1. Treasury of TruthIllustrated Dhammapada Ven. Weragoda Sarada
Maha TheroeDHANETUDBSBO Y O K LIB R A R E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.buddhanet.net Buddha Dharma Education Association
Inc.
2. Treasury of Truth IllustratedDhammapada For Free
Distribution Only ISBN: 9810049382
3. Treasury of Truth Illustrated Dhammapada Author:Ven.
Weragoda Sarada Maha TheroEditor:Mr. Edwin Ariyadasa Editorial
Assistants:Ven. Kurunegoda Piyatissa Maha Thero (Usa)Ven. Hawovita
Deepananda Mara Thero (Sri Lanka) Prof. David Blundell
(Taiwan)Illustrations: Mr. P. Wickramanayaka Advisory Board: Ven.
Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Maha Nayaka Thero (Malaysia)Ven. Hikgoda
Khemananda Maha Thero (USA) Ven. Walpola Piyananda Maha Thero
(USA)Ven. Pannila Ananda Maha Thero (USA)Ven. Kadihare Somananda
Thero (Singapore) Ven. Maduluwave Sobhita Maha Thero (Sri
Lanka)Ven. Heenbunne Kondanna Thero (USA)Ven. Madawala Seelawimala
Thero (USA)Ven. Banagala Upatissa Maha Nayaka Thero (Japan) Ven.
Malimbada Mangala Thero (Japan) Ven. Ryugen Tanaka (Japan)Ven.
Tiniyawala Palitha Thero (Sri Lanka) Ven. Punchihenayagama
Siriniwasa Thero (Sri Lanka)Ven. Medagama Dhammananda (Sri
Lanka)Ven. Siyambalagoda Ananda Thero (USA)Ven. Buddhasasanajotaka
J. Osada (Japan)Ven. Eiyu Ishii (Japan) Ven. Sek Joy Ek
(Singapore)Mr. Sam Samarasinghe (Malaysia)Mr. Ee Fook Choy (SBMC
President) Mr. D. Satharasinghe (SBMC Vice President) Mr. Upul
Rodrigo (SBMC Vice President)Ms. Tan Kim Chan (Secretary) Ms. Tan
Gim Hong (Asst. Secretary)Mr. Chia Teck Siong Jeffrey (Hon.
Treasurer) Mr. D.S. Weeranarayana (Hon. Asst. Treasurer)Mr. Than
Myint (Committee Member)Mr. Dennis Wang Khee Pong (Committee
Member) Ms. Wong Swee Leng Diamond (Committee Member)Ms. Wong Swee
Nguk Jade (Committee Member)Ms. Lim Cheng Hua (Committee Member)Ms.
Check Seok Lay Annie (Committee Member) Ms. Tan Seng Wah (Auditor)
Ms. Wan Lai Wan (Auditor) iv
4. Contents Chapter 1 Yamaka Vagga Twin Verses 20
versesSuffering Follows The Evil-Doer1 (1) The Story of the Monk
Cakkhupla (Verse
1)................................................... 59Happiness
Follows The Doer Of Good1 (2) The Story of Maakudali (Verse
2)........................................................................
63Uncontrolled Hatred Leads To Harm & Overcoming Anger1 (3) (4)
The Story of Monk Tissa (Verses 3 & 4)
.........................................................67Hatred
Is Overcome Only By Non-Hatred1 (4) The Story of Kliyakkhin (Verse
5)
...........................................................................
74Recollection Of Death Brings Peace1 (5) The Story of Kosambi
Monks (Verse 6)
..................................................................
78Sloth Defeats Spirituality & Spiritual Strength Is
Undefeatable1 (6) The Story of Monk Mahkla (Verses 7 & 8)
..................................................... 82Those Who
Do Not Deserve The Stained Robe & The Virtuous Deserve The
Stained Robe1 (7) The Story of Devadatta (Verses 9 & 10)
..................................................................
90False Values Bar Spiritual Progress & Truth Enlightens1 (8)
The Story of Monk Sriputta (Verses 11 & 12)
.................................................. 98 v
5. Lust Penetrates Untrained Mind & The Disciplined Mind
Keeps Lust Away1 (9) The Story of Monk Nanda (Verses 13 & 14)
..................................................... 105Sorrow
Springs From Evil Deeds1 (10) The Story of Cundaskarika (Verse 15)
............................................................
112Good Deeds Bring Happiness1 (11) The Story of Dhammika Upsaka
(Verse 16) .................................................
116Evil Action Leads To Torment1 (12) The Story of Devadatta (Verse
17)
.........................................................................
120Virtuous Deeds Make One Rejoice1 (13) The Story of Sumandevi
(Verse
18)...................................................................
124Fruits Of Religious Life Through Practice & Practice Ensures
Fulfilment1 (14) The Story of Two Friends (Verses 19 & 20)
..................................................... 128Chapter 2
Appamda Vagga Heedfulness 12 versesFreedom Is Difficult2 (1) The
Story of Smvati (Verses 21, 22 & 23)
....................................................... 136Glory Of
The Mindful Increases2 (2) The Story of Kumbhaghosaka, the Banker
(Verse 24) .............................. 147Island Against Floods2
(3) The Story of Clapanthaka (Verse 25)
.................................................................
151 vi
6. Treasured Mindfulness & Meditation Leads To Bliss2 (4)
The Story of Bla Nakkhatta Festival (Verses 26 &
27)..........................155The Sorrowless View The World2 (5)
The Story of Monk Mahkassapa (Verse 28)
.................................................. 163The Mindful
One Is Way Ahead Of Others2 (6) The Story of the Two Companion
Monks (Verse 29) ................................. 167Mindfulness
Made Him Chief Of Gods2 (7) The Story of Magha (Verse 30)
..................................................................................
171The Heedful Advance2 (8) The Story of a Certain Monk (Verse 31)
..............................................................
175The Heedful Advances To Nibbna2 (9) The Story of Monk Nigma Vsi
Tissa (Verse 32) ....................................... 179Chapter
3 Citta Vagga Mind 11 versesThe Wise Person Straightens The Mind
& The Fluttering Mind3 (1) The Story of Venerable Meghiya
(Verses 33 & 34) ......................................
184Restrained Mind Leads To Happiness3 (2) The Story of a Certain
Monk (Verse 35)
.............................................................
191Protected Mind Leads To Happiness3 (3) The Story of a Certain
Disgruntled Monk (Verse 36) .............................. 195
vii
7. Deaths Snare Can Be Broken By A Tamed Mind3 (4) The Story of
Monk Sagharakkhita (Verse 37)
............................................. 199Wisdom Does Not
Grow If Mind Wavers & The Wide-Awake Is Unfrightened3 (5) The
Story of Monk Cittahattha (Verses 38 & 39)
......................................... 203Weapons To Defeat
Death3 (6) The Story of Five Hundred Monks (Verse 40)
................................................ 210Without The
Mind Body Is Worthless3 (7) The Story of Tissa, the Monk with a
Stinking Body (Verse 41) ........ 214All Wrongs Issue Out Of Evil
Minds3 (8) The Story of Nanda, the Herdsman (Verse 42)
.............................................. 218Well-Trained Mind
Excels People3 (9) The Story of Soreyya (Verse 43)
................................................................................
221Chapter 4 Puppha Vagga Flowers 16 versesThe Garland-Maker &
The Seeker Understands4 (1) The Story of Five Hundred Monks (Verses
44 & 45) ................................. 226Who Conquers
Death?4 (2) The Story of the Monk who Contemplates The Body as a
Mirage (Verse
46)...........................................................................
234Pleasure Seeker Is Swept Away4 (3) The Story of Viabha (Verse
47)
.........................................................................
238 viii
8. Attachment To Senses Is Folly4 (4) The Story of Patipjik
Kumri (Verse 48)
....................................................... 242The Monk
In The Village4 (5) The Story of Kosiya, the Miserly Rich Man
(Verse 49) ............................ 246Look Inward And Not At
Others4 (6) The Story of the Ascetic Pveyya (Verse 50)
................................................... 250Good Words
Attract Only Those Who Practise & Good Words Profit Only Those
Who Practise4 (7) The Story of Chattapni, a Lay Disciple (Verses 51
& 52) ..................... 254Those Born Into This World Must
Acquire Much Merit4 (8) The Story of Viskh (Verse 53)
................................................................................
