The Dhammapada · Buddhist Sutras

Chapter 7: The Arhat

The Dhammapada · 10 verses

Chapter 7 of the Dhammapada — “The Arhat” — the Buddha's most widely read collection of verses, in a classic public domain translation. It opens: “There is no suffering for him who has finished his journey, and abandoned grief, who has freed himself on all sides, and thrown off all fetters.” — all 10 verses are below, free to read online.

1There is no suffering for him who has finished his journey, and abandoned grief, who has freed himself on all sides, and thrown off all fetters.

2They depart with their thoughts well-collected, they are not happy in their abode; like swans who have left their lake, they leave their house and home.

3Men who have no riches, who live on recognised food, who have perceived void and unconditioned freedom (Nirvāṇa), their path is difficult to understand, like that of birds in the air.

4He whose appetites are stilled, who is not absorbed in enjoyment, who has perceived void and unconditioned freedom (Nirvāṇa), his path is difficult to understand, like that of birds in the air.

5The gods even envy him whose senses, like horses well broken in by the driver, have been subdued, who is free from pride, and free from appetites.

6Such a one who does his duty is tolerant like the earth, like Indra's bolt; he is like a lake without mud; no new births are in store for him.

7His thought is quiet, quiet are his word and deed, when he has obtained freedom by true knowledge, when he has thus become a quiet man.

8The man who is free from credulity, but knows the uncreated, who has cut all ties, removed all temptations, renounced all desires, he is the greatest of men.

9In a hamlet or in a forest, in the deep water or on the dry land, wherever venerable persons (Arhanta) dwell, that place is delightful.

10Forests are delightful; where the world finds no delight, there the passionless will find delight, for they look not for pleasures.

10 verses · classic public domain translation

‹ Ch. 6: The Wise Man Ch. 8: The Thousands ›

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