SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 164
Learning From Cause and Effect
The foolish man who scorns the rule of the venerable (Arahat), of the elect (Ariya), of the virtuous, and follows false doctrine, he bears fruit to his own destruction, like the fruits of the Katthaka reed.
Dhammapada 164 · Chapter 12, Self · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “The foolish man who scorns the rule of the venerable (Arahat), of the elect (Ariya), of….” In its chapter, this image points toward personal responsibility without self-condemnation. Read goodness here as a trainable direction—choices that reduce harm and leave less residue of regret. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.
Practice prompt
Pause before one ordinary action and name the state of mind behind it.