impure thoughts +uffers in this $orld and the next. 7n both $orlds he suffers /nd ho$ greatly 1hen he sees the $rong he has done. But $hoever follo$s the dharma 7s -oyful here and -oyful there. 7n both $orlds he re-oices /nd ho$ greatly 1hen he sees the good he has done. For great is the harvest in this $orld, /nd greater still in the next. 2o$ever many holy $ords you read, 2o$ever many you spea#, 1hat good $ill they do you 7f you do not act upon themD /re you a shepherd 1ho counts another mans sheep, &ever sharing the $ayD ,ead as fe$ $ords as you li#e, /nd spea# fe$er. But act upon the dharma. 3ive up the old $ays . !assion, enmity, folly. %no$ the truth and find peace. +hare the $ay. 2. Wakefulness 1a#efulness is the $ay to life. The fool sleeps /s if he $ere already dead, But the master is a$a#e /nd he lives forever. 2e $atches. 2e is clear. 2o$ happy he isE For he sees that $a#efulness is life. 2o$ happy he is, Follo$ing the path of the a$a#ened. 1ith great perseverance 2e meditates, see#ing Freedom and happiness. +o a$a#e, reflect, $atch. 1or# $ith care and attention. 5ive in the $ay The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age 3 /nd the light $ill gro$ in you. By $atching and $or#ing The master ma#es for himself an island 1hich the flood cannot over$helm. The fool is careless. But the master guards his $atching. 7t is his most precious treasure. 2e never gives in to desire. 2e meditates. /nd in the strength of his resolve 2e discovers true happiness. 2e overcomes desire . /nd from the to$er of his $isdom 2e loo#s do$n $ith dispassion >pon the sorro$ing cro$d. From the mountain top 2e loo#s do$n at those 1ho live close to the ground. )indful among the mindless, /$a#e $hile others dream, +$ift as the race horse 2e outstrips the field. By $atching 7ndra became #ing of the gods. 2o$ $onderful it is to $atch. 2o$ foolish to sleep. The beggar $ho guards his mind /nd fears the $ay$ardness of his thoughts Burns through every bond 1ith the fire of his vigilance. The beggar $ho guards his mind /nd fears his o$n confusion "annot fall. 2e has found his $ay to peace. 3. Mind /s the fletcher $hittles /nd ma#es straight his arro$s, +o the master directs 2is straying thoughts. 5i#e a fish out of $ater, +tranded on the shore, Thoughts thrash and 4uiver, For ho$ can they sha#e off desireD They tremble, they are unsteady, They $ander at their o$n $ill. 7t is good to control them, /nd to master them brings happiness. But ho$ subtle they are, 2o$ elusiveE The tas# is to 4uieten them, /nd by ruling them to find happiness. 1ith single.mindedness The master 4uells his thoughts. 2e ends their $andering. +eated in the cave of the heart, 2e finds freedom. 2o$ can a troubled mind >nderstand the $ayD 7f a man is disturbed 2e $ill never be filled $ith #no$ledge. /n untroubled mind, &o longer see#ing to consider 1hat is right and $hat is $rong, / mind beyond -udgements, 1atches and understands. %no$ that the body is a fragile -ar, /nd ma#e a castle of your mind. 7n every trial 5et understanding fight for you To defend $hat you have $on. For soon the body is discarded, Then $hat does it feelD / useless log of $ood, it lies on the ground, Then $hat does it #no$D Cour $orst enemy cannot harm you /s much as your o$n thoughts, unguarded. But once mastered, &o one can help you as much, &ot even your father or your mother. 4. Flowes 1ho shall con4uer this $orld /nd the $orld of death $ith all its godsD 1ho shall discover The shining $ay of dharmaD Cou shall, even as the man 1ho see#s flo$ers Finds the most beautiful, The rarest. >nderstand that the body 7s merely the foam of a $ave, The shado$ of a shado$. +nap the flo$er arro$s of desire /nd then, unseen, 8scape the #ing of death. /nd travel on. Death overta#es the man 1ho gathers flo$ers The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age 4 1hen $ith distracted mind and thirsty senses 2e searches vainly for happiness 7n the pleasures of the $orld. Death fetches him a$ay /s a flood carries off a sleeping village. Death overcomes him 1hen $ith distracted mind and thirsty senses 2e gathers flo$ers. 2e $ill never have his fill 0f the pleasures of the $orld. The bee gathers nectar from the flo$er 1ithout marring its beauty or perfume. +o let the master settle, and $ander. 5oo# to your o$n faults, 1hat you have done or left undone. 0verloo# the faults of others. 5i#e a lovely flo$er, Bright but scentless, /re the fine but empty $ords 0f the man $ho does not mean $hat he says. 5i#e a lovely flo$er, Bright and fragrant, /re the fine and truthful $ords 0f the man $ho means $hat he says. 5i#e garlands $oven from a heap of flo$ers, Fashion from your life as many good deeds. The perfume of sandal$ood, ,osebay or -asmine "annot travel against the $ind. But the fragrance of virtue Travels even against the $ind, /s far as the ends of the $orld. 2o$ much finer 7s the fragrance of virtue Than of sandal$ood, rosebay, 0f the blue lotus or -asmineE The fragrance of sandal$ood and rosebay Does not travel far. But the fragrance of virtue ,ises to the heavens. Desire never crosses the path 0f virtuous and $a#eful men. Their brightness sets them free. 2o$ s$eetly the lotus gro$s 7n the litter of the $ayside. 