WISDOM · DHAMMAPADA 61

Learning to Discern

If a traveller does not meet with one who is his better, or his equal, let him firmly keep to his solitary journey; there is no companionship with a fool.

Dhammapada 61 · Chapter 5, The Fool · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “If a traveller does not meet with one who is his better, or his equal, let….” In its chapter, this image points toward humility about what we know. It also makes practice relational: the people you listen to can strengthen or weaken your best intentions. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.

Practice prompt

Notice one place where praise or blame changes your balance.