ETHICS · DHAMMAPADA 260

The Direction of a Deed

A man is not an elder because his head is grey; his age may be ripe, but he is called `Old-in-vain.

Dhammapada 260 · Chapter 19, The Just · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “A man is not an elder because his head is grey.” In its chapter, this image points toward justice as conduct rather than status. Rather than using change to create fear, the passage can sharpen tenderness for a life that cannot be held still. 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 good habit can receive one more drop today?