261Fragrance Of Virtue Spreads Everywhere & Fragrance Of Virtue
Is The Sweetest Smell4 (9) The Story of the Question Raisedby the
Venerable nanda (Verses 54 & 55)
................................................... 265Fragrance Of
Virtue Wafts To Heaven4 (10) The Story of Monk Mahkassapa (Verse
56) ................................................ 272Death
Cannot Trace The Path Of Arahats4 (11) The Story of Venerable
Godhika (Verse 57)
................................................... 276Lotus Is
Attractive Though In A Garbage Heap & Arahats Shine Wherever
They Are4 (12) The Story of Garahadinna (Verses 58 & 59)
.................................................. 280 ix
9. Chapter 5 Bla Vagga Fools 16 versesSasra Is Long To The
Ignorant5 (1) The Story of a Certain Person (Verse
60)...........................................................
288Do Not Associate With The Ignorant5 (2) The Story of a Resident
Pupil of Venerable Mahkassapa (Verse 61)
................................................................
292Ignorance Brings Suffering5 (3) The Story of nanda, the Rich Man
(Verse 62) ............................................ 296Know
Reality Be Wise5 (4) The Story of Two Pick-pockets (Verse
63)......................................................... 300The
Ignorant Cannot Benefit From The Wise5 (5) The Story of Venerable
Udyi (Verse 64)
...........................................................
304Profit From The Wise5 (6) The Story of Thirty Monks from
Pheyyaka (Verse 65) ...................... 309A Sinner Is Ones Own
Foe5 (7) The Story of Suppabuddha, the Leper (Verse 66)
....................................... 313Do What Brings
Happiness5 (8) The Story of a Farmer (Verse 67)
...............................................................................
317Happiness Results From Good Deeds5 (9) The Story of Sumana, the
Florist (Verse 68)
.................................................... 321Sin Yields
Bitter Results5 (10) The Story of Nun Uppalava (Verse 69)
.................................................... 325 x
10. The Unconditioned Is The Highest Achievement5 (11) The
Story of Monk Jambuka (Verse 70)
............................................................ 329Sin
Is Like Sparks Of Fire Hidden In Ashes5 (12) The Story of
Snake-Ghost (Verse
71)..................................................................333The
Knowledge Of The Wicked Splits His Head5 (13) The Story of
Sahika-Peta (Verse 72)
............................................................
337Desire For Pre-Eminence & The Ignorant Are Ego-Centred5 (14)
The Story of Citta the Householder (Verses 73 & 74)
............................. 340Path To Liberation5 (15) The Story
of Novice Monk Tissa of the Forest Monastery (Verse
75)......................................................................
347 Chapter 6 Paita Vagga The Wise 14 versesTreasure The Advice Of
The Wise6 (1) The Story of Venerable Rdha (Verse 76)
........................................................... 352The
Virtuous Cherish Good Advice6 (2) The Story of Venerables Assaji
& Punabbasuka (Verse 77) ................. 356In The Company Of
The Virtuous6 (3) The Story of Venerable Channa (Verse 78)
....................................................... 360Living
Happily In The Dhamma6 (4) The Story of Venerable Mahkappina (Verse
79)........................................ 364xi
11. The Wise Control Themselves6 (5) The Story of Novice Monk
Paita (Verse 80)..............................................
368The Wise Are Steadfast6 (6) The Story of Venerable Lakunaka
Bhaddiya (Verse 81) ........................ 372The Wise Are Happy6
(7) The Story of Knamt (Verse 82)
...........................................................................
376The Wise Are Tranquil6 (8) The Story of the Five Hundred Monks
(Verse 83) ...................................... 380The Wise Live
Correctly6 (9) The Story of Venerable Dhammika (Verse 84)
.............................................. 383A Few Reach The
Other Shore &Those Who Follow The Dhamma Are Liberated6 (10)
The Story of Dhamma Listeners (Verses 85 & 86)
.................................... 386Liberation Through
Discipline & Purify Your Mind& Arahats Are Beyond
Worldliness6 (11) The Story of Five Hundred Visiting Monks (Verses
87, 88 & 89) .. 395Chapter 7 Arahanta Vagga The Saints 10
versesPassions Fever Gone7 (1) The Story of the Question Asked by
Jvaka (Verse 90) ............................ 407Saints Are
Non-Attached7 (2) The Story of Venerable Mahkassapa (Verse 91)
.......................................... 411 xii
12. Blameless Is The Nature Of Saints7 (3) The Story of
Venerable Bellahissa (Verse 92)
............................................. 415Arahats State
Cannot Be Traced7 (4) The Story of Venerable Anuruddha (Verse
93)............................................. 419Gods Adore
Arahats7 (5) The Story of Venerable Mahkaccyana (Verse 94)
................................... 423Arahats Are Noble7 (6) The
Story of Venerable Sriputta (Verse 95)
.................................................... 427The
Tranquility Of The Saints7 (7) The Story of a Novice Monk from
Kosambi (Verse 96) .......................... 431Exalted Are The
Unblemished7 (8) The Story of Venerable Sriputta (Verse 97)
.................................................... 435Dwelling Of
The Unblemished Is Alluring7 (9) The Story of Venerable Revata,
(Verse 98)
......................................................... 439The
Passionless Delight In Forests7 (10) The Story of a Woman (Verse
99)
..........................................................................
443Chapter 8 Sahassa Vagga Thousands 16 versesOne Pacifying Word Is
Noble8 (1) The Story of Tambadhika (Verse 100)
..............................................................
447One Useful Verse Is Better Than A Thousand Useless Verses8 (2)
The Story of Bhiyadrucriya (Verse
101)....................................................... 451
xiii
13. A Dhamma-Word Is Noble8 (3) The Story of Nun Kunalakes
(Verses 102 &
103)....................................455Victory Over Oneself Is
Unequalled &Victory Over Self Cannot Be Undone8 (4) The Story
of the Brhmin Anatthapucchaka (Verses 104 & 105) .... 463The
Greatest Offering8 (5) The Story of Venerable Sriputtas Uncle
(Verse 106) ............................... 470Even Brief Adoration
Of Arahat Fruitful8 (6) The Story of Venerable Sriputtas Nephew
(Verse 107) ........................ 473Worshipping An Unblemished
Individual Is Noble8 (7) The Story of Venerable Sriputtas Friend
(Verse 108) ............................ 476Saluting Venerables
Yields Four Benefits8 (8) The Story of yuvahanakumra (Verse 109)
........................................... 479Virtuous Life Is
Noble8 (9) The Story of Novice Monk Sakicca (Verse 110)
........................................ 483A Wise Ones Life Is
Great8 (10) The Story of Khnu-Kodaa (Verse 111)
................................................... 487The Person
Of Effort Is Worthy8 (11) The Story of Venerable Sappadsa (Verse
112) ............................................ 491Who Knows
Reality Is Great8 (12) The Story of Nun Patcr (Verse 113)
..............................................................
495xiv
14. The Seer Of The Deathless Is A Worthy One8 (13) The Story
of Nun Kisgotami (Verse 114)
....................................................... 499Life Of
One Who Knows The Teaching Is Noble8 (14) The Story of Nun
Bahputtika (Verse
115).................................................... 503Chapter
9 Ppa Vagga Evil 13 versesNever Hesitate To Do Good9 (1) The Story
of Culla Ekasaka (Verse 116)
........................................................... 507Do
No Evil Again And Again9 (2) The Story of Venerable Seyyasaka
(Verse 117)...............................................
511Accumulated Merit Leads To Happiness9 (3) The Story of Goddess
Lj (Verse 118)
.................................................................
515Evil Seems Sweet Until It Ripens &Good May Seem Bad Until
Good Matures9 (4) The Story of Anthapiika (Verses 119 & 120)
........................................... 519Take Not Evil
Lightly9 (5) The Story of a Careless Monk (Verse 121)
......................................................... 527Merit
Grows Little By Little9 (6) The Story of Billapdaka (Verse
122).................................................................531Shun
Evil As Poison9 (7) The Story of Mahdhana (Verse
123)...................................................................
535xv
15. Evil Results From Bad Intention9 (8) The Story of
Kukkuamitta (Verse 124)
...............................................................
539Wrong Done To Others Returns To Doer9 (9) The Story of Koka the
Huntsman (Verse 125)
................................................ 543Those Who Pass
Away9 (10) The Story of Venerable Tissa (Verse 126)
.........................................................
