Dhammapada

Verse 1

manopubbaṅgamā dhammā manoseṭṭā manomayā manasā ce paduṭṭhena bhāsati vā karoti vā tato naṃ dukkhamanveti cakkaṃ’va vahato padaṃ

All things start in the mind, and are led and created by the mind. If you speak or act with a corrupt mind, dissatisfaction follows you, like a wheel follows a pulling ox's foot.

Verse 2

manopubbaṅgamā dhammā manoseṭṭā manomayā manasā ce pasannena bhāsati vā karoti vā tato naṃ sukhamanveti chāyā’va anapāyinī

All things start in the mind, and are led and created by the mind. If you speak or act with a serene mind, satisfaction follows you, like a shadow that never goes away.

Verse 3

akkocchi maṃ, avadhi maṃ ajini maṃ ahāsi me ye taṃ upanayhantī veraṃ tesaṃ na sammati

"They insulted me. They hit me. They defeated me. They cheated me." If you internalize these thoughts, your resentment cannot end.

Verse 4

akkocchi maṃ avadhi maṃ ajini maṃ ahāsi me ye taṃ na upanayhanti veraṃ tesūpasammati

"They insulted me. They hit me. They defeated me. They cheated me." If you do not internalize these thoughts, your resentment ends.

Verse 5

na hi verena verāni sammantīdha kudācanaṃ averena ca sammanti esa dhammo sanantano

Indeed, your resentment does not ever end with more resentment here. It ends with forgiveness. This is an immutable truth.

Verse 6

pare ca na vijānanti mayamettha yamāmase ye ca tattha vijānanti tato sammanti medhagā

People do not realize that they all face death here. But if you realize that, you are wise, and therefore you end your disputes.

Verse 7

subhānupassiṃ viharantaṃ indriyesu asaṃvutaṃ bhojanambhi amattaññuṃ kusītaṃ hīnavīriyaṃ taṃ ve pasahati māro vāto rukkhaṃ'va dubbalaṃ

When you focus on appealing objects, your senses uncontrolled, your eating in excess, lazy and lacking in effort, you indeed will be overwhelmed by Mara, like the wind against a weak tree.

Verse 8

asubhānupassiṃ viharantaṃ indriyesu susaṃvutaṃ bhojanambhi ca mattaññuṃ saddhaṃ āraddhavīriyaṃ taṃ ve nappasahati māro vāto selaṃ'va pabbataṃ

When you focus on unappealing objects, your senses controlled, your eating in moderation, steadfast and full of effort, you indeed will not be overwhelmed by Mara, like the wind against a rocky mountain.

Verse 9

anikkasāvo kāsāvaṃ yo vatthaṃ paridahessati apeto damasaccena na so kāsāvamarahati

If you are impure and wear the yellow robe without self-control and truth, you are not worthy of the yellow robe.

Verse 10

yo ca vantakasāvassa sīlesu susamāhito upeto damasaccena sa ve kāsāvamarahati

And if you are pure spiritually, firm in moral principles, endowed with self-control and truth, you indeed are worthy of the yellow robe.

Verse 11

asāre sāramatino sāre cāsāradassino te sāraṃ nādhigacchanti micchāsaṃkappagocarā

When you perceive substance where there is trifle, and trifle where there is substance, you cannot find the substantial, having been immersed in wrong aims.

Verse 12

sārañca sārato ñatvā asārañca asārato te sāraṃ adhigacchanti sammāsaṃkappagocarā

When you know substance where there is substance, and trifle where there is trifle, you find the substantial, having been immersed in correct aims.

Verse 13

yathā'gāraṃ ducchannaṃ vuṭṭhi samativijjhati evaṃ abhāvitaṃ cittaṃ rāgo samativijjhati

Like how rain can fully infiltrate a poorly-roofed house, your passion can fully infiltrate your unrefined mind.

Verse 14

yathāgāraṃ succhannaṃ vuṭṭhi na samativijjhati evaṃ subhāvitaṃ cittaṃ rāgo na samativijjhati

Like how rain cannot fully infiltrate a well-roofed house, your passion cannot fully infiltrate your refined mind.

Verse 15

idha socati pecca socati pāpakārī ubhayattha socati so socati so vihaññati disvā kamma kiliṭṭham attano

Here, you are miserable. Hereafter, you are miserable. When you do evil deeds, you are miserable in both places. You are miserable and tortured, seeing your own corrupt actions.

Verse 16

idha modati pecca modati katapuñño ubhayattha modati so modati so pamodati disvā kamma visuddhim attano

Here, you are happy. Hereafter, you are happy. When you do good deeds, you are happy in both places. You are happy and overjoyed, seeing your own pure actions.

Verse 17

idha tappati pecca tappati pāpakārī ubhayattha tappati pāpaṃ me katanti tappati bhiyyo tappati duggatiṃ gato

Here, you suffer. Hereafter, you suffer. When you do evil, you suffer in both places. You suffer thinking, "I did evil," and you suffer even more having reached a bad fate.

Verse 18

idha nandati pecca nandati pāpakārī ubhayattha nandati pāpaṃ me katanti nandati bhiyyo nandati suggatiṃ gato

Here, you delight. Hereafter, you delight. When you do good, you delight in both places. You delight thinking, "I did good," and you delight even more having reached a good fate.

Verse 19

bahumpi ce sahitaṃ bhāsamāno na takkaro hoti naro pamatto gopo'va gāvo gaṇayaṃ paresaṃ na bhāgavā sāmaññassa hoti

Even if you can recite many sacred texts but do not act on them -- becoming a careless person -- this is like a cowherd counting the cows of others. You cannot experience the life of the holy.

Verse 20

appampi ce sahitaṃ bhāsamāno dhammassa hoti anudhammacārī rāgañca dosañca pahāya mohaṃ sammappajāno suvimuttacitto anupādiyāno idha vā huraṃ vā sa bhāgavā sāmaññassa hoti

Even if you can recite few sacred texts but act according to the Dhamma -- rejecting greed, anger, and fallacies -- having correct knowledge with a well-liberated mind, not attached to here or hereafter. You can experience the life of the holy.

Verse 21

appamādo amatapadaṃ pamādo maccuno padaṃ appamattā na mīyanti ye pamattā yathā matā

Alertness is the path to immortality. Carelessness is the path to death. If you are alert, you do not die. If you are careless, you are like the dead.

Verse 22

etaṃ visesato ñatvā appamādamhi paṇḍitā appamāde pamodanti ariyānaṃ gocare ratā

Therefore, with deep knowledge and wisdom, you are overjoyed in alertness. You are pleased to be among the enlightened ones.

Verse 23

te jhāyino sātatikā niccaṃ daḷhaparakkamā phusanti dhīrā nibbāṇaṃ yogakkhemaṃ anuttaraṃ

When you contemplate consistently and always with dedicated effort, you are wise to realize Nibbana, the ultimate freedom from bondage.

Verse 24

uṭṭhānavato satimato sucikammassa nisammakārino saññatassa ca dhammajīvino appamattassa yaso'bhivaḍḍhati

When you are diligent, mindful, acting purely and independently, self-disciplined, living according to the Dhamma, and alert, your honor increases indeed.

Verse 25

uṭṭhānen'appamādena saññamena damena ca dīpaṃ kayirātha medhāvī yaṃ ogho nābhikīrati

Diligent, alert, self-disciplined, and self-controlled, you are wise to make an island that no flood can engulf.

Verse 26

pamādamanuyuñjanti bālā dummedhino janā appamādañca medhāvi dhanaṃ seṭṭhaṃ'va rakkhati

Immature and senseless people engage in carelessness. Being wise, you guard your alertness as your top treasure.

Verse 27

mā pamādamanuyuñjetha mā kāmarati santhavaṃ appamatto hi jhāyanto pappoti vipulaṃ sukhaṃ

Do not engage in carelessness or be attached to sensual pleasures. In contemplation, you are alert indeed, achieving great satisfaction.

