Selected Verses from the Dhammapada

All that we are is the result of what we have thought: we are formed and molded by our thoughts.

– verse 1

For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time; hatred ceases by love. This is an unalterable law.

– verse 5

More than those who hate you, more than all your enemies, an undisciplined mind does greater harm.

– verse 42

More than your mother, more than your father, more than all your family, a well-disciplined mind does greater good.

– verse 43

One who conquers himself is greater than another who conquers a thousand times a thousand men on the battlefield.

– verse 103

Let no one think lightly of evil and say to himself, “Sorrow will not come to me.” Little by little a person becomes evil, as a pot is filled by drops of water.

– verse 121

Let no one think lightly of good and say to himself, “Joy will not come to me.” Little by little a person becomes good, as a pot is filled by drops of water.

– verse 122

Everyone fears punishment; everyone fears death, just as you do. Therefore do not kill or cause to kill.

– verse 129

Everyone fears punishment; everyone loves life, as you do. Therefore do not kill or cause to kill.

– verse 130

Your own self is your master; who else could be? With yourself well controlled, you gain a master very hard to find.

– verse 160

By oneself is evil done; by oneself one is injured. Do not do evil, and suffering will not come. Everyone has the choice to be pure or impure. No one can purify another.

– verse 165

Avoid all evil, cultivate the good, purify your mind: this sums up the teaching of the Buddhas.

– verse 183

Do not find fault with others, do not injure others, but live in accordance with the dharma. Be moderate in eating and sleeping, and meditate on the highest. This sums up the teaching of the Buddhas.

– verse 185

Conquer anger through gentleness, unkindness through kindness, greed through generosity, and falsehood by truth.

– verse 223

Make your mind pure as a silversmith blows away the impurities of silver, little by little, instant by instant.

– verse 239

Not by rituals and resolutions, nor by much learning, nor by celibacy, nor even by meditation can you find the supreme, immortal joy of nirvana until you have extinguished your self-will.

– verses 271 & 272