546Shelter Against Death9 (11) The Story of Three Groups of Persons
(Verse 127).................................. 550No Escape From
Death9 (12) The Story of King Suppabuddha (Verse 128)
............................................... 554 Chapter 10 Daa
Vagga Punishment 17 versesOf Others Think Of As Your Own Self10 (1)
The Story of a Group of Six Monks (Verse 129)
.......................................... 559To All Life Is Dear10
(2) The Story of a Group of Six Monks (Verse 130)
.......................................... 563Those Who Do Not
Receive Happiness10 (3) The Story of Many Youths (Verses 131 &
132) ............................................. 567Retaliation
Brings Unhappiness & Tranquility Should Be Preserved10 (4) The
Story of Venerable Kunadhna (Verses 133 & 134)
.................... 575xvi
16. Decay And Death Terminate Life10 (5) The Story of Some
Ladies Observingthe Moral Precepts (Verse 135)
................................................................................
583Results Of Evil Torment The Ignorant10 (6) The Story of the Boa
Constrictor Peta-Ghost (Verse 136) .................... 587The Evil
Results Of Hurting The Pious & Evil Results OfHurting Harmless
Saints & Harming The Holy IsDisastrous & Woeful States In
The Wake Of Evil Doing10 (7) The Story of Venerable Mah Moggallna
(Verses 137 140) ......... 591Practices That Will Not Lead To
Purity10 (8) The Story of Venerable Bahbhnika (Verse
141).................................. 606Costumes Do Not Mar
Virtue10 (9) The Story of Santati the Minister (Verse 142)
................................................ 610Avoid Evil
Through Shame & Effort Is Necessary To Avoid Suffering10 (10)
The Story of Venerable Pilotikatissa (Verses 143 & 144)
..................... 614Those Who Restrain Their Own Mind10 (11)
The Story of Novice Monk Sukha (Verse 145)
........................................... 622 Chapter 11 Jar
Vagga Old Age 11 versesOne Pacifying Word Is Noble11 (1) The Story
of the Companions of Viskh (Verse 146) ............................
627xvii
17. Behold The True Nature Of The Body11 (2) The Story of Sirim
(Verse 147)
...............................................................................
631Life Ends In Death11 (3) The Story of Nun Uttar (Verse 148)
...................................................................
635A Sight That Stops Desire11 (4) The Story of Adhimnika Monks
(Verse 149) .............................................. 639The
Body Is A City Of Bones11 (5) The Story of Nun Rpanand
(Janapadakalyni) (Verse 150)........ 643Buddhas Teaching Never
Decays11 (6) The Story of Queen Mallik (Verse 151)
........................................................... 647Body
Fattens Mind Does Not11 (7) The Story of Venerable Kludyi (Verse
152)............................................... 651Seeing The
Builder Of The House &Thy Building Material Is Broken11 (8)
Venerable nandas Stanzas (Verses 153 & 154)
........................................ 655Regrets In Old Age
& Nostalgia For Past Glory11 (9) The Story of Mahdhana the
Treasurers Son (Verses 155 & 156) 661Chapter 12 Atta Vagga Self
10 versesSafeguard Your Own Self12 (1) The Story of Bodhirjakumra
(Verse 157)....................................................
670xviii
18. Give Advice While Being Virtuous Yourself12 (2) The Story
of Venerable Upananda Skyaputta (Verse 158) ................
674Discipline Yourself Before You Do Others12 (3) The Story of
Venerable Padhnikatissa (Verse 159)
................................ 678One Is Ones Best Saviour12 (4)
The Story of the Mother of Kumrakassapa (Verse 160)
..................... 682The Unwise Person Comes To Grief On His
Own12 (5) The Story of Mahkla Upsaka (Verse
161)................................................ 686Evil Action
Crushes The Doer12 (6) The Story of Devadatta (Verse 162)
......................................................................
690Doing Good Unto Ones Own Self Is Difficult12 (7) The Story of
Schism in the Sangha (Verse 163)
.......................................... 694The Wicked Are
Self-Destructive12 (8) The Story of Venerable Kla (Verse
164)..........................................................
698Purity, Impurity Self-Created12 (9) The Story of Clakla Upsaka
(Verse 165)..................................................
702Help Others But Promote Ones Own Good12 (10) The Story of
Venerable Attadattha (Verse 166)
......................................... 706 Chapter 13 Loka Vagga
World 12 versesDo Not Cultivate The Worldly13 (1) The Story of a
Young Monk (Verse 167)
........................................................... 711
xix
19. The Righteous Are Happy Here And Hereafter & Behave
According To The Teaching13 (2) The Story of King Suddhodana
(Verses 168 & 169) ................................. 715Observe
The Impermanence Of Life13 (3) The Story of Many Monks (Verse 170)
..............................................................
723The Disciplined Are Not Attached To The Body13 (4) The Story of
Prince Abhaya (Verse 171)
............................................................ 726The
Diligent Illumine The World13 (5) The Story of Venerable Sammujan
(Verse 172) ...................................... 730Evil Is
Overcome By Good13 (6) The Story of Venerable Angulimla (Verse 173)
........................................ 734Without Eye Of Wisdom,
This World Is Blind13 (7) The Story of the Weaver-Girl (Verse
174)........................................................ 738The
Wise Travel Beyond The Worldly13 (8) The Story of Thirty Monks
(Verse 175)
............................................................. 742A
Liar Can Commit Any Crime13 (9) The Story of Cincmnavik (Verse 176)
.........................................................
746Happiness Through Partaking In Good Deeds13 (10) The Story of
the Unrivalled Alms-Giving (Verse 177) .......................
750Being Stream-Winner Is Supreme13 (11) The Story of Kla, son of
Anthapiika (Verse 178) .......................... 754xx
20. Chapter 14 Buddha Vagga The Buddha 18 versesThe Buddha
Cannot Be Tempted & The Buddha Cannot Be Brought Under Sway14
(1) The Story of the Three Daughters of Mra (Verses 179 & 180)
....... 759Gods And Men Adore The Buddha14 (2) The Story of the
Buddhas Return from the Tvatisa Deva World (Verse 181)
................................................ 766Four Rare
Opportunities14 (3) The Story of Erakapatta the Nga King (Verse
182) ................................ 770The Instruction Of The
Buddhas &Patience Is A Great Ascetic Virtue & Noble
Guidelines14 (4) The Story of the Question Raised by Venerable
nanda (Verses 183 185)
.........................................................
774Sensual Pleasures Never Satiated & Shun Worldly Pleasures14
(5) The Story of a Discontented Young Monk (Verses 186 & 187)
........ 786Fear Stricken Masses & Those Refuges Do Not Offer
Help & Seeing Four Noble Truths & The Noble Path & The
Refuge That Ends All Sufferings14 (6) The Story of Aggidatta
(Verses 188 192)
....................................................... 794Rare
Indeed Is Buddhas Arising14 (7) The Story of the Question Raised by
Venerable nanda (Verse 193)
.........................................................................
812Four Factors Of Happiness14 (8) The Story of Many Monks (Verse
194)
................................................................
816 xxi
21. Worship Those Who Deserve Adoration &Worship Brings
Limitless Merit14 (9) The Story of the Golden Stpa of Kassapa
Buddha(Verses 195 & 196)
..............................................................................................................
819 Chapter 15 Sukha Vagga Happiness 12 versesSukha Vagga
(Happiness) & Without Sickness Among The Sick & Not Anxious
Among The Anxious15 (1) The Story of the Pacicationof the Relatives
of the Buddha (Verses 197 199) ....................................
828Happily They Live Undefiled15 (2) The Story of Mra (Verse 200)
..................................................................................
840Happy Above Both Victory And Defeat15 (3) The Story of the
Defeat of the King of Kosala (Verse 201) .................
843Happiness Tranquilizes15 (4) The Story of a Young Bride (Verse
202) .............................................................
847Worst Diseases And Greatest Happiness15 (5) The Story of a
Lay-Disciple (Verse
203)............................................................
851Four Supreme Acquisitions15 (6) The Story of King Pasenadi of
Kosala (Verse 204) ................................... 855The Free
Are The Purest15 (7) The Story of Venerable Tissa (Verse 205)
.........................................................
859xxii
22. Pleasant Meetings & Happy Company & The Good And
The Wise15 (8) The Story of Sakka (Verses 206 208)
................................................................