Verse 28

pamādaṃ appamādena yadā nudati paṇḍito paññāpāsādamāruyha asoko sokiniṃ pajaṃ pabbataṭṭho'va bhummaṭṭhe dhīro bāle avekkhati

Being wise, you displace carelessness with alertness when ascending to the tower of wisdom, far from misery. Being wise, you stand like you are on a mountain observing the miserable and immature people standing on the ground.

Verse 29

appamatto pamattesu suttesu bahujāgaro abalassaṃ'va sīghasso hitvā yāti sumedhaso

Alert among the careless and wide awake among the sleeping, you are wise to advance like a nimble horse, leaving behind the feeble ones.

Verse 30

appamādena maghavā devānaṃ seṭṭhataṃ gato appamādaṃ pasaṃsanti pamādo garahito sadā

Through alertness, Indra reached the top of the gods. Your alertness is praised; your carelessness is always criticized.

Verse 31

appamādarato bhikkhu pamāde bhaya dassivā saṃyojanaṃ aṇuṃ thūlaṃ ḍahaṃ aggīva gacchati

Alertness is pleasurable to you as a practitioner who is fearful of carelessness. You move like fire, burning off your fetters, small or large in the same way.

Verse 32

appamādarato bhikkhu pamāde bhaya dassivā abhabbo parihāṇāya nibbāṇasseva santike

Alertness is pleasurable to you as a practitioner who is fearful of carelessness. You are unable to backslide; Nibbana is just within reach.

Verse 33

phandanaṃ capalaṃ cittaṃ durakkhaṃ dunnivārayaṃ ujuṃ karoti medhāvī usukāro'va tejanaṃ

Wavering and unsteady, the mind is difficult to guard and difficult to hold back. You are wise to straighten your mind, like a fletcher straightens an arrow.

Verse 34

vārijo'va thale khitto okamokata ubbhato pariphandatidaṃ cittaṃ māradheyyaṃ pahātave

Like a fish on dry ground, thrown out of its home, your mind wavers all around in order to flee the ground of Mara.

Verse 35

dunniggahassa lahuno yatthakāmanipātino cittassa damatho sādhu cittaṃ dantaṃ sukhāvahaṃ

Difficult to hold down, fickle, and wherever the senses stumble upon, your mind must be well-controlled. Your controlled mind brings satisfaction.

Verse 36

sududdasaṃ sunipunaṃ yatthakāmanipātinaṃ cittaṃ rakkhetha medhāvī cittaṃ guttaṃ sukhāvahaṃ

Very difficult to see, very subtle, and wherever the senses stumble upon, your mind must be guarded. You are wise to protect your mind, which brings satisfaction.

Verse 37

dūraṅgamaṃ ekacaraṃ asarīraṃ kuhāsayaṃ ye cittaṃ saññamessanti mokkhanti mārabandhanā

Going far off, wandering by itself, being formless, and lying hidden, your mind fully-controlled will be free from the shackles of Mara.

Verse 38

anavaṭṭhitacittassa saddhammaṃ avijānato paripalavapasādassa paññā na paripūrati

With an unsettled mind, you cannot clearly understand the true Dhamma. With faltering confidence, you cannot perfect your wisdom all around.

Verse 39

anavassutacittassa ananavāhatacetaso puññapāpapahīṇassa natthi jāgarato bhayaṃ

With a mind that does not flow with desire and a mind that does not get carried away, you relinquish good and evil. When awake, you are not fearful.

Verse 40

kumbhūpamaṃ kāyamimaṃ viditvā nagarūpamaṃ cittamidaṃ ṭhapetvā yodhetha māraṃ paññāyudhena jitañca rakkhe anivesano siyā

Knowing that your body is like a fragile clay pot, you fortify your mind like a citadel. Fight Mara with your weapon of wisdom, guarding what is conquered but let there be no attachment.

Verse 41

aciraṃ vatayaṃ kāyo paṭhaviṃ adhisessati chuddho apetaviññāṇo niratthaṃ'va kaliṅgaraṃ

Soon indeed your body will lie upon this earth -- cast aside, lifeless, useless -- like a log.

Verse 42

diso disaṃ yantaṃ kayirā verī vā pana verinaṃ micchāpaṇihitaṃ cittaṃ pāpiyo naṃ tato kare

Whatever an enemy could do to another enemy or a hater to another hater, they could not do to you worse than what your wrongly-directed mind could do to you.

Verse 43

na taṃ mātā pitā kayirā aññe vā pi ca ñātakā sammāpaṇihitaṃ cittaṃ seyyaso naṃ tato kare

Neither mother, father, nor any other relative could do better for you than what your correctly-directed mind could do for you.

Verse 44

ko imaṃ pathaviṃ vicessati yamalokaṃ ca imaṃ sadevakaṃ ko dhammapadaṃ sudesitaṃ kusalo puppham iva pacessati

Who will fully understand this earth, the realm of hell, and the realm of heaven? Who will pick a well-explained Dhammapada, like an experienced person picks a flower.

Verse 45

sekho pathaviṃ vicessati yamalokaṃ ca imaṃ sadevakaṃ sekho dhammapadaṃ sudesitaṃ kusalo puppham iva pacessati

As a learner, you will fully understand this earth, the realm of hell, and the realm of heaven. As a learner, you will pick a well-explained Dhammapada, like an experienced person picks a flower.

Verse 46

pheṇūpamaṃ kāyam'imaṃ viditvā marīcidhammaṃ abhisambudhāno chetvāna mārassa papupphakāni adassanaṃ maccurājassa gacche

Knowing this body is like a bubble, you are fully awake to its mirage. Cutting away Mara's flowers, you move to where the king of death cannot see you.

Verse 47

pupphāni heva pacinantaṃ byāsattamanasaṃ naraṃ suttaṃ gāmaṃ mahogho'va maccu ādāya gacchati

If you are preoccupied with only picking flowers, death moves in, like a sleeping village is inundated by a great flood.

Verse 48

pupphāni heva pacinantaṃ byāsattamanasaṃ naraṃ atittaṃ yeva kāmesu antako kurute vasaṃ

If you are preoccupied with only picking flowers, discontented with only sensual pleasures, Death acts to enslave you.

Verse 49

yathāpi bhamaro pupphaṃ vaṇṇagandhaṃ aheṭhayaṃ paḷeti rasamādāya evaṃ gāme munī care

Just like a bee departs with nectar without harming even a flower's color or fragrance, therefore as a sage you may wander through a village.

Verse 50

na paresaṃ vilomāni na paresaṃ katākataṃ attano'va avekkheyya katāni akatāni ca

Not others' faults, not what others have done or have not done. Only observe your own self, what you have done or have not done.

Verse 51

yathāpi ruciraṃ pupphaṃ vaṇṇavantaṃ agandhakaṃ evaṃ subhāsitā vācā aphalā hoti akubbato

Just like a beautiful flower is colorful but without fragrance, therefore your well-spoken words become unproductive without action.

Verse 52

yathāpi ruciraṃ pupphaṃ vaṇṇavantaṃ sagandhakaṃ evaṃ subhāsitā vācā saphalā hoti pakubbato

Just like a beautiful flower is colorful and with fragrance, therefore your well-spoken words become productive with action.

Verse 53

yathāpi ppupharāsimhā kayirā mālākuṇe bahū evaṃ jātena maccena kattabbaṃ kusalaṃ bahuṃ

Just like from a pile of flowers you can do many strands of garland, therefore from being born a mortal, you can do much good.

Verse 54

na pupphagandho paṭivātameti na candanaṃ tagaramallikā vā satañca gandho paṭivātameti sabbā disā sappuriso pavāti

Neither the fragrance of flowers goes against the wind, nor sandalwood, tagara, jasmine. But the fragrance of good people goes against the wind. As a good person, you pervade in all directions.

Verse 55

candanaṃ tagaraṃ vā'pi uppalaṃ atha vassikī etesaṃ gandhajātānaṃ sīlagandho anuttaro

Sandalwood, tagara, or even lotus and jasmine -- of these kinds of fragrances, the fragrance of your virtue is the ultimate.

