Dhammapada Handbook

Chapter 1: The Twin Verses

Chapter 1: The Twin Verses

This is the start of the Dhammapada. As done throughout the book, only selected verses from each chapter are provided.

Müller version

1 All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage.

2 All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.

3 "He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,"--in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease.

4 "He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,"--in those who do not harbour such thoughts hatred will cease.

5 For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love, this is an old rule.

6 The world does not know that we must all come to an end here;--but those who know it, their quarrels cease at once.

Wikisource version

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, suffering1 follows me
As the wheel of the cart follows the hoof of the ox.

1:2
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
"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
"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
In this world, hatred has never been defeated by hatred.
Only love can overcome hatred.
This is an ancient and eternal law.

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

My 'paraphrased' version

Even though we have our senses to help organize things outside us, most of our interactions occur inside our minds. Mind is the star and director in our ongoing play starring our thoughts. If I come from a place free from egoistic and judgmental thoughts, then satisfaction will be my lot. If I come from a place clouded in misguided views, then suffering is sure to follow me. 'I am a victim and was hurt by others.' Following this mental trap of 'poor me' will ensure being stuck in a life of continuous self-loathing and hatred. Refraining from this thought pattern brings us ever closer to peace. Each day we see that a fresh dose of hatred will not solve any perceived wounds and scars. Each day we see examples of unconditional love overcoming hate. Once we know that hatred must end, then our internal and external battles will ebb away and cease.

Commentary

Reading these words, I feel the Buddha's warm presence very much alive and surrounding me. Acting through the eyes of compassion, he serves like a good doctor seeking to heal his patient. To those afflicted souls seeking his advice, he discusses methodically their various symptoms and the resulting mental manifestations. From killers to kings, those from all walks of life came to him looking for answers and any sort of relief. Because one guarantee for this life is that some form of suffering and anguish will visit us all. Maybe for a short time. Maybe throughout our lives. And after getting their attention, the Buddha proceeded to calmly offer a cure, a real salve to the pains of their life journey. On hearing these words of salvation as if for the first time, they acknowledge the knowledge gained and typically remain vowed to follow his teaching as followers.