864Chapter 16 Piya Vagga Affection 12 versesAdmiration Of
Self-Seekers & Not Seeing The Liked And Seeing The Unliked Are
Both Painful & Not Bound By Ties Of Defilements16 (1) The Story
of Three Ascetics (Verses 209 211)
............................................ 878The Outcome Of
Endearment16 (2) The Story of a Rich Householder (Verse 212)
............................................... 888Sorrow And Fear
Arise Due To Loved Ones16 (3) The Story of Viskh (Verse
213)...........................................................................
892The Outcome Of Passion16 (4) The Story of Licchavi Princes
(Verse 214)
........................................................ 897The
Outcome Of Lust16 (5) The Story of Anitthigandha Kumra (Verse 215)
..................................... 901Sorrow And Fear Arise Due
To Miserliness16 (6) The Story of a Brhmin (Verse 216)
......................................................................
905Beloved Of The Masses16 (7) The Story of Five Hundred Boys
(Verse 217) ................................................ 909The
Person With Higher Urges16 (8) The Story of an Angmi Venerable
(Verse 218).......................................913xxiii
23. The Fruits Of Good Action &Good Actions Lead To Good
Results16 (9) The Story of Nandiya (Verses 219 & 220)
........................................................ 917
Chapter 17 Kodha Vagga Anger 14 versesHe Who Is Not Assaulted By
Sorrow17 (1) The Story of Princess Rohini (Verse 221)
......................................................... 926The
Efficient Charioteer17 (2) The Story of a Monk (Verse 222)
............................................................................
930Four Forms Of Victories17 (3) The Story of Uttar the
Lay-Disciple (Verse 223) ......................................
934Three Factors Leading To Heaven17 (4) The Story of the Question
Raisedby Venerable Mah Moggallna (Verse 224)
................................................ 938Those Harmless
Ones Reach The Deathless17 (5) The Story of the Brhmin who had been
the Father of the Buddha (Verse 225) ..........................
942Yearning For Nibbna17 (6) The Story of Pu the Slave Girl (Verse
226) ............................................. 946There Is No
One Who Is Not Blamed & No One Is Exclusively Blamed Or Praised
& Person Who Is Always Praise- Worthy & Person Who Is Like
Solid Gold17 (7) The Story of Atula the Lay Disciple (Verses 227
230) ........................ 950 xxiv
24. The Person Of Bodily Discipline & Virtuous Verbal
Behaviour & Discipline Your Mind & Safeguard The Three
Doors17 (8) The Story of A Group of Six Monks (Verses 231 234)
........................ 962Chapter 18 Mala Vagga Impurities 21
versesMan At The Door Of Death & Get Immediate Help& In The
Presence Of The King Of Death &Avoid The Cycle Of Existence18
(1) The Story of the Son of a Butcher (Verses 235 238)
.............................. 977Purify Yourself Gradually18 (2)
The Story of a Brhmin (Verse
239).....................................................................
991Ones Evil Ruins Ones Own Self18 (3) The Story of Venerable Tissa
(Verse 240)
......................................................... 995Causes
Of Stain18 (4) The Story of Kludyi (Verse 241)
.........................................................................
999Taints Are Evil Things Ignorance Is The Greatest Taint&
Ignorance The Worst Taint18 (5) The Story of a Man Whose Wife
Committed Adultery (Verses 242 & 243)
..........................................................................................................
1003Shameless Life Is Easy & For A Modest Person Life Is Hard18
(6) The Story of Culla Sr (Verses 244 & 245)
................................................... 1010Wrong Deeds
To Avoid & Precepts The Layman Should Follow & These
Precepts Prevent Suffering18 (7) The Story of Five Hundred Lay
Disciples (Verses 246 248) ........ 1018xxv
25. The Envious Are Not At Peace & The Unenvious Are At
Peace18 (8) The Story of Tissa (Verses 249 & 250)
...............................................................
1027Craving Is The Worst Flood18 (9) The Story of Five
Lay-Disciples (Verse 251)
................................................ 1034Easy To See
Are The Faults Of Others18 (10) The Story of Medaka the Rich Man
(Verse 252) ................................ 1038Seeing Others
faults18 (11) The Story of Venerable Ujjhnasa (Verse 253)
................................ 1042Nothing Is Eternal Other Than
Nibbna & The Buddha Has No Anxiety18 (12) The Story of Subhadda
the Wandering Ascetic (Verses 254 & 255)
................................................. 1046Chapter 19
Dhammaha Vagga Established in Dhamma 17 versesThe Just And The
Impartial Are The Best Judges & Firmly Rooted In The Law19 (1)
The Story of the Judge (Verses 256 &
257)...................................................1054Who
Speaks A Lot Is Not Necessarily Wise19 (2) The Story of a Group of
Six Monks (Verse 258) .......................................
1061Those Who Know Speak Little19 (3) The Story of Ekdna the Arahat
(Verse 259) ..........................................1065xxvi
26. Grey Hair Alone Does Not Make An Elder & The Person
Full Of Effort Is The True Elder19 (4) The Story of Venerable
Lakunaka Bhaddiya(Verses 260 & 261)
............................................................................................................
1069Who Gives Up Jealousy Is Good-Natured &Who Uproots Evil Is
The Virtuous One19 (5) The Story of Some Monks (Verses 262 &
263)........................................... 1076Shaven Head
Alone Does Not Make A Monk & Who Gives Up Evil Is True Monk19
(6) The Story of Venerable Hatthaka (Verses 264 & 265)
.......................... 1082One Is Not A Monk Merely By Begging
Alms Food & Holy Life Makes A Monk19 (7) The Story of a Brhmin
(Verses 266 & 267)
................................................ 1089Silence Alone
Does Not Make A Sage &Only True Wisdom Makes A Sage19 (8) The
Story of the Followers of Non-Buddhist Doctrines(Verses 268 &
269)..........................................................................................................
1097True Ariyas Are Harmless19 (9) The Story of a Fisherman Named
Ariya (Verse 270) ............................ 1103A Monk Should
Destroy All Passions & Blemishes Should Be Given Up To Reach
Release19 (10) The Story of Some Monks (Verses 271 & 272)
......................................... 1106xxvii
27. Chapter 20 Magga Vagga The Path 17 versesEight-Fold Path Is
The Best & Only Path To Purity &Path To End Suffering &
Buddha Only Shows The Way20 (1) The Story of Five Hundred Monks
(Verses 273 276)........................1115Conditioned Things Are
Transient & All Component Things Are Sorrow & Everything Is
Soul-less20 (2) The Story of Five Hundred Monks (Verses 277 279)
........................ 1128The Slothful Miss The Path20 (5) The
Story of Venerable Tissa the Idle One (Verse 280)
....................... 1138Purify Your Thoughts, Words And Deeds20
(6) The Story of a Pig Spirit (Verse 281)
..................................................................
1141Way To Increase Wisdom20 (7) The Story of Venerable Pohila
(Verse 282) ..................................................
1145Shun Passion &Attachment To Women20 (8) The Story of Five
Old Monks (Verses 283 & 284)...................................
1149Path To Peace20 (9) The Story of a Venerable who had been a
Goldsmith (Verse
285).........................................................
1156The Fear Of Death20 (10) The Story of Mahdhana, a Merchant
(Verse 286) .............................. 1160Death Takes Away The
Attached20 (11) The Story of Kisgotam (Verse 287)
..............................................................
1164xxviii
28. No Protection When Needed & The Path To The Deathless20
(12) The Story of Pacr (Verses 288 & 289)
.................................................... 1168Chapter 21
Pakiaka Vagga Miscellaneous 16 versesGive Up A Little, Achieve
Much21 (1) The Story of the Buddhas Former Deeds(Verse 290)
.......................... 1178When Anger Does Not Abate21 (2) The
Story of the Woman Whoate up the Eggs of a Hen (Verse 291)
................................................................
1182How Blemishes Increase & Mindfulness Of Physical Reality21
(3) The Story of the Venerables of Bhaddiya (Verses 292 & 293)
........1185The Destroyer Who Reaches Nibbna & The killer who
Goes Free21 (4) The Story of Venerable Bhaddiya (Verses 294 &
295).......................... 1192Meditation On The Virtues Of The
Buddha & Meditation On The Virtues Of The Dhamma &
Meditation On TheVirtues Of Sagha & Meditation On The Real
Nature Of The Body & Meditation On Harmlessness & The Mind
That Takes Delight In Meditation21 (5) The Story of a Wood Cutters
Son (Verses 296 301) ........................... 1199Sasra
Journey21 (6) The Story of the Monkfrom the Country of the Vajjis
(Verse 302) .................................................. 1221
xxix
29. He Is Honoured Everywhere21 (7) The Story of Citta the
Householder (Verse 303) .....................................