Verse 56

appamatto ayaṃ gandho yāyaṃ tagaracandanī yo ca sīlavataṃ gandho vāti devesu uttamo

Negligible is this fragrance, such as tagara and sandalwood. The supreme fragrance of your virtue wafts among the gods.

Verse 57

tesaṃ sampannasīlānaṃ appamādavihārinaṃ sammadaññā vimuttānaṃ māro maggaṃ na vindati

You are endowed with virtue, living in alertness, and liberated by correct knowledge. Mara cannot find your path.

Verses 58 + 59

yathā saṅkāradhānasmiṃ ujjhitasmiṃ mahāpathe padumaṃ tattha jāyetha sucigandhaṃ manoramaṃ evaṃ saṅkārabhūtesu andhabhūte puthujjane atirocati paññāya sammāsambuddhasāvako

Just like among the trash pile thrown on the great road, a lotus emerges there, pure in fragrance and pleasing to the mind, therefore, among the trashy individuals, blind individuals, and common people, you shine immensely with wisdom as a student of a Buddha.

Verse 60

dīghā jāgarato ratti dīghaṃ santassa yojanaṃ dīgho bālānaṃ saṃsāro saddhamma avijānataṃ

Long is the night when you are awake; long is a league when you are tired; long is the cycle of rebirths when you are immature, not clearly understanding the true Dhamma.

Verse 61

caraṃ ce nādhigaccheyya seyyaṃ sadisam attano ekacariyaṃ daḷhaṃ kayirā natthi bāle sahāyatā

If in wandering you do not find someone better than or equal to yourself, you could steadfastly wander by yourself. There is no friendship with the immature.

Verse 62

puttā matthi dhanaṃ matthi iti bālo vihaññati attā hi attano natthi kuto puttā kuto dhanaṃ

"I have sons and I have treasures," thus the immature are tortured. Indeed, no self is your own, how much less sons and how much less treasures.

Verse 63

yo bālo maññati bālyaṃ paṇḍito vāpi tena so bālo ca paṇḍitamānī sa ve bālo ti vuccati

If you are immature and know your immaturity, even you are thereby wise. If you are immature but are proud of your wisdom, indeed you are thus called immature.

Verse 64

yāvajīvam pi ce bālo paṇḍitaṃ payirupāsati na so dhammaṃ vijānāti dabbī sūparasaṃ yathā

You can associate with a wise person for even a lifetime, but if you are immature and cannot clearly understand the Dhamma, you are like a spoon that cannot taste soup.

Verse 65

muhuttam api ce viññū paṇḍitaṃ payirupāsati khippaṃ dhammaṃ vijānāti jivhā sūparasaṃ yathā

You can associate with a wise person for even a second, but if you are discerning and can quickly and clearly understand the Dhamma, you are like a tongue that can taste soup.

Verse 66

caranti bālā dummedhāv amitteneva attanā karontā pāpakaṃ kammaṃ yaṃ hoti kaṭukapphalaṃ

If you, immature and senseless, wander as your own enemy, you do an evil act that becomes bitter fruit.

Verse 67

na taṃ kammaṃ kataṃ sādhu yaṃ katvā anutappati yassa assumukho rodaṃ vipākaṃ paṭisevati

Your act is not well done if you regret having done it. Crying with a tearful face is what you experience as a consequence.

Verse 68

taṃ ca kammaṃ kataṃ sādhu yaṃ katvā nānutappati yassa patīto sumano vipākaṃ paṭisevati

Your act is well done if you do not regret having done it. Delight and joy are what you experience as a consequence.

Verse 69

madhuṃ va maññati bālo yāva pāpaṃ na paccati yadā ca paccati pāpaṃ atha dukkhaṃ nigacchati

If immature, you think evil is like honey as long as it has not fully developed. When evil is fully developed, you taste dissatisfaction.

Verse 70

māse māse kusaggena bālo bhuñjeyya bhojanaṃ na so saṅkhātadhammānaṃ kalaṃ agghati soḷasiṃ

If immature, you can eat food with a blade tip of kusa grass month after month, but this is not worth a sixteenth fraction of you understanding the Dhamma.

Verse 71

na hi pāpaṃ kataṃ kammaṃ sajju khīraṃ va muccati ḍahaṃ taṃ bālam anveti bhasmacchanno va pāvako

Indeed an evil act done does not turn immediately like fresh milk. If you are immature, it burns and follows you like fire hidden under ash.

Verse 72

yāvad eva anatthāya ñattaṃ bālassa jāyati hanti bālassa sukkaṃsaṃ muddham assa vipātayaṃ

As long as you are immature, emerging knowledge only harms you. Immaturity destroys your fortune, decimating your wisdom.

Verse 73

asantaṃ bhāvanaṃ iccheyya purekkhāraṃ ca bhikkhusu āvāsesu ca issariyaṃ pūjaṃ parakulesu ca

You have false honors when you desire superiority among the practitioners, authority in the monasteries, and offerings from lay households.

Verse 74

mameva kataṃ maññantū gihī pabbajitā ubho mameva ativasā assu kiccākiccesu kismici iti bālassa saṃkappo icchā māno ca vaḍḍhati

"Let both lay households and monks think that only I done this, and may they obey only me in any task and matter great or small." Thus is your intention if immature, your desire and pride increased.

Verse 75

aññā hi lābhūpanisā aññā nibbānagāminī evam etaṃ abhiññāya bhikkhu buddhassa sāvako sakkāraṃ nābhinandeyya vivekam anubrūhaye

One indeed is the means to gain, another leads to Nibbana. Therefore, fully understanding this as a practitioner and student of a Buddha, you do not delight in honors but practice in solitude.

Verse 76

nidhīnaṃ va pavattāraṃ yaṃ passe vajjadassinaṃ niggayhavādiṃ medhāviṃ tādisaṃ paṇḍitaṃ bhaje tādisaṃ bhajamānassa seyyo hoti na pāpiyo

A wise person who sees, reveals, and points out your faults and gently corrects you is like a treasure. You would associate with this kind of wise person. You associate with this kind of person because you will become better, not worse.

Verse 77

ovadeyyānusāseyya asabbhā ca nivāraye sataṃ hi so piyo hoti asataṃ hoti appiyo

You counsel and teach. You hold back what is unrefined. Indeed you become beloved by the good, and become disliked by the bad.

Verse 78

na bhaje pāpake mitte na bhaje purisādhame bhajetha mitte kalyāṇe bhajetha purisuttame

You do not associate with evil friends. You do not associate with the worst people. You associate with virtuous friends. You associate with the best people.

Verse 79

dhammapīti sukhaṃ seti vippasannena cetasā ariyappavedite dhamme sadā ramati paṇḍito

You find joy and satisfaction in the Dhamma, sleeping with a completely calm heart and mind. You are wise to always take pleasure in the Dhamma taught by the enlightened ones.

Verse 80

udakaṃ hi nayanti nettikā usukārā namayanti tejanaṃ dāruṃ namayanti tacchakā attānaṃ damayanti paṇḍitā

Indeed, irrigators guide water; fletchers shape arrows; carpenters shape wood. You are wise to control yourself.

Verse 81

selo yathā ekaghano vātena na samīrati evaṃ nindāpasaṃsāsu na samiñjanti paṇḍitā

Like a solid rock is not moved by the wind, therefore you are wise to not be shaken by blame or praise.

Verse 82

yathā pi rahado gambhīro vippasanno anāvilo evaṃ dhammāni sutvāna vippasīdanti paṇḍitā

Like even a deep lake is completely calm and undisturbed, therefore you are wise to be completely calm having heard the Dhamma.

Verse 83

sabbattha ve sappurisā cajanti na kāmakāmā lapayanti santo sukhena phuṭṭhā atha vā dukhena noccāvacaṃ paṇḍitā dassayanti

As a good person, you indeed let go everywhere. You are good to not chatter about sensual pleasures, not affected by satisfaction and dissatisfaction. You are wise to not show your highs and lows.

