Translation:Dhammapada/Chapter 1

1:1 (1) The mind is the basis for everything. Everything is created by my mind, and is ruled by my mind. When I speak or act with impure thoughts, suffering follows me As the wheel of the cart follows the hoof of the ox.

1:2 (2) The mind is the basis for everything. Everything is created by my mind, and is ruled by my mind. When I speak or act with a clear awareness, happiness stays with me. Like my own shadow, it is unshakeable.

1:3 (3) "I was wronged! I was hurt! I was defeated! I was robbed!" If I cultivate such thought, I will not be free from hatred.

1:4 (4) "I was wronged! I was hurt! I was defeated! I was robbed!" If I turn away from such thoughts, I may find peace.

1:5 (5) In this world, hatred has never been defeated by hatred. Only love can overcome hatred. This is an ancient and eternal law.

1:6 (6) Everything will end. When I understand this, all quarrels fade away.

1:7 (7) As the wind topples a brittle tree So will temptation topple me If I am lazy, unrestrained, apathetic, seeking only endless pleasure.

1:8 (8) The wind cannot uproot a mountain. Temptation cannot uproot me If I am alert, self-controlled, devout, unmoved by pleasure and pain.

1:9 (9) The saffron robe is perfectly clean But I am not ready to wear it When I have not cleansed my spirit, When I disregard truth and neglect to practice self-control.

1:10 (10) When I have removed all defilements, When I am filled with self-control and truthfulness, Then I am truly worthy to wear the saffron robe.

1:11 (11) When I see the truth as false, When I believe illusion to be reality, I am unable to find the truth.

1:12 (12) I must see the essential reality as real, And discard illusion. Only then can I find the truth.

1:13 (13) As heavy rain will penetrate a poorly-thatched roof, So passion creeps into an unreflecting mind.

1:14 (14) The rain will not penetrate a well-thatched roof. Passion does not enter a tranquil and reflecting mind.

1:15 (15) I grieve now, and I grieve in the future. When I do wrong, I am doubly-grieved. I mourn and suffer when I see the results of my actions.

1:16 (16) I rejoice now, and I rejoice in the future. When I am virtuous, I doubly-rejoice. I smile and give thanks when I see the results of my actions.

1:17 (17) I suffer now, and I suffer in the future. When I do wrong, I suffer doubly. It pains me to know that I have done wrong, And it pains me even more to see the consequences.

1:18 (18) I am happy now, and I am happy in the future. When I am virtuous, I am doubly happy. I am delighted to know I the good I have done, And I am even more delighted to see the consequences.

1:19 (19) Even if I can recite large portions of sacred texts, If I do not put those into practice Then I am like a shepherd counting someone else's sheep, No closer to enlightenment.

1:20 (20) If I know just a little of the sacred texts, But I put those teachings into practice, Casting off desire, ill-will, and delusion, Practicing wakefulness and meditation, Free of attachments to anything, here or in the future, Then I may become enlightened.