SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 4
Seeing Your Intention
He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,"—in those who do not harbour such thoughts hatred will cease.
Dhammapada 4 · 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 do not….” 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
Which repeated thought deserves less authority?