Verse 84

na attahetu na parassa hetu na puttamicche na dhanaṃ na raṭṭhaṃ na iccheyya adhammena samiddhimattano sa sīlavā paññavā dhammiko siyā

Not for your own sake and not for another's sake, you do not desire sons, treasures, kingdoms. You do not desire your own prosperity through non-Dhammic means. Let there be virtue, insight, Dhamma.

Verse 85

appakā te manussesu ye janā pāragāmino athāyaṃ itarā pajā tīramevānudhāvati

Few of you are among the humans who reach the shore beyond. And these other people only run along this shore.

Verse 86

ye ca kho sammadakkhāte dhamme dhammānuvattino te janā pāramessanti maccudheyyaṃ suduttaraṃ

If you are indeed taught correctly the Dhamma and following the Dhamma, you will reach the shore beyond the domain of death, which is very difficult to cross.

Verse 87

kaṇhaṃ dhammaṃ vippahāya sukkaṃ bhāvetha paṇḍito okā anokaṃ āgamma viveke yattha dūramaṃ

You are wise to completely reject corrupt teachings. Cultivate satisfaction. From home to homelessness, you resort to solitude where pleasure is difficult to find.

Verse 88

tatrābhiratim iccheyya hitvā kāme akiñcano pariyodapeyya attānaṃ, cittaklesehi paṇḍito

There [in solitude] you delight in leaving behind sensual desires, owning nothing. You are wise to completely purify your own mind's impurities.

Verse 89

yesaṃ sambodhiaṅgesu sammā cittaṃ subhāvitaṃ ādānapaṭinissagge anupādāya ye ratā khīṇāsavā jutimanto te loke parinibbutā

The basis of your full enlightenment is a well-cultivated mind. You are pleased letting go of clinging and without attachments. Eliminating flaws and realizing Nibbana, you shine in this world.

Verse 90

gataddhino visokassa vippamuttassa sabbadhi sabbaganthappahīṇassa pariḷāho na vijjati

You have reached your destination, without sorrow, and completely liberated in all respects. Leaving behind all fetters, your affliction no longer exists.

Verse 91

uyyuñjanti satīmanto, na nikete ramanti te haṃsā va pallalaṃ hitvā okamokaṃ jahanti te

Mindful, you strive and not take pleasure at home. Like swans that leave lakes behind, leaving home after home.

Verse 92

yesaṃ sannicayo natthi ye pariññātabhojanā yassa suññato animitto ca vimokkho ca gocaro ākāse iva sakuntānaṃ gati tesṃ durannayā

You do not hoard; you fully understand your eating. There are emptiness and no markers when you are among the liberated. Like a bird in the sky, your path is difficult to follow.

Verse 93

yassāsavā parikkhīṇā āhāre ca anissito suññato animitto ca vimokkho yassa gocaro ākāse va sakuntānaṃ padaṃ tassa durannayaṃ

Your flaws are fully eliminated; you are not attached to food. There are emptiness and no markers when you are among the liberated. Like a bird in the sky, your footprints are difficult to follow.

Verse 94

yass'indriyāni samathaṃ gatāni assā yathā sārathinā sudantā pahīṇamānassa anāsavassa devā'pi tassa pihayanti tādino

Your senses have reached calmness, like horses well-controlled by the charioteer. You relinquished pride and have no flaws. Even the gods envy you.

Verse 95

paṭhavisamo no virujjhati indakhīlūpamo tādi subbato rahadova apetakaddamo saṃsārā na bhavanti tādino

You are like the earth that is not offended. Like Indra's pillar, your kind is well-restrained. You are like a lake that mud had departed. The cycle of rebirths does not exist for your kind.

Verse 96

santaṃ tassa manaṃ hoti santā vācā ca kamma ca sammadaññā vimuttassa upasantassa tādino

Your mind becomes calm. Calm are your words and actions. Liberated by correct knowledge, your kind is completely calm.

Verse 97

asaddho akatabbu ca sandhicchedo ca yo naro hatavakaso vantaso sa ve uttamaporiso

You are indeed supreme if you do not have [blind] faith, not indebted [to anyone], broke the connection [from one existence to the next], destroyed the possibility [of rebirth], and cast out desires.

Verse 98

gāme vā yadi vā'raññe ninne vā yadi vā thale yatthārahanto viharanti taṃ bhūviṃ rāmaṇeyyakaṃ

Whether in a village, forest, valley, or hill, if you are enlightened, that ground where you live is pleasing.

Verse 99

ramaṇīyāni araññāni yattha na ramatī jano vītarāgā ramissanti na te kāmagavesino

Pleasing are forests, where people do not find pleasure. Without passion, you will find pleasure, but not those who seek sensual pleasure.

Verse 100

sahassampi ce vācā anatthapadasaṃhitā ekaṃ atthapadaṃ seyyo yaṃ sutvā upasammati

Even if there are one thousand words though composed of useless words, one beneficial word is better, which if you heard would bring peace.

Verse 101

sahassampi ce gāthā antthapadasaṃhitā ekaṃ gāthāpadaṃ seyyā yaṃ sutvā upasammati

Even if there are one thousand verses though composed of useless verses, one beneficial verse is better, which if you heard would bring peace.

Verse 102

yo ca gāthāsataṃ bhāse anatthapadasaṃhitā ekaṃ dhammapadaṃ seyyo yaṃ sutvā upasammati

And who recites one hundred verses though composed of useless verses, one word of the Dhamma is better, which if you heard would bring peace.

Verse 103

yo sahassena sahassena saṅgāme manuse jine ekañca jeyyattānaṃ sa ve saṅgāmajuttamo

Who conquers a thousand thousand people in battle, yet if you conquer one -- yourself -- you are indeed the supreme victor in battle.

Verse 104

attā have jitaṃ seyyo yā cāyaṃ itarā pajā attadantassa posassa niccaṃ saññatacārino

Indeed it is better for you to conquer yourself than other people. Self-controlled, you are a person whose conduct is always disciplined.

Verse 105

n'eva devo na gandhabbo na māro saha brahmunā jitaṃ apajitaṃ kayirā tathārūpassa jantuno

Not even a god, not a celestial being, not Mara together with Brahma could turn your kind of personal victory into defeat.

Verse 106

māse māse sahassena yo yajetha sataṃ samaṃ ekañca bhāvitattānaṃ muhuttampi pūjaye sā yeva pūjanā seyyā yañce vassasataṃ hutaṃ

Month after month, you can offer one thousand sacrifices for one hundred years, yet when you cultivate yourself for even one second it is honorable. That indeed is better and more honorable than one hundred years of offerings.

Verse 107

yo ca vassasataṃ jantu aggiṃ paricare vane ekañca bhāvitattānaṃ muhuttampi pūjaye sā yeva pūjanā seyyā yañce vassasataṃ hutaṃ

And you can take care of a sacred fire in the forest for one hundred years, yet when you cultivate yourself for even one second it is honorable. That indeed is better and more honorable than one hundred years of offerings.

Verse 108

yaṃ kiñci yiṭṭhaṃ va hutaṃ va loke saṃvaccharaṃ yajetha puññapekkho sabbam'pi taṃ na catubhāgameti abhivādanā ujjugatesu seyyā

Whatever sacrifice or offering in the world that you as a seeker of good would make for a full year, even all that is neither better than nor equal to a quarter of one respectful greeting toward those who are upright.

Verse 109

abhivādanasīlissa niccaṃ vaddhāpacāyino cattārā dhammā vaḍḍhanti āyu vaṇṇo sukhaṃ balaṃ

With the habit of respectful greetings, if you always honor the elders, four qualities increase for you: longevity, attractiveness, satisfaction, vitality.

Verse 110

yo ca vassasataṃ jīve dussīlo asamāhito ekāhaṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo sīlavantassa jhāyino

Even if you live one hundred years yet without virtue and firmness, it is better you live one day with virtue and contemplation.