1224The Virtuous Are Seen21 (8) The Story of Clasubhadd (Verse 304)
........................................................
1228Discipline Yourself In Solitude21 (9) The Story of the Monk Who
Stayed Alone (Verse 305) ..................... 1232Chapter 22
Niraya Vagga Hell 14 versesLiars Suffer Tortures Of Hell22 (1) The
Story of Sundarthe Wandering Female Ascetic (Verse 306)
................................................ 1236Bad Men Get
Born In Bad States22 (2) The Story of Those Who Sufferedfor Their
Evil Deeds (Verse 307)
.........................................................................
1240Food Fit For Sinners22 (3) The Monks Who Lived on the Bankof
the Vaggumud River (Verse
308)..............................................................
1243The Man Who Covets Anothers Wife & Shun Adultery22 (4) The
Story of Khema the Guild Leader (Verse 309 & 310)
................ 1246Wrong Monastic Life Leads To Bad States &
Three Things That Will Not Yield Good Results & Do Merit With
Commitment22 (5) The Story of the Obstinate Monk (Verses 311 313)
........................... 1253xxx
30. Good Deeds Never Make You Repent22 (6) The Story of a Woman
of Jealous Disposition (Verse 314) .............. 1264Guard The
Mind22 (7) The Story of Many Monks (Verse 315)
...........................................................
1267False Beliefs Lead To Hell &Fear And Fearlessness In Wrong
Places22 (8) The Story of A Group of Bad Ascetics (Verses 316 &
317) .............. 1271Right And Wrong22 (9) The Story of the
Disciples of Non-Buddhist Teachers(Verses 318 & 319)
...........................................................................................................
1278Chapter 23 Nga Vagga The Great 14 versesBuddhas Endurance &
The Disciplined Animal & The Most Disciplined Animal23 (1) On
Subduing Oneself (Verses 320, 321 & 322)
.......................................... 1288The Right Vehicle To
Nibbna23 (2) The Story of the Monk Who Had BeenA Trainer of
Elephants (Verse 323)
....................................................................
1298The Bound Elephant23 (3) The Story of an Old Brhmin (Verse 324)
.................................................... 1301The
Slothful, Greedy Sleeper Returns To Sasra,Over And Over23 (4) The
Story of King Pasenadi of Kosala (Verse 325)
................................ 1305 xxxi
31. Restrain Mind As A Mahout An Elephant In Rut23 (5) The
Story of Smanera Snu (Verse 326)
...................................................... 1309The
Elephant Mired23 (6) The Story of the Elephant Called Pveyyaka
(Verse 327) ................ 1313Cherish The Company Of Good &
The Lonely Recluse & For The Solitary The Needs Are Few23 (7)
Admonition to Five Hundred Monks (Verses 328 330) .................
1316The Bliss & Blessing To Be An Arahat & Four Forms Of
Blessing23 (12) The Story of Mra (Verses 331 333)
............................................................ 1326
Chapter 24 Tah Vagga Craving 26 versesThe Increase Of Craving &
How Craving Increases & Escaping Craving & Uprooting
Craving24 (1) The Story of the Past: The Insolent Monk. The Bandits
& The Story of the Present: The Fishermen, and The Fish with
Stinking Breath (Verses 334 337)
............................................................................................................
1337Craving Uneradicated Brings Suffering Over And Over &
Caught In The Current Of Craving & The Creeper Of Craving &
Bliss Does Not Come Through Craving & The Bonds That Entrap Men
& Nibbna By Shunning Craving24 (2) The Young Sow (Verses 338
343)
....................................................................
1350Freed From Craving Runs Back To Craving24 (3) The Story of a
Monk who Disrobed (Verse 344)....................................
1372 xxxii
32. Bonds Of Attachments & Bonds Are Strong, But The Wise
Get Rid Of Them24 (4) The Prison-House (Verses 345 & 346)
.............................................................
13754a. Story of the Past: Husband and wife
...................................................... 1375Spider
Web Of Passion24 (5) The Story of Theri Khem (Verse 347)
...........................................................
1381Reaching The Further Shore24 (6) The Story of Uggasena (Verse
348)...................................................................
1384Craving Tightens Bonds & He Cuts Off Bonds Of Mra24 (7)
Young Archer the Wise (Verses 349 & 350)
................................................ 13887a. Story of
the Past: Young Archer the Wise
........................................... 1389The Person Who Has
Reached The Goal & The Man Of Great Wisdom24 (8) Mra seeks in
vain to frighten Rhula (Verses 351 & 352) .............
1395Buddha Is Teacherless24 (9) The Story of Upaka (Verse
353)............................................................................
1402The Conquests Of All Suffering24 (10) The Story of the
Questions Raised by Sakka (Verse 354)............. 1405Wealth
Destroys The Ignorant24 (11) The Story of a Childless Rich Man
(Verse 355) ..................................... 1408Those Without
The Bane Of Passion & Those Without The Bane Of Ill-Will &
Those Without The Bane Of Illusion & Those Without The Bane Of
Greed24 (12) The Greater and the Lesser Gift (Verses 356 359)
............................ 1412 xxxiii
33. Chapter 25 Bhikkhu Vagga The Monk 23 versesSense Discipline
& Suffering Ends With All-Round Discipline25 (1) The Story of
Five Monks in Svatthi (Verses 360 & 361) ...................
142625 (1) a. Story of the Past: Takkasil Jtaka
.................................................. 1427The True
Monk25 (2) The Story of a Monk Who Killed a Swan (Hasa) (Verse 362)
. 1433The Ideal Monk25 (3) The Story of Monk Koklika (Verse 363)
...................................................... 1437The Monk
Abides In Dhamma25 (4) The Story of Venerable Dhammrma (Verse 364)
............................... 1441Accept What One Receives &
Gods Adore Virtuous Monks25 (5) The Story of the Traitor Monk
(Verses 365 & 366) ................................ 144525 (5)
a. Story of the Past: Elephant Damsel-face,Mahilmukha Jtaka
...................................................................................................
1446He Is A Monk Who Has No Attachment25 (6) The Story Of The
Brhmin Who Offered Alms FoodTo The Buddha (Verse
367)......................................................................................
1452The Monk Who Radiates Loving-Kindness Radiates Peace & Give
Up Lust And Hatred & Flood-Crosser Is One Who Has Given Up The
Fetters & Meditate Earnestly & There Is No Wisdom In Those
Who Do Not Think &He Who Is Calm Experiences Transcendental Joy
& He IsHappy Who Reflects On Rise And Fall & A Wise Monk
xxxiv
34. Must Possess His Cardinal Virtues & A Monk Should
BeCordial In All His Ways25 (7) The Story of a Devout Lady and the
Thieves (Verses 368 376) 1456Cast Off Lust And Hatred25 (8) The
Story of Meditation on Jasmine Flowers (Verse 377) ...............
1485He Is Peaceful Who Is Free From All Worldly Things25 (9) The
Story of Venerable Santakya (Verse 378)
.......................................... 1489He Who Guards
Himself Lives Happily & You Are Your Own Saviour25 (10) The
Story of Venerable Nagala Kula(Attachment to Old Clothes) (Verses
379 & 380) ..................................... 1493With Joy
And Faith Try To Win Your Goal25 (11) The Story of Monk Vakkali
(Verse 381)
........................................................ 1499Even A
Young Monk, If Devout, Can Illumine The Whole World25 (12) The
Story of the Novice Monk Sumanawho Performed a Miracle (Verse 382)
.............................................................
1503Chapter 26 Brhmaa Vagga The Brhmaa 41 versesBe A Knower Of The
Deathless26 (1) The Story of the Brhmin who had Great Faith (Verse
383) ......... 1508Cultivate Concentration26 (2) The Story of
Thirty Monks (Verse 384)
..........................................................
1512xxxv
35. The Unfettered Person Is A Brhmaa26 (3) The Story of Mra
(Verse
385)...............................................................................