7ts pure fragrance delights the heart. Follo$ the a$a#ened /nd from among the blind The light of your $isdom 1ill shine out, purely. !. The Fool 2o$ long the night to the $atchman, 2o$ long the road to the $eary traveller, 2o$ long the $andering of many lives To the fool $ho misses the $ay. 7f the traveller cannot find )aster or friend to go $ith him, 5et him travel alone ,ather than $ith a fool for company. ()y children, my $ealthE( +o the fool troubles himself. But ho$ has he children or $ealthD 2e is not even his o$n master. The fool $ho #no$s he is a fool 7s that much $iser. The fool $ho thin#s he is $ise 7s a fool indeed. Does the spoon taste the soupD / fool may live all his life 7n the company of a master /nd still miss the $ay. The tongue tastes the soup. 7f you are a$a#e in the presence of a master 0ne moment $ill sho$ you the $ay. The fool is his o$n enemy. The mischief is his undoing. 2o$ bitterly he suffersE 1hy do $hat you $ill regretD 1hy bring tears upon yourselfD Do only $hat you do not regret, /nd fill yourself $ith -oy. For a $hile the fools mischief Tastes s$eet, s$eet as honey. Bit in the end it turns bitter. /nd ho$ bitterly he suffersE For months the fool may fast, 8ating from the tip of a grass blade. +till he is not $orth a penny Beside the master $hose food is the $ay. Fresh mil# ta#es time to sour. +o a fools mischief Ta#es time to catch up $ith him. 5i#e the embers of a fire 7t smoulders $ithin him. 1hatever a fool learns, 7t only ma#es him duller. The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age ? %no$ledge cleaves his head. For then he $ants recognition. / place before other people, / place over other people. (5et them #no$ my $or#, 5et everyone loo# to me for direction.( +uch are his desires, +uch is his s$elling pride. 0ne $ay leads to $ealth and fame, The other to the end of the $ay. 5oo# not for recognition But follo$ the a$a#ened /nd set yourself free. ". The Wise Man The $ise man tells you 1here you have fallen /nd $here you yet may fall . 7nvaluable secretsE Follo$ him, follo$ the $ay. 5et him chasten and teach you and #eep you from mischief. The $orld may hate him. But good men love him. Do not loo# for bad company 0r live $ith men $ho do not care. Find friends $ho love the truth. Drin# deeply. 5ive in serenity and -oy. The $ise man delights in the truth /nd follo$s the la$ of the a$a#ened. The farmer channels $ater to his land. The fletcher $hittles his arro$s. /nd the carpenter turns his $ood. +o the $ise man directs his mind. The $ind cannot sha#e a mountain. &either praise nor blame moves the $ise man. 2e is clarity. 2earing the truth, 2e is li#e a la#e, !ure and tran4uil and deep. 1ant nothing. 1here there is desire, +ay nothing. 2appiness or sorro$ . 1hatever befalls you, 1al# on >ntouched, unattached. Do not as# for family or po$er or $ealth, 8ither for yourself or for another. "an a $ise man $ish to rise un-ustlyD Fe$ cross over the river. )ost are stranded on this side. 0n the riverban# they run up and do$n. But the $ise man, follo$ing the $ay, "rosses over, beyond the reach of death. 2e leaves the dar# $ay For the $ay of light. 2e leaves his home, see#ing 2appiness on the hard road. Free from desire, Free from possessions, Free from the dar# places of the heart. Free from attachment and appetite, Follo$ing the seven lights of a$a#ening, /nd re-oicing greatly in his freedom, 7n this $orld the $ise man Becomes himself a light, !ure, shining, free. #. The Maste /t the end of the $ay The master finds freedom From desire and sorro$ . Freedom $ithout bounds. Those $ho a$a#en &ever rest in one place. 5i#e s$ans, they rise /nd leave the la#e. 0n the air they rise /nd fly an invisible course, 3athering nothing, storing nothing. Their food is #no$ledge. They live upon emptiness. They have seen ho$ to brea# free. 1ho can follo$ themD 0nly the master, +uch is his purity. 5i#e a bird, 2e rises on the limitless air /nd flies an invisible course. 2e $ishes for nothing. 2is food is #no$ledge. 2e lives upon emptiness. 2e has bro#en free. 2e is the charioteer. 2e has tamed his horses, !ride and the senses. 8ven the gods admire him. Cielding li#e the earth, The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age @ 9oyous and clear li#e the la#e, +till as the stone at the door, 2e is free from life and death. 2is thoughts are still. 2is $ords are still. 2is $or# is stillness. 2e sees his freedom and is free. The master surrenders his beliefs. 2e sees beyond the end and the beginning. 2e cuts all ties. 2e gives up all desires. 2e resists all temptations. /nd he rises. /nd $herever he lives, 7n the city or the country, 7n the valley or in the hills, There is great -oy. 8ven in the empty forest 2e finds -oy Because he $ants nothing. $. The Thousands Better than a thousand hollo$ $ords 7s one $ord that brings peace. Better than a thousand hollo$ verses 7s one verse that brings peace. Better than a hundred hollo$ lines 7s one line of the dharma, bringing peace. 7t is better to con4uer yourself Than to $in a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. 7t cannot be ta#en from you, &ot by angels or by demons, 2eaven or hell. Better than a hundred years of $orship, Better than a thousand offerings, Better than giving up a thousand $orldly $ays 7n order to $in merit, Better even than tending in the forest / sacred flame for a hundred years . 