The Dhammapada · Buddhist Sutras

Chapter 12: Self

The Dhammapada · 10 verses

Chapter 12 of the Dhammapada — “Self” — the Buddha's most widely read collection of verses, in a classic public domain translation. It opens: “If a man hold himself dear, let him watch himself carefully; during one at least out of the three watches a wise man should be watchful.” — all 10 verses are below, free to read online.

1If a man hold himself dear, let him watch himself carefully; during one at least out of the three watches a wise man should be watchful.

2Let each man direct himself first to what is proper, then let him teach others; thus a wise man will not suffer.

3If a man make himself as he teaches others to be, then, being himself well subdued, he may subdue (others); one's own self is indeed difficult to subdue.

4Self is the lord of self, who else could be the lord? With self well subdued, a man finds a lord such as few can find.

5The evil done by oneself, self-begotten, self-bred, crushes the foolish, as a diamond breaks a precious stone.

6He whose wickedness is very great brings himself down to that state where his enemy wishes him to be, as a creeper does with the tree which it surrounds.

7Bad deeds, and deeds hurtful to ourselves, are easy to do; what is beneficial and good, that is very difficult to do.

8The foolish man who scorns the rule of the venerable (Arahat), of the elect (Ariya), of the virtuous, and follows false doctrine, he bears fruit to his own destruction, like the fruits of the Kaṭṭhaka reed.

9By oneself the evil is done, by oneself one suffers; by oneself evil is left undone, by oneself one is purified. Purity and impurity belong to oneself, no one can purify another.

10Let no one forget his own duty for the sake of another's, however great; let a man, after he has discerned his own duty, be always attentive to his duty.

10 verses · classic public domain translation

‹ Ch. 11: Old Age Ch. 13: The World ›

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