SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 3

What We Practice Becomes Us

He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,"—in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease.

Dhammapada 3 · Chapter 1, The Twin-Verses · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,"—in those who harbour such….” In its chapter, this image points toward intention and the way thought conditions action. 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

What are you asking of others that you can first practice yourself?