7s one moments reverence For the man $ho has con4uered himself. To revere such a man, / master old in virtue and holiness, 7s to have victory over life itself, /nd beauty, strength and happiness. Better than a hundred years of mischief 7s one day spent in contemplation. Better than a hundred years of ignorance 7s one day spent in reflection. Better than a hundred years of idleness 7s one day spent in determination. Better to live one day 1ondering 2o$ all things arise and pass a$ay. Better to live one hour +eeing The one life beyond the $ay. Better to live one moment 7n the moment 0f the $ay beyond the $ay. %. Mischief Be 4uic# to do good. 7f you are slo$, The mind, delighting in mischief, 1ill catch you. Turn a$ay from mischief. /gain and again, turn a$ay. Before sorro$ befalls you. +et your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, /nd you $ill be filled $ith -oy. / fool is happy >ntil his mischief turns against him. /nd a good man may suffer >ntil his goodness flo$ers. Do not ma#e light of your failings, +aying, (1hat are they to meD( / -ug fills drop by drop. +o the fool becomes brimful of folly. Do not belittle your virtues, +aying, (They are nothing.( / -ug fills drop by drop. +o the $ise man becomes brimful of virtue. /s the rich merchant $ith fe$ servants +huns a dangerous road /nd the man $ho loves life shuns poison, Be$are the dangers of folly and mischief. For an un$ounded hand may handle poison. The innocent come to no harm. But as dust thro$n against the $ind, )ischief is blo$n bac# in the face 0f the fool $ho $rongs the pure and harmless. The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age A +ome are reborn in hell, +ome in this $orld, The good in heaven. But the pure are not reborn. &o$hereE &ot in the s#y, &or in the midst of the sea, &or deep in the mountains, "an you hide from your o$n mischief. &ot in the s#y, &ot in the midst of the ocean, &or deep in the mountains, &o$here "an you hide from your o$n death. 1&. 'iolence /ll beings tremble before violence. /ll fear death. /ll love life. +ee yourself in other. Then $hom can you hurtD 1hat harm can you doD 2e $ho see#s happiness By hurting those $ho see# happiness 1ill never find happiness. For your brother is li#e you. 2e $ants to be happy. &ever harm him /nd $hen you leave this life Cou too $ill find happiness. &ever spea# harsh $ords For they $ill rebound upon you. /ngry $ords hurt /nd the hurt rebounds. 5i#e a bro#en gong Be still, and silent. %no$ the stillness of freedom 1here there is no more striving. 5i#e herdsmen driving their co$s into the fields, 0ld age and death $ill drive you before them. But the fool in his mischief forgets /nd he lights the fire 1herein one day he must burn. 2e $ho harms the harmless 0r hurts the innocent, Ten times shall he fall . 7nto torment or infirmity, 7n-ury or disease or madness, !ersecution or fearful accusation, 5oss of family, loss of fortune. Fire from heaven shall stri#e his house /nd $hen his body has been struc# do$n, 2e shall rise in hell. 2e $ho goes na#ed, 1ith matted hair, mud bespattered, 1ho fasts and sleeps on the ground /nd smears his body $ith ashes /nd sits in endless meditation . +o long as he is not free from doubts, 2e $ill not find freedom. But he $ho lives purely and self. assured, 7n 4uietness and virtue, 1ho is $ithout harm or hurt or blame, 8ven if he $ears fine clothes, +o long as he also has faith, 2e is a true see#er. / noble horse rarely Feels the touch of the $hip. 1ho is there in this $orld as blamelessD Then li#e a noble horse +mart under the $hip. Burn and be s$ift. Believe, meditate, see. Be harmless, be blameless. /$a#e to the dharma. /nd from all sorro$s free yourself. The farmer channels $ater to his land. The fletcher $hittles his arro$s. The carpenter turns his $ood. /nd the $ise man masters himself. 11. Old ()e The $orld is on fireE /nd you are laughingD Cou are deep in the dar#. 1ill you not as# for a lightD For behold your body . / painted puppet, a toy, 9ointed and sic# and full of false imaginings, / shado$ that shifts and fades. 2o$ frail it isE Frail and pestilent, 7t sic#ens, festers and dies. 5i#e every living thing 7n the end it sic#ens and dies. Behold these $hitened bones, The hollo$ shells and hus#s of a dying summer. /nd you are laughingD Cou are a house of bones, The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age < Flesh and blood for plaster. !ride lives in you, /nd hypocrisy, decay, and death. The glorious chariots of #ings shatter. +o also the body turns to dust. But the spirit of purity is changeless /nd so the pure instruct the pure. The ignorant man is an ox. 2e gro$s in si6e, not in $isdom. (Bainly 7 sought the builder of my house Through countless lives. 7 could not find him... 2o$ hard it is to tread life after lifeE (But no$ 7 see you, 0 builderE /nd never again shall you build my house. 7 have snapped the rafters, +plit the ridge.pole /nd beaten out desire. /nd no$ my mind is free.( There are no fish in the la#e. The long.legged cranes stand in the $ater. +ad is the man $ho in his youth 5oved loosely and s4uandered his fortune . +ad as a bro#en bo$, /nd sadly is he sighing /fter all that has arisen and has passed a$ay. 12. *ouself 5ove yourself and $atch . Today, tomorro$, al$ays. First establish yourself in the $ay, Then teach, /nd so defeat sorro$. To straighten the croo#ed Cou must first do a harder thing . +traighten yourself. Cou are your only master. 1ho elseD +ubdue yourself, /nd discover your master. 