Verse 111

yo ca vassasataṃ jīve duppañño asamāhito ekāhaṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo paññavantassa jhāyino

Even if you live one hundred years yet without insight and firmness, it is better you live one day with insight and contemplation.

Verse 112

yo ca vassasataṃ jīve kusīto hīnavīriyo ekāhaṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo viriyamā rabhato daḷhaṃ

Even if you live one hundred years yet are lazy and lacking effort, it is better you live one day steadfastly exerting effort.

Verse 113

yo ca vassasataṃ jīve apassaṃ udayavyayaṃ ekā'haṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo passato udayavyayaṃ

Even if you live one hundred years yet cannot see the rise and fall, it is better you live one day to see the rise and fall.

Verse 114

yo ca vassasataṃ jīve apassaṃ amataṃ padaṃ ekā'haṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo passato amataṃ padaṃ

Even if you live one hundred years yet cannot see immortality, it is better you live one day to see immortality.

Verse 115

yo ca vassasataṃ jīve apassaṃ dhammam uttamaṃ ekā'haṃ jīvitaṃ seyyo passato dhammam uttamaṃ

Even if you live one hundred years yet cannot see the supreme Dhamma, it is better you live one day to see the supreme Dhamma.

Verse 116

abhitvaretha kalyāṇe pāpā cittaṃ nivāraye dandhaṃ hi karoto puññaṃ pāpasmiṃ ramatī mano

If virtuous, you are quick to do good, holding back your mind from evil. Indeed if you are slow to do good, your mind takes pleasure in evil.

Verse 117

pāpaṃ ce puriso kayirā na taṃ kayirā punappunaṃ na tamhi chandaṃ kayirātha dukkho pāpassa uccayo

If you do evil, do not do it repeatedly. Do not desire it because an accumulation of evil leads to dissatisfaction.

Verse 118

puññaṃ ce puriso kayirā kayirāth'etaṃ punappunaṃ tamhi chandaṃ kayirātha sukho puññassa uccayo

If you do good, do it repeatedly. Desire it because an accumulation of good leads to satisfaction.

Verse 119

pāpo'pi passati bhadraṃ yāva pāpaṃ na paccati yadā ca paccati pāpaṃ atha pāpo pāpāni passati

If you do evil, you even see good results as long as that evil has not fully developed. When it fully develops, then you see bad results.

Verse 120

bhadro'pi passati pāpaṃ yāva bhadraṃ na paccati yadā ca paccati bhadraṃ atha bhadro bhadrāni passati

If you do good, you even see bad results as long as that good has not fully developed. When it fully develops, then you see good results.

Verse 121

māppamaññetha pāpassa na maṃ taṃ āgamissati udabindunipātena udakumbho'pi pūrati pūrati bālo pāpassa thokathokampi ācinaṃ

Do not think a little evil will not come to you. Even water drops falling will fill a clay water pot. If immature, you will be filled with evil when added up little by little.

Verse 122

māppamaññetha puññassa na maṃ taṃ āgamissati udabindunipātena udakumbho'pi pūrati pūrati dhīro puññassa thokathokampi ācinaṃ

Do not think a little good will not come to you. Even water drops falling will fill a clay water pot. If wise, you will be filled with good when added up little by little.

Verse 123

vāṇijo'va bhayaṃ maggaṃ appasattho mahaddhano visaṃ jīvitukāmo'va pāpāni parivajjaye

Like a merchant of great wealth in a little caravan on a fearful path, you avoid evil like poison if you love life.

Verse 124

pāṇimhi ce vaṇo nā'ssa hareyya pāṇinā visaṃ nābbaṇaṃ visamanveti natthi pāpaṃ akubbato

If there is no wound in your hand, you can carry poison in your hand. Poison cannot follow the unwounded; there is no evil if you do not act on it.

Verse 125

yo appaduṭṭhassa narassa dussati suddhassa posassa anaṅgaṇassa tameva bālaṃ pacceti pāpaṃ sukhumo rajo paṭivātaṃ'va khitto

If immature and you do harm to a harmless person who is pure and without fault, that very evil returns to you. It is like fine dust thrown against the wind.

Verse 126

gabbham eke papajjanti nirayaṃ pāpakammino saggaṃ sugatino yanti parinibbanti anāsavā

Some of you are reborn in the womb, evil doers in hell. Good doers go to heaven, the flawless to Nibbana.

Verse 127

na antalikkhe na samuddamajajhe na pabbatānaṃ vivaraṃ pavissa na vijjatī so jagatippadeso yatthaṭthito mucceyya pāpakammā

Neither in the open sky nor in the middle of the ocean, nor having entered a cave in the mountain does there exist a place in the world where you can stand free from evil actions.

Verse 128

na antalikkhe na samuddamajajhe na pabbatānaṃ vivaraṃ pavissa na vijjati so jagatippadeso yatthaṭthitaṃ nappasahetha maccu

Neither in the open sky nor in the middle of the ocean, nor having entered a cave in the mountain does there exist a place in the world where you can stand and not be overwhelmed by death.

Verse 129

sabbe tasanti daṇaḍassa sabbe bhāyanti maccuno attānaṃ upamaṃ katvā na haneyya na ghātaye

All fear punishment. All are fearful of death. They are like yourself. Do not kill and do not be the cause of killing.

Verse 130

sabbe tasanti daṇaḍassa sabbesaṃ jīvitaṃ piyaṃ attānaṃ upamaṃ katvā na haneyya na ghātaye

All fear punishment. All love life. They are like yourself. Do not kill and do not be the cause of killing.

Verse 131

sukhakāmāni bhūtāni yo daṇḍena vihiṃsati attano sukhamesāno pecca so na labhate sukhaṃ

If you punish and harm those who desire satisfaction while seeking satisfaction yourself, you will not gain satisfaction in the hereafter.

Verse 132

sukhakāmāni bhūtāni yo daṇḍena na hiṃsati attano sukhamesāno pecca so labhate sukhaṃ

If you do not punish and harm those who desire satisfaction while seeking satisfaction yourself, you will gain satisfaction in the hereafter.

Verse 133

mā'voca pharusaṃ kañci vuttā paṭivadeyyu'taṃ dukkhā hi sārambhakathā paṭidaṇḍā phuseyyu'taṃ

Do not speak harshly to anyone. Those spoken to will talk back to you. Angry talk is dissatisfying indeed. Their counter-punishment will bruise you.

Verse 134

sa ce neresi attānaṃ kaṃso upahato yathā esa patto'si nibbāṇaṃ sārambho te na vijjati

If you calm yourself like a broken gong, you have attained Nibbana. Anger does not exist in you.

Verse 135

yathā daṇḍena gopālo gā pāceti gocaraṃ evaṃ jarā ca maccu ca āyuṃ pācenti pāṇinaṃ

Like a cowherd punishes cows and directs them to the field, therefore decay and death direct the lifespan of yours and other living beings.

Verse 136

atha pāpāni kammāni karaṃ bālo na bujjhati sehi kammehi dummedho aggidaḍḍho'va tappati

And when you are immature, you do not understand you are doing evil actions. By those very senseless actions, you suffer like burning in fire.

Verse 137

yo daṇḍena adaṇḍesu appaduṭṭhesu dussati dasannam aññataraṃ ṭhānaṃ khippameva nigacchati

When you punish those undeserving of punishment and harm those who are not hateful, you will indeed quickly experience one of these ten penalties:

Verse 138

vedanaṃ pharusaṃ jāniṃ sarīrassa ca bhedanaṃ garukaṃ vāpi ābādhaṃ cittakkhepaṃ va pāpuṇe

(1) harsh painful feeling (2) loss of wife (3) breakdown of body (4) severe or crippling disease (5) falling into insanity

Verse 139

rājato vā upassaggaṃ abbhakkhānaṃ va dāruṇaṃ parikkhayaṃ va ñātīnaṃ bhogānaṃ'va pabhaṅguraṃ

(6) persecution from the king (7) cruel slander (8) loss of kin (9) wealth collapse

Verse 140

atha v'āssa agārāni aggi ḍahati pāvako kāyassa bhedā duppañño nirayaṃ so'upapajjati

And (10) fire burns down your houses, and after your death, you fall down into hell.

