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?