All that we are is the result of what we have thought: we are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfish thoughts cause misery when they speak or act. Sorrows roll over them as the wheels of a cart roll over the tracks of the bullock that draws it.
All that we are is the result of what we have thought: we are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy whenever they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.
“He insulted me, he struck me, he cheated me, he robbed me”: those caught in resentful thoughts never find peace.
“He insulted me, he struck me, he cheated me, he robbed me”: those who give up resentful thoughts surely find peace.
For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love. This is an unalterable law.
There are those who forget that death will come to all. For those who remember, quarrels come to an end.
Those who live only for pleasure, who eat intemperately, who are lazy and weak and lack control over their senses, are like a tree with shallow roots. As a strong wind uproots such a tree, Mara the Tempter will throw such a person down. But those who live without looking for pleasure, who eat temperately and control their senses, who are persevering and firm in faith, are like a mountain. As a strong wind cannot uproot a mountain, Mara cannot throw such a person down.
Whoever puts on the saffron robe but is self-willed, speaks untruthfully, and lacks self-control is not worthy of that sacred garment.
But those who have vanquished self-will, who speak the truth and have mastered themselves, are firmly established on the spiritual path and worthy of the saffron robe.
The deluded, imagining trivial things to be vital to life, follow their vain fancies and never attain the highest knowledge.
But the wise, knowing what is trivial and what is vital, set their thoughts on the supreme goal and attain the highest knowledge.
As rain seeps through a poorly thatched roof, passion seeps into the untrained mind.
As rain cannot seep through a well-thatched roof, passion cannot seep into a well-trained mind.
Those who are selfish suffer here and suffer there; they suffer wherever they go. They suffer and fret over the damage they have done. But those who are selfless rejoice here and rejoice there; they rejoice wherever they go. They rejoice and delight in the good they have done.
The selfish person suffers here, and he suffers there; he suffers wherever he goes. He suffers as he broods over the damage he has done. He suffers more and more as he travels along the path of sorrow.
The selfless person is happy here, and he is happy there; he is happy wherever he goes. He is happy when he thinks of the good he has done. He grows in happiness as he progresses along the path of bliss.
Those who recite many scriptures but do not practice their teachings are like a cowherd counting another’s cows. They do not share in the joys of the spiritual life.
But those who may know few scriptures but practice their teachings, who overcome all lust, hatred, and delusion, live with a pure mind in the highest wisdom. They stand without external supports and share in the joys of the spiritual life.
The Dhammapada is an ancient popular collection of the Buddha’s teachings in verse form. This passage has been translated by Easwaran for meditation and is published in his spiritual anthologies, “God Makes the Rivers to Flow” and “Timeless Wisdom.” The audio recording is by Eknath Easwaran.