1517Who Is Contemplative And Pure Is A Brhmin26 (4) The Story of a
Certain Brhmin (Verse 386)
............................................... 1520The Buddha
Shines Day And Night26 (5) The Story of Venerable nanda (Verse 387)
.............................................. 1523He Who Had
Discarded All Evil Is Holy26 (6) The Story of a Brhmin Recluse
(Verse 388).............................................. 1527Harm
Not An Arahat & An Arahat Does Not Retaliate26 (7) The Story of
Venerable Sriputta (Verses 389 & 390)
........................... 1531The Well-Restrained Is Truly A
Brhmin26 (8) The Story of Venerable Nun Mahpajpat Gotam (Verse 391)
. 1539Honour To Whom Honour Is Due26 (9) The Story of Venerable
Sriputta (Verse 392) ............................................
1543One Does Not Become A Brhmin Merely By Birth26 (10) The Story
of Jaila the Brhmin (Verse 393)
............................................. 1547Be Pure Within26
(11) The Story of the Trickster Brhmin (Verse 394)
.................................... 1550Who Meditates Alone In The
ForestIs A Brhmaa26 (12 ) The Story of Kis Gotam,Wearer of
Refuse-Rags (Verse 395)
...................................................................
1554xxxvi
36. The Non-Possessive And The Non-AttachedPerson Is A Brhmaa26
(13) What is a Brhman? (Verse 396)
.......................................................................
1557A Brhmaa Is He Who Has Destroyed All Fetters26 (14) The Story
of Uggasena the Acrobat (Verse 397)
................................... 1560A Brhmaa Is He Who Has No
Hatred26 (15) The Story of a Tug of War (Verse 398)
.......................................................... 1563A
Brhmaa Is He Who Is Patient26 (16) The Story of the Patient
Subduing the Insolent (Verse 399) ........ 1566A Brhmaa Is He Who
Is Not Wrathful26 (17) The Story of Sriputta being Reviled byHis
Mother (Verse 400)
...................................................... 1570He Is A
Brhmaa Who Clings NotTo Sensual Pleasures26 (18) The Story of Nun
Uppalava (Verse 401) .............................................
1574A Brhmaa Is He Who Has Laid The Burden Aside26 (19) The Story
of a Slave who Laid Down His Burden (Verse 402)
..................................................... 1577A Brhmaa
Is He Who Has Reached His Ultimate Goal26 (20) Khem the Wise (Verse
403)................................................................................
1581A Brhmaa Is He Who Has No Intimacy With Any26 (21) The Story of
The Monk and the Goddess (Verse 404) ..................... 1584
xxxvii
37. A Brhmaa Is He Who Is Absolutely Harmless26 (22) The Story
of the Monk and the Woman (Verse 405) ........................
1588A Brhmaa Is He Who Is Friendly Amongst The Hostile26 (23) The
Story of The Four Novices (Verse 406)
.............................................. 1591A Brhmaa Is He
Who Has Discarded All Passions26 (24) The Story of Venerable Mah
Panthaka (Verse 407) ......................... 1595A Brhmaa Is He
Who Gives Offence To None26 (25) The Story of Venerable
Pilidavaccha (Verse 408) ............................. 1599A Brhmaa
Is He Who Steals Not26 (26) The Story of the Monkwho was accusedof
Theft (Verse 409)
............................................................. 1603A
Brhmaa Is He Who Is Desireless26 (27) The Story of Sriputta being
misunderstood (Verse 410) ............. 1607In Whom There Is No
Clinging26 (28) The Story of Venerable Mah Moggallna (Verse 411)
.................... 1611Above Both Good And Evil26 (29) Renounce
both Good and Evil (Verse
412)............................................... 1614Learning
The Charm26 (30) The story of Venerable Moonlight (Verse 413)
....................................... 1617The Tranquil Person26
(31) Seven Years in the Womb (Verse 414)
............................................................
1621xxxviii
38. Freed From Temptation26 (32) A Courtesan tempts a Monk
(Sundara Samudda) (Verse 415)
...........................................................................
1625The Miracle Rings26 (34) Ajtasattu attacks Jotikas Palace
(Verse 416) .......................................... 1629Beyond
All Bonds26 (35) The Story of the Monk who was once a Mime (Verse
417) ......... 1633Person Whose Mind Is Cool26 (36) The Story of
the Monk who was once a Mime (Verse 418) .......... 1637Diviner Of
Rebirth & Destroy Unknown26 (37) The Story of the Skull-Tapper
(Verses 419 & 420) ............................... 1640He
Yearns For Nothing26 (38) The Story of a Husband and Wife (Verse
421)...................................... 1647He Who Is Rid Of
Defilements26 (39) The Story of Angulimla the Fearless (Verse 422)
.............................. 1651The Giver And Receiver Of Alms26
(40) It is the Giver that makes the Gift (Verse
423)...................................... 1656About the Author
.................................................................................................................
1659Numbered Illustration Captions
.......................................................................
1661xxxix
39. Man who achieved a great victory One of the first scholars
to begin the work of translating the Pali Literature into English,
was the son of a well-known clergyman. Hisobject in undertaking the
work was to provethe superiority of Christianity over Buddhism. He
failed in this task but he achieved agreater victory than he
expected. He becamea Buddhist. We must never forget the happychance
which prompted him to undertake thiswork and thereby make the
precious Dhamma available to thousands in the West. The name of
this great scholar was Dr. Rhys Davids.Ven. A. Mahinda, Blueprint
of Happinessxl
40. The Pali Alphabet Pronunciation of Lettersaas uin butas gn
in Signor " a " art " t " noti " i " pin "d" hid " i " machine
"n"hintu " u " putp "p"lip " u "ruleb " b " ribe " e " tenm "m"
him-e " a " fate y "y"yardo " o " hotr " r "rat-o " o "note l" l "
sellk " k " keyv " v " vileg " g " gets " s "sit "ng "ringh "h"
hutc "ch "rich l" l " feltj " j " jug "ng "singThe vowels e and o
are always long, except when followed by adouble consonant, e.g.,
ettha, oa. [But, to make reading the Pali text easier, long e
and--long o are indicated thus: e and o. We adopted this
non-conventional method, to make for easier reading.{However these
non-standard Pali character/spelling features are ommitted from
this PDF/CD-Rom edition. P.J.T.}]There is no difference between the
pronunciation of n and .The former never stands at the end, but is
always followed by a conso-nant of its group.The dentals and are
pronounced with the tip of the tongueplaced against the front upper
teeth.The aspirates kh, gh, h, h, th, dh, ph, bh are pro-nounced
with h sound immediately following, as in blockhead, pig-head,
cathead, loghead, etc. where the h in each is combined withthe
preceding consonant in pronunciation. xli
41. xlii
42. AcknowledgementIn the religious literature of the world
that pre-eminently rep-resents mans continued urge towards the
spiritual, TheDhammapada occupies a place of high distinction. Its
sacredcontents have unceasingly influenced human thought, hold-ing
aloft the torch of knowledge to light the path of men intheir quest
for truth and inner solace. In the current globalcontext, The
Dhammapada has evolved into the stature of anoutstanding treasure
of the common human heritage, tran-scending man-made borders and
boundaries and rising abovelimitations imposed by time. The
Dhammapada, in short, isamong the handful of gems of sacred
literature esteemed bypeople all over the globe, irrespective of
cleavages of creed,faith and variegated religious professions.The
primary purpose of the present English renderingof The Dhammapada,
under the title The Treasury of Truth is totake the word of the
Buddha further afield, in a verbal andvisual idiom that will have
greater appeal to the modern mind.The eternal wisdom embodied in
the verses of The Dhamma-pada holds within it the potential to
bring tranquility to menand women troubled by the stresses and
conflicts of life as itis being lived by a good majority of the
people in todays worldof disharmony and distress. In spite of the
deeply felt need ofthe contemporary world, to yearn for peace,
solace and tran-quility, the word of the Buddha has not generally
been pre-sented in a frequency that throbs to the rhythm of the
modernmind-set. xliii
43. The rationale of the present translation, therefore, is
tobring The Dhammapada closer to generations who are beingbrought
up right round the globe on a staple fare of visualmessages
emanating in multiple colour, from the worlds vis-ual primary media
both of electronic and print categories. In consequence, The
Treasury of Truth has, as its mostprominent core feature a series
of 423 specially commissionedillustrations, at the rate of one per
stanza in The Dhammapada.This veritable gallery of Dhammapada
illustrations is thecreation of artist P. Wickramanayaka, a
well-known Sri Lankanprofessional. He was assisted by artist K.
