The Dhammapada · Buddhist Sutras

Chapter 15: Happiness

The Dhammapada · 12 verses

Chapter 15 of the Dhammapada — “Happiness” — the Buddha's most widely read collection of verses, in a classic public domain translation. It opens: “Let us live happily then, not hating those who hate us! among men who hate us let us dwell free from hatred!” — all 12 verses are below, free to read online.

1Let us live happily then, not hating those who hate us! among men who hate us let us dwell free from hatred!

2Let us live happily then, free from ailments among the ailing! among men who are ailing let us dwell free from ailments!

3Let us live happily then, free from greed among the greedy! among men who are greedy let us dwell free from greed!

4Let us live happily then, though we call nothing our own! We shall be like the bright gods, feeding on happiness!

5Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. He who has given up both victory and defeat, he, the contented, is happy.

6There is no fire like passion; there is no losing throw like hatred; there is no pain like this body; there is no happiness higher than rest.

7Hunger is the worst of diseases, the body the greatest of pains; if one knows this truly, that is Nirvāṇa, the highest happiness.

8Health is the greatest of gifts, contentedness the best riches; trust is the best of relationships, Nirvāṇa the highest happiness.

9He who has tasted the sweetness of solitude and tranquillity, is free from fear and free from sin, while he tastes the sweetness of drinking in the law.

10The sight of the elect (Arya) is good, to live with them is always happiness; if a man does not see fools, he will be truly happy.

11He who walks in the company of fools suffers a long way; company with fools, as with an enemy, is always painful; company with the wise is pleasure, like meeting with kinsfolk.

12Therefore, one ought to follow the wise, the intelligent, the learned, the much enduring, the dutiful, the elect; one ought to follow a good and wise man, as the moon follows the path of the stars.

12 verses · classic public domain translation

‹ Ch. 14: The Buddha Ch. 16: Pleasure ›

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