1ilfully you have fed Cour o$n mischief. +oon it $ill crush you /s the diamond crushes stone. By your o$n folly Cou $ill be brought as lo$ /s you $orst enemy $ishes. +o the creeper cho#es the tree. 2o$ hard it is to serve yourself, 2o$ easy to lose yourself 7n mischief and folly. The #ashta reed dies $hen it bears fruit. +o the fool, +corning the teachings of the a$a#ened, +purning those $ho follo$ the dharma, !erishes $hen his folly flo$ers. )ischief is yours. +orro$ is yours. But virtue is also yours, /nd purity. Cou are the source 0f all purity and impurity. &o one purifies another. &ever neglect your $or# For anothers, 2o$ever great his need. Cour $or# is to discover your $or# /nd then $ith all your heart To give yourself to it. 13. The Wold Do not live in the $orld, 7n distraction and false dreams. 0utside the dharma. /rise and $atch. Follo$ the $ay -oyfully Through this $orld and beyond. Follo$ the $ay of virtue. Follo$ the $ay -oyfully Through this $orld and on beyondE For consider the $orld . / bubble, a mirage. +ee the $orld as it is, /nd death shall overloo# you. "ome, consider the $orld, / painted chariot for #ings, / trap for fools. But he $ho sees goes free. /s the moon slips from behind a cloud /nd shines, +o the master comes out from behind his ignorance /nd shines. The $orld is in dar#ness. 2o$ fe$ have eyes to seeE 2o$ fe$ the birds 1ho escape the net and fly to heavenE +$ans rise and fly to$ard the sun. The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age ; 1hat magicE +o do the pure con4uer the armies of illusion /nd rise and fly. 7f you scoff at heaven /nd violate the dharma, 7f your $ords are lies, 1here $ill your mischief endD The fool laughs at generosity. The miser cannot enter heaven. But the master finds -oy in giving /nd happiness is his re$ard. /nd more . For greater than all the -oys 0f heaven and earth, 3reater still and than dominion 0ver all the $orlds, 7s the -oy of reaching the stream. 14. The Man Who +s (wake 2e is a$a#e. The victory is his. 2e has con4uered the $orld. 2o$ can he lose the $ay 1ho is beyond the $ayD 2is eye is open 2is foot is free. 1ho can follo$ after himD The $orld cannot reclaim him 0r lead him astray, &or can the poisoned net of desire hold him. 2e is a$a#eE The gods $atch over him. 2e is a$a#e /nd finds -oy in the stillness of meditation /nd in the s$eetness of surrender. 2ard it is to be born, 2ard it is to live, 2arder still to hear of the $ay, /nd hard to rise, follo$, and a$a#e. Cet the reaching is simple. Do $hat is right. Be pure. /t the end of the $ay is freedom. Till then, patience. 7f you $ound or grieve another, Cou have not learned detachment. 0ffend in neither $ord nor deed. 8at $ith moderation. 5ive in your heart. +ee# the highest consciousness. )aster yourself according to the dharma. This is the simple teaching of the a$a#ened. The rain could turn to gold /nd still your thirst $ould not be sla#ed. Desire is un4uenchable 0r it ends in tears, even in heaven. 2e $ho $ishes to a$a#e "onsumes his desires 9oyfully. 7n his fear a man may shelter 7n mountains or in forests, 7n groves of sacred trees or in shrines. But ho$ can he hide there from his sorro$D 2e $ho shelters in the $ay /nd travels $ith those $ho follo$ it "omes to see the four great truths. "oncerning sorro$, The beginning of sorro$, The eightfold $ay /nd the end of sorro$. Then at last he is safe. 2e has sha#en off sorro$. 2e is free. The a$a#ened are fe$ and hard to find. 2appy is the house $here a man a$a#es. Blessed is his birth. Blessed is the teaching of the $ay. Blessed is the understanding among those $ho follo$ it, /nd blessed is their determination. /nd blessed are those $ho revere The man $ho a$a#es and follo$s the $ay. They are free from fear. They are free. They have crossed over the river of sorro$. 1!. ,o- 5ive in -oy, 7n love, 8ven among those $ho hate. 5ive in -oy, 7n health, The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age := 8ven among the afflicted. 5ive in -oy, 7n peace, 8ven among the troubled. 5ive in -oy, 1ithout possessions. 5i#e the shining ones. The $inner so$s hatred Because the loser suffers. 5et go of $inning and losing /nd find -oy. There is no fire li#e passion, &o crime li#e hatred, &o sorro$ li#e separation, &o sic#ness li#e hunger, /nd no -oy li#e the -oy of freedom. 2ealth, contentment and trust /re your greatest possessions, /nd freedom your greatest -oy. 5oo# $ithin. Be still. Free from fear and attachment, %no$ the s$eet -oy of the $ay. 2o$ -oyful to loo# upon the a$a#ened /nd to #eep company $ith the $ise. 2o$ long the road to the man 1ho travels the road $ith the fool. But $hoever follo$s those $ho follo$ the $ay Discovers his family, and is filled $ith -oy. Follo$ then the shining ones, The $ise, the a$a#ened, the loving, For they #no$ ho$ to $or# and forbear. Follo$ them /s the moon follo$s the path of the stars. 1". .leasue Do not let pleasure distract you From meditation, from the $ay. Free yourself from pleasure and pain. For in craving pleasure or in nursing pain There is only sorro$. 5i#e nothing lest you lose it, 5est it bring you grief and fear. 3o beyond li#es and disli#es. From passion and desire, +ensuousness and lust, /rise grief and fear. Free yourself from attachment. 2e is pure, and sees. 2e spea#s the truth, and lives it. 2e does his o$n $or#. +o he is admired and loved. 1ith a determined mind and undesiring heart 2e longs for freedom. 2e is called uddhamsoto . (2e $ho goes upstream.