SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 162

A Mind Well Directed

He whose wickedness is very great brings himself down to that state where his enemy wishes him to be, as a creeper does with the tree which it surrounds.

Dhammapada 162 · Chapter 12, Self · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “He whose wickedness is very great brings himself down to that state where his enemy wishes….” In its chapter, this image points toward personal responsibility without self-condemnation. The practical question is whether replaying injury protects you or keeps the injury active. 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 are you ready to take responsibility without blame?