COMPASSION · DHAMMAPADA 132

Remembering Our Shared Life

He who seeking his own happiness does not punish or kill beings who also long for happiness, will find happiness after death.

Dhammapada 132 · Chapter 10, Punishment · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “He who seeking his own happiness does not punish or kill beings who also long for….” In its chapter, this image points toward recognizing that other beings fear pain as we do. Rather than using change to create fear, the passage can sharpen tenderness for a life that cannot be held still. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.

Practice prompt

Remember that one difficult person also wishes to be safe and at ease.