( 1hen a traveller at last comes home From a far -ourney, 1ith $hat gladness 2is family and friends receive himE 8ven so shall your good deeds 1elcome you li#e friends /nd $ith $hat re-oicing 1hen you pass from one life to the nextE 1#. (n)e 5et go of anger. 5et go of pride. 1hen you are bound by nothing Cou go beyond sorro$. /nger is li#e a chariot careering $ildly. 2e $ho curbs his anger is the true charioteer. 0thers merely hold the reins. 1ith gentleness overcome anger. 1ith generosity overcome meanness. 1ith truth overcome deceit. +pea# the truth. 3ive $henever you can, &ever be angry. These three steps $ill lead you 7nto the presence of the gods. The $ise harm no one. They are masters of their bodies /nd they go to the boundless country. They go beyond sorro$. Those $ho see# perfection %eep $atch day and night Till all desires vanish. 5isten, /tula. This is not ne$, 7t is an old saying . (They blame you for being silent, They blame you $hen you tal# too much /nd $hen you tal# too little.( 1hatever you do, they blame you. The $orld al$ays finds / $ay to praise and a $ay to blame. The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age :: 7t al$ays has and it al$ays $ill. But $ho dares blame the man 1hom the $ise continually praise, 1hose life is virtuous and $ise, 1ho shines li#e a coin of pure goldD 8ven the gods praise him. 8ven Brahma praises him. Be$are of the anger of the body. )aster the body. 5et it serve truth. Be$are of the anger of the mouth. )aster your $ords. 5et them serve truth. Be$are of the anger of the mind. )aster your thoughts. 5et them serve truth. The $ise have mastered Body, $ord and mind. They are the true masters. 1$. +mpuit- Cou are as the yello$ leaf. The messengers of death are at hand. Cou are to travel far a$ay. 1hat $ill you ta#e $ith youD Cou are the lamp To lighten the $ay. Then hurry, hurry. 1hen your light shines 1ithout impurity of desire Cou $ill come into the boundless country. Cour life is falling a$ay. Death is at hand. 1here $ill you rest on the $ayD 1hat have you ta#en $ith youD Cou are the lamp To lighten the $ay. Then hurry, hurry. 1hen you light shines purely Cou $ill not be born /nd you $ill not die. /s a silversmith sifts dust from silver, ,emove your o$n impurities 5ittle by little. 0r as iron is corroded by rust Cour o$n mischief $ill consume you. &eglected, the sacred verses rust. For beauty rusts $ithout use /nd unrepaired the house falls into ruin, /nd the $atch, $ithout vigilance, fails. 7n this $orld and the next There is impurity and impurityF 1hen a $oman lac#s dignity, 1hen a man lac#s generosity. But the greatest impurity is ignorance. Free yourself from it. Be pure. 5ife is easy For the man $ho is $ithout shame, 7mpudent as a cro$, / vicious gossip, Bain, meddlesome, dissolute. But life is hard For the man $ho 4uietly underta#es The $ay of perfection, 1ith purity, detachment and vigour. 2e sees light. 7f you #ill, lie or steal, "ommit adultery or drin#, Cou dig up your o$n roots. /nd if you cannot master yourself, The harm you do turns against you 3rievously. Cou may give in the spirit of light 0r as you please, But if you care ho$ another man gives 0r ho$ he $ithholds, Cou trouble your 4uietness endlessly. These envying rootsE Destroy them /nd en-oy a lasting 4uietness. There is no fire li#e passion. There are no chains li#e hate. 7llusion is a net, Desire is a rushing river. 2o$ easy it is to see your brothers faults, 2o$ hard it is to face your o$n. Cou $inno$ his in the $ind li#e chaff, But yours you hide, 5i#e a cheat covering up an unluc#y thro$. D$elling on your brothers faults )ultiplies your o$n. Cou are far from the end of your -ourney. The $ay is not in the s#y. The $ay is in the heart. +ee ho$ you love 1hatever #eeps you from your -ourney. But the tathagathas, (They $ho have gone beyond,( 2ave con4uered the $orld. They are free. The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age :2 The $ay is not in the s#y. The $ay is in the heart. /ll things arise and pass a$ay. But the a$a#ened a$a#e forever. 1%. The ,ust 7f you determine your course 1ith force or speed, Cou miss the $ay of the dharma. Guietly consider 1hat is right and $hat is $rong. ,eceiving all opinions e4ually, 1ithout haste, $isely, 0bserve the dharma. 1ho is $ise, The elo4uent or the 4uiet manD Be 4uiet, /nd loving and fearless. For the mind tal#s. But the body #no$s. 3ray hairs do not ma#e a master. / man may gro$ old in vain. The true master lives in truth, 7n goodness and restraint, &on.violence, moderation and purity. Fine $ords or fine features "annot ma#e a master 0ut of a -ealous and greedy man. 0nly $hen envy and selfishness /re rooted out of him )ay he gro$ in beauty. / man may shave his head But if he still lies and neglects his $or#, 7f he clings to desire and attachment, 2o$ can he follo$ the $ayD The true see#er +ubdues all $ay$ardness. 2e has submitted his nature to 4uietness. 2e is a true see#er &ot because he begs But because he follo$s the la$ful $ay, 2olding bac# nothing, holding to nothing, Beyond good and evil, Beyond the body and beyond the mind. +ilence cannot ma#e a master out of a fool. But he $ho $eighs only purity in his scales, 1ho sees the nature of the t$o $orlds, 2e is a master. 2e harms no living thing. /nd yet it is not good conduct That helps you upon the $ay, &or ritual, nor boo# learning, &or $ithdra$al into the self, &or deep meditation. &one of these confers mastery or -oy. 0 see#erE ,ely on nothing >ntil you $ant nothing. 