WISDOM · DHAMMAPADA 177

Beyond Blame and Praise

The uncharitable do not go to the world of the gods; fools only do not praise liberality; a wise man rejoices in liberality, and through it becomes blessed in the other world.

Dhammapada 177 · Chapter 13, The World · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “The uncharitable do not go to the world of the gods.” In its chapter, this image points toward seeing through distraction and appearance. 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 fact are you avoiding because it is uncomfortable?