Wi-Jayakeerthi. Theillustrations bear witness to the wisdom
encapsulated in theChinese proverb, One picture is worth ten
thousand words.An illustration occupies the left-hand side page of
thebook. On the opposing page the original story, out of whichthe
verses stem, is recounted. To reinforce the impressionscreated by
the illustration and the verbal narration, ampleexegetical material
is added. In the section entitled Explana-tory Translation, the Pli
stanzas are given in their prose-order. The Pli words are explained
and a translation of eachverse is presented in an easily
assimilable style. Over and above all these, there is a commentary.
In thissegment of the book, words, phrases, concepts and
expres-sions that need further elucidation are accommodated.
Thestructure of the total work is determined wholly and totallyby
our perception of the need to make the word of the Buddhalucidly
and clearly available to all users of this translation ofthe
Dhammapada. With this in mind, we have provided acaption for each
illustration which sums up clearly and viv- xliv
44. idly the content of each verse, while providing a guide to
theunderstanding of the significance of the illustration relatingto
the verse. On the illustration page we have a transliteration of
thePli stanza in Roman characters. The diacritical marks indi-cate
the proper pronunciation of the Pli words in the stanza.Right in
front of the transliteration we have a poetic Englishrendering of
the significance of the Pli verse. This Englishversion has been
produced by Buddhist Bhikkhu Ven.Khantipalo and Sister
Susanna.Together, all these elements make it a unique work,
thatwill ensure the enlightened Dhammapada-understanding notonly of
the contemporary world, but also of generations tocome. The
over-riding and consistent measure of this noblepublishing
endeavour has invariably been the quality andquantum of
understanding it will engender in the reader.Each segment of the
work is calculated to bring about an esca-lation of the readers
awareness of what the Buddha said. Ineffect, the total work strives
to approach as close as is possibleto the concept the Buddha
originally communicated throughthese timeless stanzas.It may even
sound clich to aver that a monumentalwork of this scope and
magnitude could be anything otherthan the result of sustained
team-work. As the author of thispublication, I must record here
that I have had the unmitigatedgood fortune of being blessed by the
continued availability ofa dedicated team of sponsors, assistants,
supporters and co-workers. Pages of the work were sponsored by
devotees andwell-wishers. Their names appear at the bottom of the
pages. I xlv
45. offer my blessings to all those sponsors and trust that
likesponsorship will be forthcoming in the future as well.I deem it
my initial duty to extend my grateful thanksto a team within the
Dhammapada team. This team is madeup of Mr. Sito Woon Chee and his
wife Ms. Ang Lian Swee. Thelatter is known to the Dhammapada team
by the name St.They displayed an admirable capacity for sustained
effortwhich was maintained without fluctuations. Their sense
ofdedication and commitment continued without any relaxa-tion. This
two-person team is my best hope for the success ofthe future
projects we will undertake.I must record my cordial thanks to Mr.
Edwin Ariyadasaof Sri Lanka who edited this work. He was associated
withthis Dhammapada project from its early pioneering steps to
itsfinal stage of completion.As author, I consider it my duty and
privilege to registermy deep-felt gratitude to a prestigious team
of scholars whoprovided invaluable editorial support at various
levels of thisDhammapada publication. Ven. Dr Dhammavihari Thero of
SriLanka provided directions which contributed vastly towardsthe
escalation of the quality of this work. A special word ofthanks is
due to Ven. Madawela Punnaji Maha Thero whoseobservations, comments
and interpretations infused whole-some new thinking to the work.
The erudition and the vastpatience of Ven. Hawovita Deepananda
Thero illuminated theeditorial work of this book, with his quiet
and restrainedscholarship. We have drawn lavishly upon his deep
eruditionand vast experience. Professor David Blundell, presently
ofTaiwan, assessed the work with a keen critical eye. The xlvi
46. appealing typographical presence of this work owes
substan-tially to Professor Blundell who went to work undaunted by
therelentless imperative of time. Armed with rare enthusiasmand
impressive learning, Mr. Lim Bock Chwee and Mrs. KeerthiMendis
scrutinized the final draft of the work. They have mygrateful
thanks. It is a formidable task, indeed, to attempt to offer
mythanks and gratitude to all those who, at one time or
another,assisted me in this work in a variety of ways. Upali
AnandaPeiris spent strenuous hours initiating the computer
utiliza-tion for this work. As the work progressed Mr. Ong Hua
Siongshouldered the responsibility of providing computer
support.Mr. J.A. Sirisena was associated with this aspect of the
Dhamma-pada work. I cannot help but mention with a poignant sense
ofgratitude, the devotion displayed by Ms. Jade Wong (Metta),Ms.
Diamond Wong Swee Leng (Mudita), Ms. Annie Cheok SeokLay (Karuna),
Ms. Tan Kim Chan (Mrs. Loh) and Ms. Tan GimHong (Mrs. Yeo). They
all gave of their best towards the suc-cess of this publication. It
is quite appropriate that I should take this opportu-nity to record
my grateful thanks to Mr. Ee Fook Choy who hasalways been a tower
of strength to me personally and to thesbmc in general. His
assistance is readily and unfailinglymade available to me on all
occasions in all my efforts topropagate the word of the Buddha. I
extend an identical senseof gratitude to Mr. Upul Rodrigo and Mr.
Daya Satarasinghewhose deep concern for the success of our project
can, in noway, go unrecorded. xlvii
47. The persons who assisted me in this project are numer-ous.
It is not at all a practicable task to adequately list them allhere
however much I wished to do so. While thanking themprofusely, I
must make it quite clear that I alone am responsi-ble for any
errors that may appear in this work. Before I conclude I deem it my
duty to record my grate-ful thanks to a few special persons; my
first English teacherMrs. K.S. Wijenayake who taught me the English
alphabet,Mr.Piyaratna Hewabattage, the outstanding graphic art
expertof Sri Lanka, Ven. H. Kondanna, Ven. K. Somananda, Mr.
DennisWang Khee Pong, Mr. & Mrs. Ang Chee Soon, and Miss.
ChandraDasanayaka whose dynamic support enlivened the totalproject.
And also Mr. Sumith Meegama, Miss. Nanda Dharmalata,and Ven. V.
Nanda. My thanks are also due to Mr. SamanSiriwardene, Mr. Nandana
and Mrs. Kumudini Hewabattage,members of the Heritage House. They
collectively determined,by and large, the typographic personality
of this noblepublication. I am happy to share with all, the sense
of profound joy Iexperience in being able to present this Treasury
of PerennialTranscendental Wisdom to the world. May this work prove
aconstant companion to all, guiding them along the path of
right-eousness and virtue towards the ultimate goal of Total Bliss.
Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Theroauthor Chief Monk,sbmc,
Singapore27th November, 1993xlviii
48. Late Ven. Paita Yatalamatte Vgjiraana Maha Nayaka
Thero,Incumbent of Jayanthi Vihara, Weragoda, Meetiyagoda my
VenerableTeacher is the sole source and inspiration of the service
I render to the worldby spreading the word of the Buddha worldwide
through my publicationprogramme spanning so far a period of more
than 25 years. Withundiminished gratitude I transfer all the merit
I have acquired by pursuingthese meritorious activities to the
ever-living memory of my late Teacher.xlix
49. DedicationIn a world, largely bewildered and rendered very
much helpless by Mans seeminglyunceasing unkindness to Man, the
well-springs of love, compassion and affection have begun todry up
into a weak tricklein almost every theatre of human existence. This
unprecedented anthology of the Buddhas Word, in text and copious
illustration is dedicated to humanity, with the unswerving aim of
guiding its destiny towardsan Era of Peace, Harmony and wholesome
Co-existence. Ven. Weragoda Sarada Thero author 27th November, 1993
l
50. IntroductionBy Ven. Balangoda Ananda MaitreyaMaha Nayaka
TheroThe Eternal Truth revealed by theExalted Buddha, could be
summedup under the four headings: Dukkha(unsatisfactoriness), its
cause, the cessation of Dukkha andthe way thereto. The Exalted
Buddha expounded the Doctrineof these four Great Truths,
illustrating and communicating itto suit the mentality of his
hearers of wide ranging back-grounds. All his teachings have been
grouped into three col-lections or three Baskets (Tripitakas). The
three Pitakas areVinaya, Abhidhamma and Sutta. The present work,
Dhamma-pada, is the second book of the Minor Collection
(Khuddak-gama) of the Sutta Pitaka (The Basket of Discourses). It
consistsof 423 stanzas arranged in 26 Vaggas or Chapters. By
reading Dhammapada, one could learn the funda-mentals of the
Buddhist way of life. It leads its reader not onlyto a happy and
useful life here and hereafter but also to theachievement of lifes
purpose Summum Bonum the GoalSupreme. Mr. Albert J. Edmonds author
of one of the bestEnglish translations of Dhammapada says: If ever
an immor-tal classic was produced upon the continent of Asia it is
theDhammapada. In the western world, the Dhammapada wasfirst
translated into Latin by Prof. Fausball of Copenhagen.The first
English translation was by Prof. Max Muller. Sincethen many English
versions have appeared.li
51. Of all these translations, the present version
entitledTreasury of Truth has several claims to uniqueness. It is
in this version that all of the 423 stanzas have been illustrated.
