SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 157

The Mind Before the Moment

If a man hold himself dear, let him watch himself carefully; during one at least out of the three watches a wise man should be watchful.

Dhammapada 157 · Chapter 12, Self · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “If a man hold himself dear, let him watch himself carefully.” In its chapter, this image points toward personal responsibility without self-condemnation. It also makes practice relational: the people you listen to can strengthen or weaken your best intentions. 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 intention is shaping your next action?