2&. The Wa- The $ay is eightfold. There are four truths. /ll virtue lies in detachment. The master has an open eye. This is the only $ay, The only $ay to the opening of the eye. Follo$ it. 0ut$it desire. Follo$ it to the end of sorro$. 1hen 7 pulled out sorro$s shaft 7 sho$ed you the $ay. 7t is you $ho must ma#e the effort. The masters only point the $ay. But if you meditate /nd follo$ the dharma Cou $ill free yourself from desire. (8verything arises and passes a$ay.( 1hen you see this, you are above sorro$. This is the shining $ay. (8xistence is sorro$.( >nderstand, and go beyond sorro$. This is the $ay of brightness. (8xistence is illusion.( >nderstand, and go beyond. This is the $ay of clarity. Cou are strong, you are young. 7t is time to arise. +o ariseE 5est through irresolution and idleness Cou lose the $ay. )aster your $ords. )aster your thoughts. &ever allo$ your body to do harm. Follo$ these three roads $ith purity /nd you $ill find yourself upon the one $ay, The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age :3 The $ay of $isdom. +it in the $orld, sit in the dar#. +it in meditation, sit in light. "hoose your seat. 5et $isdom gro$. "ut do$n the forest. &ot the tree. For out of the forest comes danger. "ut do$n the forest. Fell desire. /nd set yourself free. 1hile a man desires a $oman, 2is mind is bound /s closely as a calf to its mother. /s you $ould pluc# an autumn lily, !luc# the arro$ of desire. For he $ho is a$a#e 2as sho$n you the $ay of peace. 3ive yourself to the -ourney. (2ere shall 7 ma#e my d$elling, 7n the summer and the $inter, /nd in the rainy season.( +o the fool ma#es his plans, +paring not a thought for his death. Death overta#es the man 1ho, giddy and distracted by the $orld, "ares only for his floc#s and his children, Death fetches him a$ay /s a flood carries off a sleeping village. 2is family cannot save him, &ot his father nor his sons. %no$ this. +ee# $isdom, and purity. Guic#ly clear the $ay. 21. Out Of The Foest There is pleasure /nd there is bliss. Forgo the first to possess the second. 7f you are happy /t the expense of another mans happiness, Cou are forever bound. Cou do not $hat you should. Cou do $hat you should not. Cou are rec#less, and desire gro$s. But the master is $a#eful. 2e $atches his body. 7n all his actions he discriminates, /nd he becomes pure. 2e is $ithout blame Though once he may have murdered 2is mother and his father, T$o #ings, a #ingdom, and all its sub-ects. Though the #ings $ere holy /nd their sub-ects among the virtuous, Cet he is blameless. The follo$ers of the a$a#ened /$a#e /nd day and night they $atch /nd meditate upon their master. Forever $a#eful, They mind the dharma. They #no$ their brothers on the $ay. They understand the mystery of the body. They find -oy in all beings. They delight in meditation. 7t is hard to live in the $orld /nd hard to live out of it. 7t is hard to be among the many. /nd for the $anderer, ho$ long is the road 1andering through many livesE 5et him rest. 5et him not suffer. 5et him not fall into suffering. 7f he is a good man, / man of faith, honoured and prosperous, 1herever he goes he is $elcome. 5i#e the 2imalayas 3ood men shine from afar. But bad men move unseen 5i#e arro$s in the night. +it. ,est. 1or#. /lone $ith yourself, &ever $eary. 0n the edge of the forest 5ive -oyfully, 1ithout desire. 22. The Dak 0ne man denies the truth. /nother denies his o$n actions. Both go into the dar#. /nd in the next $orld suffer For they offend truth. 1ear the yello$ robe. The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age :4 But if you are rec#less Cou $ill fall into dar#ness. 7f you are rec#less, Better to s$allo$ molten iron Than eat at the table of the good fol#. 7f you court another mans $ife Cou court trouble. Cour sleep is bro#en. Cou lose our honour. Cou fall into dar#ness. Cou go against the la$, Cou go into the dar#. Cour pleasures end in fear /nd the #ings punishment is harsh. But as a blade of grass held a$#$ardly )ay cut your hand, +o renunciation may lead you into the dar#. For if in your renunciation Cou are rec#less and brea# your $ord, 7f your purpose $avers, Cou $ill not find the light. Do $hat you have to do ,esolutely, $ith all your heart. The traveller $ho hesitates 0nly raises dust on the road. 7t is better to do nothing Than to do $hat is $rong. For $hatever you do, you do to yourself. 5i#e a border to$n $ell guarded, 3uard yourself $ithin and $ithout. 5et not a single moment pass 5est you fall into dar#ness. Feel shame only $here shame is due. Fear only $hat is fearful. +ee evil only in $hat is evil. 5est you mista#e the true $ay /nd fall into dar#ness. +ee $hat is. +ee $hat is not. Follo$ the true $ay. ,ise. 23. The /lephant 7 shall endure harsh $ords /s the elephant endures the shafts of battle. For many people spea# $ildly. The tamed elephant goes to battle. The #ing rides him. The tamed man is the master. 2e can endure hard $ords in peace. Better than a mule 0r the fine horses of +indh 0r mighty elephants of $ar 7s the man $ho had mastered himself. &ot on their bac#s "an he reach the untrodden country. But only on his o$n. The mighty elephant Dhanapala#a 7s $ild $hen he is in rut, /nd $hen bound he $ill not eat, ,emembering the elephant grove. The fool is idle. 2e eats and he rolls in his sleep 5i#e a hog in a sty. /nd he has to live life over again. ()y o$n mind used to $ander 1herever pleasure or desire or lust led it. But no$ 7 have it tamed, 7 guide it, /s the #eeper guides the $ild elephant.