ETHICS · DHAMMAPADA 127
Integrity in Action
Not in the sky, not in the midst of the sea, not if we enter into the clefts of the mountains, is there known a spot in the whole world where a man might be freed from an evil deed.
Dhammapada 127 · Chapter 9, Evil · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Not in the sky, not in the midst of the sea, not if we enter into….” In its chapter, this image points toward the cumulative direction of repeated choices. Its value is practical when it changes how you meet one choice, relationship, or difficult feeling today. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.
Practice prompt
Before speaking, ask whether your words are true and useful.