EVERYDAY LIFE · DHAMMAPADA 291

The Shape of a Good Day

He who, by causing pain to others, wishes to obtain pleasure for himself, he, entangled in the bonds of hatred, will never be free from hatred.

Dhammapada 291 · Chapter 21, Miscellaneous · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “He who, by causing pain to others, wishes to obtain pleasure for himself, he, entangled in….” In its chapter, this image points toward finding the teaching in mixed, everyday circumstances. The practical question is whether replaying injury protects you or keeps the injury active. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.

Practice prompt

Bring unusual care to one ordinary task.