Verse 141

na naggacariyā na jaṭā na paṅkā nānāsakā thaṇḍilasāyikā vā rājo ca jallaṃ ukkuṭikappadhānaṃ sodhenti maccaṃ avitiṇṇakaṅkhaṃ

Neither naked nor with matted hair nor muddy, fasting, sleeping on the ground, dusty or wet, and in a squatting position could cleanse mortals like you if you do not remove your doubts.

Verse 142

alaṅkato ce'pi samaṃ careyya santo danto niyato brahmacārī sabbesu bhūtesu nidhāya daṇḍaṃ so brāhmaṇo so samaṇo sa bhikkhu

Even if well-dressed, you can conduct yourself with composure. You are calm, controlled, determined, and living a holy life. You have put aside punishment toward all beings. As a practitioner, you are enlightened and contemplative.

Verse 143

hirīnisedho puriso koci lokasmiṃ vijjati yo nindaṃ apabodhati asso bhadro kasāmiva

Are you someone in the world who is restrained by shame, who do not lash back when blamed, like a good horse to the whip.

Verse 144

asso yathā bhadro kasāniviṭiṭho ātāpino saṃvegino bhavātha saddhāya sīlena ca vīriyena ca samādhinā dhammavinicchayena ca sampannavijjācaraṇā patissatā pahassatha dukkhamidaṃ anappakaṃ

Like a good horse struck by the whip, you become energized and have a sense of urgency. With conviction, virtue, effort, and focus, you have clear comprehension of the Dhamma. Endowed with advanced knowledge, impeccable conduct, and self-awareness, you reject immense dissatisfaction.

Verse 145

udakaṃ hi nayanti nettikā usukārā namayanti tejanaṃ dāruṃ namayanti tacchakā attānaṃ damayanti subbatā

Indeed, irrigators guide water; fletchers shape arrows; carpenters shape wood. Well-restrained, you control yourself.

Verse 146

ko nu hāso kimānando niccaṃ pajjalite sati andhakārena onaddhā padīpaṃ na gavessatha

Indeed what is this laughter and what is this joy when the world is always burning? When you are covered in darkness, do you not seek the light?

Verse 147

passa cittakataṃ bimbaṃ arukāyaṃ samussitaṃ āturaṃ bahusaṅkappaṃ yassa natthi dhuvaṃ ṭhiti

See your mind-made body form full of sores artificially propped up. Diseased with many intentions, there is neither permanence nor constancy.

Verse 148

parijiṇṇamidaṃ rūpaṃ roganiḍḍhaṃ pabhaṅguraṃ bhijjati pūtisandeho maraṇantaṃ hi jīvitaṃ

Your body is decaying, infested with disease ready to collapse, disintegrating into a rotting corpse. Indeed your life ends in death.

Verse 149

yān'imāni apatthāni alāpūn'eva sārade kāpotakāni aṭṭhīni tāni disvāna kā rati

Like these discarded pumpkins in autumn, what is pleasing when you see grey bones?

Verse 150

aṭṭhīnaṃ nagaraṃ kataṃ maṃsalohitalepanaṃ yattha jarā ca maccu ca māno makkho ca ohito

Your citadel body is made of bones coated with flesh and blood, a storage of decay, death, pride, and hypocrisy.

Verse 151

jīranti ve rāja rathā sucittā atho sarīrampi jaraṃ upeti satañca dhammo na jaraṃ upeti santo have sabbhi pavedayanti

Indeed a beautifully designed royal chariot wears out, and also even your body falls into decay. But the Dhamma of good people does not fall into decay. Indeed the calm ones teach this to all everywhere.

Verse 152

appassutā'yaṃ puriso balivaddo'va jīrati maṃsāni tassa vaḍḍhanti paññā tassa na vaḍḍhati

If you are an uneducated person, you are like a young bull growing up. Its flesh increases but its wisdom does not increase.

Verse 153

anekajāti saṃsāraṃ sandhāvissaṃ anibbisaṃ gahakārakaṃ gavesanto dukkhā jāti punappunaṃ

I raced through my cycle of rebirths -- with its many births -- seeking but not finding the house-builder (attachment). Dissatisfaction is birth repeatedly.

Verse 154

gahakāraka diṭṭho'si puna gehaṃ na kāhasi sabbā te phāsukā bhaggā gahakauṭaṃ visaṅkhitaṃ visaṅkhāragataṃ cittaṃ taṇhānaṃ khayam'ajjhagā

House-builder (attachment), you are found! You will not build the house again. All your columns are broken, the rooftops dismantled. My mind is free of fabrications and the end of attachments has been accomplished.

Verse 155

acaritvā brahmacariyaṃ aladdhā yobbane dhanaṃ jiṇṇakoñc'āva jhāyanti khīṇamacche'va pallale

Not having lived a holy life, you have not gained treasure in your youth. You are like an old heron contemplating in a puddle without fish.

Verse 156

acaritvā brahmacariyaṃ aladdhā yobbane dhanaṃ senti cāpātikhīṇ'āva purāṇāni anutthunaṃ

Not having lived a holy life, you have not gained treasure in your youth. You slump down lamenting about the past like a spent longbow.

Verse 157

attānaṃ ce piyaṃ jaññā rakkheyya naṃ surakkhitaṃ tiṇṇam aññataraṃ yāmaṃ paṭijaggeyya paṇḍito

If you know yourself to be beloved, you must guard yourself well. You are wise to stay awake in any of the three watches (stages) of life.

Verse 158

attānam'eva paṭhamaṃ patirūpe nivesaye athaññam'anusāseyya na kilisseyya paṇḍito

First, you must establish yourself in what is proper. Then, you can teach others. You are wise to not be corrupt.

Verse 159

attānañce tathā kayirā yathaññamanusāsati sudanto vata dammetha attā hi kira duddamo

Do for yourself like you teach others. Well-controlled indeed, you control [yourself]. It is indeed difficult to control yourself.

Verse 160

attā hi attano nātho kohi nātho paro siyā attan'āva sudantena nāthaṃ labhati dullabhaṃ

You are indeed refuge to yourself. Is there another who indeed could be your refuge? Well controlled, only you can gain refuge for yourself which is difficult to obtain.

Verse 161

attan'āva kataṃ pāpaṃ attajaṃ attasambhavaṃ abhimatthati dummedhaṃ vajiraṃ v'asmamayaṃ maṇiṃ

Evil is done only by yourself, which was self-produced and self-cultivated. It crushes the senseless like a diamond to a gemstone.

Verse 162

yassa accantadussīlyaṃ māluvā sālamiv'otataṃ karoti so tath'attānaṃ yathā naṃ icchatī diso

Your lack of virtue is like the creeper plant enveloping a sacred sal tree. You do to yourself like what your enemy desires.

Verse 163

sukarāni asādhūni attano ahitāni ca yaṃ ve hitañca sādhuṃ ca taṃ ve paramadukkaraṃ

It is easy to do things incompetently and be harmful to yourself. That which is beneficial and skillful is indeed extremely difficult to do.

Verse 164

yo sāsanaṃ arahataṃ ariyānaṃ dhammajīvinaṃ paṭikkosati dummedho diṭṭhiṃ nissāya pāpikaṃ phalāni kaṭṭhakass'eva attaghaññāya phallati

Worthy, you teach. Enlightened, you live the Dhamma. Senseless, you criticize, relying on your evil beliefs; your fruits will cause your self destruction, like a bamboo plant's fruit [that splits and kills it].

Verse 165

attan'āva kataṃ pāpaṃ attanā saṃkilissati attanā akataṃ pāpaṃ attan'āva visujjhati suddhi asuddhi paccattaṃ n'āññamañño visodhaye

By yourself indeed evil is done; by yourself corruption. By yourself evil is not done; by yourself purity indeed. Purity and impurity are yours alone; others cannot purify you.