( /$a#e. Be the $itness of your thoughts. The elephant hauls himself from the mud. 7n the same $ay drag yourself out of your sloth. 7f the traveller can find / virtuous and $ise companion 5et him go $ith him -oyfully /nd overcome the dangers of the $ay. But if you cannot find Friend or master to go $ith you, Travel on alone . 5i#e a #ing $ho has given a$ay his #ingdom, 5i#e an elephant in the forest. Travel on alone, ,ather than $ith a fool for company. Do not carry $ith you your mista#es. Do not carry your cares. Travel on alone. 5i#e an elephant in the forest. To have friends in need is s$eet /nd to share happiness. /nd to have done something good Before leaving this life is s$eet, /nd to let go of sorro$. To be a mother is s$eet, /nd a father. 7t is s$eet to live arduously, /nd to master yourself. 0 ho$ s$eet it is to en-oy life, The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age :? 5iving in honesty and strengthE /nd $isdom is s$eet, /nd freedom. 24. Desie 7f you sleep, Desire gro$s in you 5i#e a vine in the forest. 5i#e a mon#ey in the forest Cou -ump from tree to tree, &ever finding the fruit . From life to life, &ever finding peace. 7f you are filled $ith desire Cour sorro$s s$ell 5i#e the grass after the rain. But if you subdue desire Cour sorro$s shall fall from you 5i#e drops of $ater from a lotus flo$er. This is good counsel /nd it is for everyoneF /s the grass is cleared for the fresh root, "ut do$n desire 5est death after death crush you /s a river crushes the helpless reeds. For if the roots hold firm, / felled tree gro$s up again. 7f desires are not uprooted, +orro$s gro$ again in you. Thirty.six streams are rushing to$ard youE Desire and pleasure and lust... !lay in your imagination $ith them /nd they $ill s$eep you a$ay. !o$erful streamsE They flo$ every$here. +trong vineE 7f you see it spring up, Ta#e careE !ull it out by the roots. !leasures flo$ every$here. Cou float upon them /nd are carried from life to life. 5i#e a hunted hare you run, The pursuer of desire pursued, 2arried from life to life. 0 see#erE 3ive up desire, +ha#e off your chains. Cou have come out of the hollo$ 7nto the clearing. The clearing is empty. 1hy do you rush bac# into the hollo$D Desire is a hollo$ /nd people say (5oo#E 2e $as free. But no$ he gives up his freedom.( 7t is not iron that imprisons you &or rope nor $ood, But the pleasure you ta#e in gold and -e$els, 7n sons and $ives. +oft fetters, Cet they hold you do$n. "an you snap themD There are those $ho can, 1ho surrender to the $orld, Forsa#e desire, and follo$ the $ay. 0 slave of desire, Float upon the stream. 5ittle spider, stic# to your $eb. 0r else abandon your sorro$s for the $ay. /bandon yesterday, and tomorro$, /nd today. "ross over to the father shore, Beyond life and death. Do your thoughts trouble youD Does passion disturb youD Be$are of this thirstiness 5est your $ishes become desires /nd desire binds you. Guieten your mind. ,eflect. 1atch. &othing binds you. Cou are free. Cou are strong. Cou have come to the end. Free from passion and desire, Cou have stripped the thorns from the stem. This is your last body. Cou are $ise. Cou are free from desire /nd you understand $ords /nd the stitching together of $ords. /nd you $ant nothing. (Bictory is mine, %no$ledge is mine, /nd all purity, /ll surrender. (7 $ant nothing. 7 am free. The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age :@ 7 found my $ay. 1hat shall 7 call TeacherD The gift of truth is beyond giving. The taste beyond s$eetness, The -oy beyond -oy. The end of desire is the end of sorro$. The fool is his o$n enemy. +ee#ing $ealth, he destroys himself. +ee# rather the other shore. 1eeds cho#e the field. !assion poisons the nature of man, /nd hatred, illusion, and desire. 2onour the man $ho is $ithout passion, 2atred, illusion, and desire. 1hat you give to him 1ill be given bac# to you, /nd more. 2!. The 0eeke )aster your senses, 1hat you taste and smell, 1hat you see, $hat you hear. 7n all things be a master 0f $hat you do and say and thin#. Be free. Cou are a see#er. Delight in the mastery 0f your hands and your feet, 0f your $ords and your thoughts. Delight in meditation /nd in solitude. "ompose yourself, be happy. Cou are a see#er. 2old your tongue. Do not exalt yourself But lighten the $ay For your $ords are s$eet. Follo$ the truth of the $ay. ,eflect upon it. )a#e it your o$n. 5ive it. 7t $ill al$ays sustain you. Do not turn a$ay $hat is given you &ot reach out for $hat is given to others, 5est you disturb your 4uietness. 3ive than#s For $hat had been given to you, 2o$ever little. Be pure, never falter. Cou have no name and no form. 1hy miss $hat you do not haveD The see#er is not sorry. 5ove and -oyfully Follo$ the $ay, The 4uiet $ay to the happy country. +ee#erE 8mpty the boat, 5ighten the load, !assion and desire and hatred. /nd sail s$iftly. There are five at the door To turn a$ay, and five more, /nd there are five to $elcome in. /nd $hen fiveH have been left +tranded on the shore, The see#er is called oghatinnoti . (2e $ho has crossed over.( +ee#erE Do not be restless. )editate constantly. 0r you $ill s$allo$ fire /nd cry outF (&o moreE( 7f you are not $ise, 2o$ can you steady the mindD 7f you cannot 4uieten yourself, 1hat $ill you ever learnD 2o$ $ill you become freeD 1ith a 4uiet mind "ome into that empty house, your heart, /nd feel the -oy of the $ay Beyond the $orld. 5oo# $ithin . The rising and the falling. 