WISDOM · DHAMMAPADA 176

Learning to Discern

If a man has transgressed one law, and speaks lies, and scoffs at another world, there is no evil he will not do.

Dhammapada 176 · Chapter 13, The World · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “If a man has transgressed one law, and speaks lies, and scoffs at another world, there….” In its chapter, this image points toward seeing through distraction and appearance. It treats speech as an action with consequences, asking for truth and care before a reaction becomes language. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.

Practice prompt

Notice one place where praise or blame changes your balance.