Verse 166

attad'atthaṃ paratthena bahun'āpi na hāpaye attad'atthaṃ abhiññāya sadatthapasuto siyā

You must not abandon your own good for the sake of others, even though great. With a full understanding of your own good, let it be a devotion to your own good.

Verse 167

hīnaṃ dhammaṃ na seveyya pamādena na saṃvase micchādiṭṭhiṃ na seveyya na siyā lokavaddhano

You do not follow low quality. You do not follow a careless life. You do not follow wrong beliefs. You must not promote the world.

Verse 168

uttiṭṭhe nappamajjeyya dhammaṃ sucaritaṃ care dhammacāri sukhaṃ seti asmiṃ loke paramhi ca

You need to exert yourself and not be careless. Practice well the Dhamma. Living the Dhamma, you sleep satisfied in this world and the next.

Verse 169

dhammaṃ care sucaritaṃ na naṃ duccaritaṃ care dhammacārī sukhaṃ seti asmiṃ loke paramhi ca

Practice well the Dhamma and not practice it badly. Living the Dhamma, you sleep satisfied in this world and the next.

Verse 170

yathā bubbulakaṃ passe yathā passe marīcikaṃ evaṃ lokaṃ avekkhantaṃ maccurājā na passati

Like how you see a bubble and like how you see a mirage, therefore this is how you observe the world. The king of death cannot see you.

Verse 171

etha passath'iraṃ lokaṃ cittaṃ rājarathūpamaṃ yattha bālā visīdanti natthi saṅgo vijānataṃ

Come, see this world like a decorated royal carriage, where the immature are stuck. There is no attachment for you because you understand it clearly.

Verse 172

yo ca pubbe pamajjitvā pacchā so nappamajjati so imaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti abbhā mutto'va candimā

If you were careless before and alert later, you shine upon the world like the moon that has been liberated from clouds.

Verse 173

yassa pāsaṃ kataṃ kammaṃ kusalena pithīyati so imaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti abbhā mutto'va candimā

If your evil act that was done is covered by good deeds, you shine upon the world like the moon that has been liberated from clouds.

Verse 174

andhabhūto ayaṃ loko tanuk'ettha vipassati sakunto jālamutto'va appo saggāya gacchati

This world has been blinded. Few can see clearly. Like a bird free from its netting, few can go to heaven.

Verse 175

haṃsādiccapathe yanti ākāse yanti iddhiyā niyyanti dhīrā lokamhā jitvā māraṃ savāhiniṃ

Swans go along the path of the sun; in the sky they go with supernatural powers. You are wise to depart from the world having conquered Mara and his forces.

Verse 176

ekaṃ dhammaṃ atītassa musāvādissa jantūno vitiṇṇaparalokassa natthi pāpaṃ akāriyaṃ

If you transgress one Dhamma, tell falsehoods, and ruin your next world, there is not an evil that you cannot do.

Verse 177

na ve kadariyā devalokaṃ vajanti bālā have nappasaṃsanti dānaṃ dhīro ca dānaṃ anumodamāno ten'eva so hoti sūkhī parattha

Indeed if you are stingy, you do not go to the world of the gods. Indeed if you are immature, you do not praise giving. You are wise to delight in giving, hence indeed you become satisfied hereafter.

Verse 178

pathavyā ekarajjena saggassa gamanena vā sabbalokādhipaccena sotāpattiphalaṃ varaṃ

Of the earth's one king going to heaven or all of the worlds' sovereignty, the fruit from the first glimpse of the Dhamma is better.

Verse 179

yassa jitaṃ nāvajīyati jitam'assa no yāti koci loke taṃ buddham anantagocaraṃ apadaṃ kena padena nessatha

Whose victory cannot turn into defeat? Whose victory is such that no one in the world can reach? A Buddha's field is infinite. They are pathless, so by what path can you steer them?

Verse 180

yassa jālinī visattikā taṇhā natthi kuhiñci netave taṃ buddham anantagocaraṃ apadaṃ kena padena nessatha

From whom is there no entangling attachment, like a net, to be steered anywhere? A Buddha's field is infinite. They are pathless, so by what path can you steer them?

Verse 181

ye jhānapasutā dhīrā nekkhammūpasame ratā dev'āpi tesaṃ pihayanti sambuddhānaṃ satīmataṃ

You are wise to contemplate and be pleased to find peace in letting go of sensual pleasures. Even the gods envy the mindful Buddhas.

Verse 182

kiccho manussapaṭilābho kicchaṃ macchāna jīvitaṃ kicchaṃ saddhammasavanaṃ kiccho buddhānaṃ uppādo

Rare is gaining human existence. Rare is living as a mortal. Rare is listening to the true Dhamma. Rare is the appearance of a Buddha.

Verse 183

sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ kusalassa upasampadā sacittapariyodapanaṃ etaṃ buddhāna'sāsanaṃ

You must not do any evil, and practice good deeds. You must completely purify your mind. This is what the Buddhas teach.

Verse 184

khantī paramaṃ tapo titikkhā nibbāṇaṃ paramaṃ vadanti buddhā na hi pabbajito parūpaghātī samaṇo hoti paraṃ viheṭhayanto

Patience and forbearance are the supreme penance. "Nibbana is supreme," said the Buddhas. Indeed if you are a practitioner, you do not harm others. If you become an ascetic, you do not hurt others.

Verse 185

anūpavādo anūpaghāto pātimokkhe ca saṃvaro mattaññutā ca bhattasmiṃ pantaṃ'ca sayanāsanaṃ adhicitte ca āyogo etaṃ buddhāna'sāsanaṃ

You do not blame and do not harm, having self-control per the Monastic Code of Conduct. Moderate in your food and secluded in your lodging, you train your mind higher and in devoted application. This is what the Buddhas teach.

Verse 186

na kahāpaṇavassena titti kāmesu vijjati appassādā dukhā kāmā iti viññāya paṇḍito

Not even from a rain of gold coins does contentment exist in sensual pleasures. Thus, you are wise to realize sensual pleasures produce little pleasure and dissatisfaction.

Verse 187

api dibbesu kāmesu ratiṃ so nādhigacchati taṇhakkhayarato hoti sammāsambuddhasāvako

You do not find pleasure even in heavenly sensual pleasures. Taking pleasure in ending attachments, you become a student of a Buddha.

Verses 188 + 189

bahū ve saraṇaṃ yanti pabbatāni vanāni ca ārāmarukkhacetyāni manussā bhayatajjitā

n'etaṃ kho saraṇaṃ khemaṃ n'etaṃ saraṇamuttamaṃ n'etaṃ saraṇam āgamma sabbadukkhā pamuccati

Indeed many of you take refuge and go to mountains, forests, parks, trees, and shrines. Humans are terrified with fear.

Indeed this is not a secure refuge; this is not the supreme refuge. This is not a refuge you go to and be freed of all dissatisfaction.

Verse 190

yo ca buddhañca dhammañca saṅghañca saraṇaṃ gato cattāri ariyasaccāni sammappaññāya passati

If you reach out to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha (Triple Gems) as refuge, you see correct wisdom in the four enlightened truths.

Verses 191 + 192

dukkhaṃ dukkhasamuppādaṃ dukkhassa ca atikkamaṃ ariyaṃ c'aṭṭhaṅgikaṃ maggaṃ dukkhūpasamagāminaṃ

etaṃ kho saraṇaṃ khemaṃ etaṃ saraṇam uttamaṃ etaṃ saraṇam āgamma sabbadukkhā pamuccati

Dissatisfaction, the origin of dissatisfaction, and overcoming dissatisfaction -- the enlightened eightfold path leads to the end of dissatisfaction.

Indeed this is a secure refuge; this is the supreme refuge. This is a refuge you go to and be freed of all dissatisfaction.

Verse 193

dullabho purisājañño na so sabbattha jāyati yattha so jāyati dhīro taṃ kūlaṃ sukhamedhati

It is difficult to obtain a person of greatness. They do not emerge everywhere. Wherever this wise one emerges, their lineage succeeds with satisfaction.