1hat happinessE 2o$ s$eet to be freeE 7t is the beginning of life, 0f mastery and patience, 0f good friends along the $ay, 0f a pure and active life. +o life in love. Do your $or#. )a#e an end of sorro$. For see ho$ the -asmine ,eleases and lets fall 7ts $ithered flo$ers. 5et fall $ilfulness and hatred. /re you 4uietD Guieten your body. Guieten your mind. Cou $ant nothing. Cour $ords are still. Cou are still. By your o$n efforts The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age :A 1a#en yourself, $atch yourself. /nd live -oyfully. Cou are the master, Cou are the refuge. /s a merchant brea#s in a fine horse, )aster yourself. 2o$ gladly you follo$ The $ords of the a$a#ened. 2o$ 4uietly, ho$ surely Cou approach the happy country, The heart of stillness. 2o$ever young, The see#er $ho sets out upon the $ay +hines bright over the $orld. 5i#e the moon, "ome out from behind the cloudsE +hine. 2". The Tue Maste 1anting nothing 1ith all your heart +top the stream. 1hen the $orld dissolves 8verything becomes clear. 3o beyond This $ay or that $ay, To the farther shore 1here the $orld dissolves /nd everything becomes clear. Beyond this shore /nd the father shore, Beyond the beyond, 1here there is no beginning, &o end. 1ithout fear, go. )editate. 5ive purely. Be 4uiet. Do your $or#, $ith mastery. By day the sun shines, /nd the $arrior in his armour shines. By night the moon shines, /nd the master shines in meditation. But this day and night The man $ho is a$a#e +hines in the radiance of the spirit. / master gives up mischief. 2e is serene. 2e leaves everything behind him 2e does not ta#e offence /nd he does not give it. 2e never returns evil for evil. /las for the man 1ho raises his hand against another, /nd even more for him 1ho returns the blo$. ,esist the pleasures of life /nd the desire to hurt . Till sorro$s vanish. &ever offend By $hat you thin# or say or do. 2onour the man $ho is a$a#e /nd sho$s you the $ay. 2onour the fire of his sacrifice. )atted hair or family or caste Do not ma#e a master But the truth and goodness 1ith $hich he is blessed. Cour hair is tangled /nd you sit on a deers#in. 1hat follyE 1hen inside you are ragged $ith lust. The masters clothes are in tatters. 2is veins stand out, 2e is $asting a$ay. /lone in the forest 2e sits and meditates. / man is not born to mastery. / master is never proud. 2e does not tal# do$n to others. 0$ning nothing, he misses nothing. 2e is not afraid. 2e does not tremble. &othing binds him. 2e is infinitely free. +o cut through The strap and the thong and the rope. 5oosen the fastenings. >nbolt the doors of sleep /nd a$a#e. The master endures 7nsults and ill treatment 1ithout reacting. For his spirit is an army. 2e is never angry. 2e #eeps his promises. 2e never strays, he is determined. This body is my last, he saysE 5i#e $ater on the leaf of a lotus flo$er 0r a mustard seed on the point of a needle, 2e does not cling. For he has reached the end of sorro$ /nd has laid do$n his burden. 2e loo#s deeply into things /nd sees their nature. 2e discriminates The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age :< /nd reaches the end of the $ay. 2e does not linger 1ith those $ho have a home &or $ith those $ho stray. 1anting nothing, 2e travels on alone. 2e hurts nothing. 2e never #ills. 2e moves $ith love among the unloving, 1ith peace and detachment /mong the hungry and 4uerulous. 5i#e a mustard seed from the point of a needle 2atred has fallen from him, /nd lust, hypocrisy and pride. 2e offends no one. Cet he spea#s the truth. 2is $ords are clear But never harsh. 1hatever is not his 2e refuses, 3ood or bad, great or small. 2e $ants nothing from this $orld /nd nothing from the next. 2e is free. Desiring nothing, doubting nothing, Beyond -udgement and sorro$ /nd the pleasures of the senses, 2e had moved beyond time. 2e is pure and free. 2o$ clear he is. 2e is the moon. 2e is serene. 2e shines. For he has travelled 5ife after life The muddy and treacherous road of illusion. 2e does not tremble 0r grasp or hesitate. 2e has found peace. "almly 2e lets go of life, 0r home and pleasure and desire. &othing of men can hold him. &othing of the gods can hold him. &othing in all creation can hold him. Desire has left him, &ever to return. +orro$ has left him, &ever to return. 2e is calm. 7n him the seed of rene$ing life 2ad been consumed. 2e has con4uered all the inner $orlds. 1ith dispassionate eye 2e sees every$here The falling and the uprising. /nd $ith great gladness 2e #no$s that he has finished. 2e has $o#en from his sleep. /nd the $ay he has ta#en 7s hidden from men, 8ven from spirits and gods, By virtue of his purity. 7n him there in no yesterday, &o tomorro$, &o today. !ossessing nothing, 1anting nothing. 2e is full of po$er. Fearless, $ise, exalted. 2e has van4uished all things. 2e sees by virtue of his purity. 2e has come to the end of the $ay, 0ver the river of his many lives, 2is many deaths. Beyond the sorro$ of hell, Beyond the great -oy of heaven, By virtue of his purity. 2e has come to the end of the $ay. /ll that he had to do, he has done. /nd no$ he is one. The Dhammapada, $$$.thebigvie$.com !age :;
Stoicism The Art of Happiness: How the Stoic Philosophy Works, Living a Good Life, Finding Calm and Managing Your Emotions in a Turbulent World. New Version