The Dhammapada · Buddhist Sutras

Chapter 13: The World

The Dhammapada · 12 verses

Chapter 13 of the Dhammapada — “The World” — the Buddha's most widely read collection of verses, in a classic public domain translation. It opens: “Do not follow the evil law! Do not live on in thoughtlessness! Do not follow false doctrine! Be not a friend of the world.” — all 12 verses are below, free to read online.

1Do not follow the evil law! Do not live on in thoughtlessness! Do not follow false doctrine! Be not a friend of the world.

2Rouse thyself! do not be idle! Follow the law of virtue! The virtuous rests in bliss in this world and in the next.

3Follow the law of virtue; do not follow that of sin. The virtuous rests in bliss in this world and in the next.

4Look upon the world as a bubble, look upon it as a mirage: the king of death does not see him who thus looks down upon the world.

5Come, look at this glittering world, like unto a royal chariot; the foolish are immersed in it, but the wise do not touch it.

6He who formerly was reckless and afterwards became sober, brightens up this world, like the moon when freed from clouds.

7He whose evil deeds are covered by good deeds, brightens up this world, like the moon when freed from clouds.

8This world is dark, few only can see here; a few only go to heaven, like birds escaped from the net.

9The swans go on the path of the sun, they go through the ether by means of their miraculous power; the wise are led out of this world, when they have conquered Māra and his train.

10If a man has transgressed one law, and speaks lies, and scoffs at another world, there is no evil he will not do.

11The uncharitable do not go to the world of the gods; fools only do not praise liberality; a wise man rejoices in liberality, and through it becomes blessed in the other world.

12Better than sovereignty over the earth, better than going to heaven, better than lordship over all worlds, is the reward of the first step in holiness.

12 verses · classic public domain translation

‹ Ch. 12: Self Ch. 14: The Buddha ›

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