ETHICS · DHAMMAPADA 264

The Weight of Small Choices

Not by tonsure does an undisciplined man who speaks falsehood become a Samana; can a man be a Samana who is still held captive by desire and greediness?

Dhammapada 264 · Chapter 19, The Just · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “Not by tonsure does an undisciplined man who speaks falsehood become a Samana.” In its chapter, this image points toward justice as conduct rather than status. 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

What choice today will leave no need for regret?