Verse 194

sukho buddhānaṃ uppādo sukhā saddhammadesanā sukhā saṅghassa sāmaggi samaggānaṃ tapo sukho

Satisfaction is the appearance of the Buddhas. Satisfaction is the true Dhamma explained. Satisfaction is the harmony of the Sangha. Harmonious with others, your penance is satisfaction.

Verse 195

pūjārahe pūjayato buddhe yadi va sāvake papañca samatikkante tiṇṇa sokapariddave

You honor those worthy of honor, whether they are Buddhas or their students, who have transcended delusions and traversed sorrow and grief.

Verse 196

te tādise pūjayato nibbute akutobhaye na sakkā puññaṃ saṅkhātuṃ im'ettam'iti kena ci

You honor those realizing Nibbana who fear nothing. Their good is unable to be measured by anyone saying, "It is this much."

Verse 197

susukhaṃ vata jīvāma verinesu averino verinesu manussesu viharāma averino

So satisfied indeed you live among the hateful without hate. Among the hateful, among humans, you live without hate.

Verse 198

susukhaṃ vata jīvāma āturesu anāturā āturesu manussesu viharāma anāturā

So satisfied indeed you live among the diseased without disease. Among the diseased, among humans, you live without disease.

Verse 199

susukhaṃ vata jīvāma ussūkesu anussukā ussukesu manussesu viharāma anussukā

So satisfied indeed you live among the greedy without greed. Among the greedy, among humans, you live without greed.

Verse 200

susukhaṃ vata jīvāma yesaṃ no natthi kiñcanaṃ pītibhakkhā bhavissāma devā ābhassarā yathā

So satisfied indeed you live where there is nothing you own, yet you feast on joy becoming like radiant gods.

Verse 201

jayaṃ veraṃ pasavati dukkhaṃ seti parājito upasanto sukhaṃ seti hitvā jayaparājayaṃ

Victory begets resentment. Defeated, you sleep with dissatisfaction. But you sleep completely calm and satisfied if you leave behind both victory and defeat.

Verse 202

natthi rāgasamo aggi natthi dosasamo kali natthi khandhasamā dukkhā natthi santiparaṃ sukhaṃ

There is not a fire like passion. There is not a misfortune like anger. There is not a dissatisfaction like the [five] aggregates. There is not a more supreme satisfaction than calmness.

Verse 203

jighacchā paramā rogā saṅkhāra paramā dukhā etaṃ ñatvā yathābhūtaṃ nibbāṇaṃ paramaṃ sukhaṃ

Craving is the supreme disease. Mental fabrications are the supreme dissatisfaction. This you know as true: Nibbana is supreme satisfaction.

Verse 204

ārogyaparamā lābhā santuṭṭhiparamaṃ dhanaṃ vissāsaparamā ñātī nibbāṇaṃ paramaṃ sukhaṃ

Health is the supreme gain. Contentment is the supreme treasure. Trust is the supreme kin. Nibbana is the supreme satisfaction.

Verse 205

pavivekarasaṃ pītvā rasaṃ upasamassa ca niddaro hoti nippāpo dhammapītirasaṃ pibaṃ

Having drunk the taste of solitude and peace, you become free of arrogance and evil, drinking the joyful taste of the Dhamma.

Verse 206

sādhu dassanamariyānaṃ sannivāso sadā sukho adassanena bālānaṃ niccam'eva sukhī siyā

It is well when you see enlightened people; their companionship always brings satisfaction. Not seeing immature people would always be satisfying indeed.

Verse 207

bālasaṅgatacārī hi dīghamaddhāna socati dukkho bālehi saṃvāso amitteneva sabbadā dhīro ca sukhasaṃvāso ñātīnaṃ'va samāgamo

When you associate with immature people you are miserable for a long time indeed. Living with immature people is dissatisfying, like always being with the enemy. Living with wise people is satisfying, like gathering with kin.

Verse 208

tasmā hi dhīrañ ca paññañ ca bahussutaṃ ca dhorayhasīlaṃ vatavantam āriyaṃ taṃ tādisaṃ sappurisaṃ sumedhaṃ bhajetha nakkhattapathaṃ'va candimā

Therefore indeed the wise, insightful, learned, responsible, devoted, and enlightened are the kind of good people you want to associate with, like the moon follows the path of the stars.

Verse 209

ayoge yuñjam attānaṃ yogasmiñ ca ayojayaṃ atthaṃ hitvā piyaggāhī pihet'attānuyoginaṃ

When you exert yourself when improper and do not practice when proper -- leaving behind the good and clinging on to what you love -- you envy those who apply themselves.

Verse 210

mā piyehi samāgañchī appiyehi kudācanaṃ piyānaṃ adassanaṃ dukkhaṃ appiyānañ ca dassanaṃ

Do not gather with loved ones and unloved ones ever. Dissatisfaction is not seeing loved ones and seeing unloved ones.

Verse 211

tasmā piyaṃ na kayirātha piyāpāyo hi pāpako ganthā tesaṃ na vijjanti yesaṃ natthi piyāppiyaṃ

Therefore do not make loved ones; being away from loved ones is bad indeed. Fetters would not exist for you when there is neither loved nor unloved ones.

Verse 212

piyato jāyatī soko piyato jāyatī bhayaṃ piyato vippamuttassa natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ

From loved ones emerge sorrow. From loves ones emerge fear. When you are completely liberated from loved ones, there is no sorrow and how little fear.

Verse 213

pemato jāyatī soko pemato jāyatī bhayaṃ pemato vippamuttassa natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ

From affection emerges sorrow. From affection emerges fear. When you are completely liberated from affection, there is no sorrow and how little fear.

Verse 214

ratiyā jāyatī soko ratiyā jāyatī bhayaṃ ratiyā vippamuttassa natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ

From pleasure emerges sorrow. From pleasure emerges fear. When you are completely liberated from pleasure, there is no sorrow and how little fear.

Verse 215

kāmato jāyatī soko kāmato jāyatī bhayaṃ kāmato vippamuttassa natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ

From sensual pleasure emerges sorrow. From sensual pleasure emerges fear. When you are completely liberated from sensual pleasure, there is no sorrow and how little fear.

Verse 216

taṇhāya jāyatī soko taṇhāya jāyatī bhayaṃ taṇhāya vippamuttassa natthi soko kuto bhayaṃ

From attachment emerges sorrow. From attachment emerges fear. When you are completely liberated from attachment, there is no sorrow and how little fear.

Verse 217

sīladassanasampannaṃ dhammaṭṭhaṃ saccavedinaṃ attano kamma kubbānaṃ taṃ jano kurute piyaṃ

Endowed with virtue and the ability to see, you stand firm on the Dhamma, experiencing the truth. The actions that you do are beloved by the people.

Verse 218

chandajāto anakkhāte manasā ca phuṭo siyā kāmesu ca appaṭibaddhacitto uddhaṃsoto'ti vuccati

When you have an innate desire for the Undefined (Nibbana), your mind would be affected by it. Your mind is not attached to sensual pleasures, thus this is called "going to the highest heavens."

Verse 219

cirappavāsiṃ purisaṃ dūrato sotthim āgataṃ ñātimittā suhajjā ca abhinandanti āgataṃ

When you are away a long time and having arrived safely from far off, your kin, friends, and kind people delight at your arrival.

Verse 220

cirappavāsiṃ purisaṃ dūrato sotthim āgataṃ ñātimittā suhajjā ca abhinandanti āgataṃ

When you are away a long time and having arrived safely from far off, your kin, friends, and kind people delight at your arrival.

Verse 221

kodhaṃ jahe vippajaheyya mānaṃ saññojanaṃ sabbamatikkameyya taṃ nāmarūpasmiṃ asajjamānaṃ akiñcanaṃ nānupatanti dukkhā

Leave anger. Completely leave pride. Overcome all fetters. Do not cling to that mind and matter (five aggregates). Own nothing and not fall into dissatisfaction.

[Check here again tomorrow for more verses.]