ETHICS · DHAMMAPADA 259
Integrity in Action
A man is not a supporter of the law because he talks much; even if a man has learnt little, but sees the law bodily, he is a supporter of the law, a man who never neglects the law.
Dhammapada 259 · Chapter 19, The Just · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “A man is not a supporter of the law because he talks much.” In its chapter, this image points toward justice as conduct rather than status. Its value is practical when it changes how you meet one choice, relationship, or difficult feeling today. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.
Practice prompt
Before speaking, ask whether your words are true and useful.