SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 11

What We Practice Becomes Us

They who imagine truth in untruth, and see untruth in truth, never arrive at truth, but follow vain desires.

Dhammapada 11 · Chapter 1, The Twin-Verses · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “They who imagine truth in untruth, and see untruth in truth, never arrive at truth, but….” In its chapter, this image points toward intention and the way thought conditions action. Notice the difference between enjoying an experience and requiring it to provide lasting security. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.

Practice prompt

What are you asking of others that you can first practice yourself?