SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 158

Turning Inward Honestly

Let each man direct himself first to what is proper, then let him teach others; thus a wise man will not suffer.

Dhammapada 158 · Chapter 12, Self · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “Let each man direct himself first to what is proper, then let him teach others.” 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

Where could honest self-observation replace self-criticism today?