ETHICS · DHAMMAPADA 126
Choosing What Does No Harm
Some people are born again; evil-doers go to hell; righteous people go to heaven; those who are free from all worldly desires attain Nirvana.
Dhammapada 126 · Chapter 9, Evil · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Some people are born again.” In its chapter, this image points toward the cumulative direction of repeated choices. 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
Where can you reduce harm in a practical way?