SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 5

The Work No One Else Can Do

For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love, this is an old rule.

Dhammapada 5 · Chapter 1, The Twin-Verses · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time.” 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 choice would leave your mind clearer tonight?