Each of the 423 stanzas has its own especially commissioned
illustration. The author of this work Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha
Thero, is widely known for his efforts to spread the word of the
Buddha worldwide. Ven. Sarada a Buddhist Bhikkhu of indefatigable
zeal has brought out 69 publica- tions on Buddhist themes, to his
credit. His recent workLife of the Buddha in Pictures has acquired
worldwide acclaim. The present work is a monumental publication.
The structure of the Treasury of Truth, is highly impres- sive.
Here, each stanza is transliterated in Roman characters.The prose
order of Pali stanzas is given and the significance of the Pali
words is conveyed. The original story out of which a given stanza
stems is also narrated. Popular trans- lations, exegetical material
and a commentary are provided to guide the user. I have the
greatest pleasure in describing this work as a great contribution
to the world literature of Buddhism and related issues. Not only
the contemporary world but even generations to come will profit
from this work. Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero deserves praise and
the highest recognition of all for this monumental con- tribution
to human culture.Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Maha Nayaka
Therolii
52. Forewordby Ven. Dr. Kirinde DhammanandaMaha Nayaka
TheroChief Prelate Malaysia (Ph.D., D.Litt.)I find myself in a
specially privilegedposition to recognize fully and completely,the
magnititude of the undertaking of Ven. Weragoda SaradaMaha Thero
Chief Incumbent of the Buddhist MediationCentre, Singapore who is
the author of The Treasury ofTruth translation of The Dhammapada.
Objectively viewed, the current translation of theDhammapada,
authored by Ven. W. Sarada Maha Thero, isway ahead of all the other
renderings of this great work, forseveral very important
reasons.The Treasury of Truth, marks the first-ever occasionwhen
all of the 423 stanzas have been illustrated with
picturesespecially commissioned for this work.This series of
illustrations will have particular appealto the youthful readers of
our day as they are keenly attunedto visual communication. Viewed
this way, the present trans-lation of Dhammapada will invariably
provide a wholesomesense of direction to those bewildered
generations of ourtime, leading them in the path to higher moral
and spiritualachievements.The present work lends itself readily to
an in-depthstudy of this religious classic of mankind, to the great
delightof both the scholar and the student.liii
53. Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero the individualbehind this
outstanding gift to the world of religion and cul-ture, is a
remarkable person endowed with exceptional talents.Spreading the
word of the Buddha abroad is his avowed lifesmission. The global
success of his Buddhist publications isfurther enhanced by Treasury
of Truth, which, to my mind,is his climactic work to date. He has
68 Buddhist books to his credit, and he contin-ues to pursue his
publication programme with ever accelerat-ing vigour, for the
greater happiness and the greater well-being of the masses
(bahujanahitya, bahujanasukhya). My earnest wish is the author of
this work, Ven. W.Sarada Maha Thero, may be blessed with long life
and soundhealth enabling him to spread the word of the Buddha far
andwide. May the Treasury of Truth be a beacon light guidingthe
path of todays generations and of the generations tocome.Ven. Dr.
Kirinde Dhammananda Maha Nayaka Thero liv
54. Klma Sutta Ala Hi Vo Klm Kankhitu Ala Vicikicchitu,
Kankhanye CaPana Vo hne Vicikicch Uppann, Etha Tumhe Klm M
Anussavena, M Paramparya, M Itikirya, M Pitaka Sampadnena,M
Takkahetu, M Naya Hetu,M kra Parivitakkena, M Dihi
Nijjhnakkhantiy,M Bhabharpatya, M Samao No Garti. Yad Tumhe Klm,
Attanva Jneyytha,Ime Dhamm Akusal, Ime Dhamm Svajj,Ime Dhamm Vi
Garahit, Ime Dhamm Samatt Samdinn Ahitya DukkhyaSavattantti: Atha
Tumhe Klm Pajaheyytha. Buddha(Anguttara Nikaya, Vol 1, 188 193
P.T.S. Ed.)lv
55. Klma SuttaDo not believe in anything (simply) because you
have heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they have been
handed down for many generations.Do not believe in anything because
it is spoken and rumoured by many. Do not believe in anything
(simply) becauseit is found written in your religious books. Do not
believe in anything merely on the authorityof your teachers and
elders. But after observation and analysis,when you find anything
that agrees with reasonand is conducive to the good and benefit of
one and allthen accept it and live up to it. Buddha (Anguttara
Nikaya, Vol 1,188 193 P.T.S. Ed.)lvi
56. Chapter 1Yamaka Vagga Twin Verses
57. Suffering pursues the evil-doer, as the cart-wheel the hoof
of the draught ox.1. Manopubbagam dhammMind precedes all
knowables,manose manomayminds their chief, mind-made are they.manas
ce paduhenaif with a corrupted mindbhsati v karoti vone should
either speak or acttato na dukkhamanvetidukkha follows caused by
that,cakkava vahato pada. (1:1) as does the wheel the oxs
hoof.
58. Suffering Follows The Evil-Doer 1 (1) The Story of the Monk
Cakkhupla (Verse 1)While residing at the Jetavana Monastery in
Svatthi, theBuddha spoke this verse, with reference to Cakkhupla,
ablind monk.On one occasion, Monk Cakkhupla came to pay hom-age to
the Buddha at the Jetavana Monastery. One night, whilepacing up and
down in meditation, the monk accidentallystepped on some insects.
In the morning, some monks visitingthe monk found the dead insects.
They thought ill of the monkand reported the matter to the Buddha.
The Buddha askedthem whether they had seen the monk killing the
insects.When they answered in the negative, the Buddha said, Just
asyou had not seen him killing, so also he had not seen thoseliving
insects. Besides, as the monk had already attained ara-hatship he
could have no intention of killing, so he was inno-cent. On being
asked why Cakkhupla was blind although hewas an arahat, the Buddha
told the following story:Cakkhupla was a physician in one of his
past exist-ences. Once, he had deliberately made a woman patient
blind.That woman had promised to become his slave, together withher
children, if her eyes were completely cured. Fearing thatshe and
her children would have to become slaves, she lied tothe physician.
She told him that her eyes were getting worsewhen, in fact, they
were perfectly cured. The physician knewshe was deceiving him, so
in revenge, he gave her anotherointment, which made her totally
blind. As a result of this evil59
59. deed the physician lost his eyesight many times in his
laterexistences. Explanatory Translation (Verse 1)dhamm
manopubbagam manoseh manomayce paduhena manas bhsati v karoti v
tatodukkha na anveti vahato pada cakka iva.dhamm: experience;
manopubbagam: thought precedes;manoseh: thought is predominant; ce:
therefore, if,paduhena: (with) corrupted; manas: thought;
bhsati:(one) speaks; karoti v: or acts; tato: due to it,
dukkha:suffering; na: that person; anveti: follows; vahato
pada:draught animals hoof; cakka iva: as the cart wheel.All that we
experience begins with thought. Our words anddeeds spring from
thought. If we speak or act with evilthoughts, unpleasant
circumstances and experiences inevita-bly result. Wherever we go,
we create bad circumstancesbecause we carry bad thoughts. We cannot
shake off this suf-fering as long as we are tied to our evil
thoughts. This is verymuch like the wheel of a cart following the
hoofs of the oxyoked to the cart. The cart-wheel, along with the
heavy load ofthe cart, keeps following the draught oxen. The animal
isbound to this heavy load and cannot leave it. CommentaryThe first
two verses in the Dhammapada reveal an important conceptin
Buddhism. When most religions hold it as an important part of
60
60. their dogma that the world was created by a supernatural
beingcalled God, Buddhism teaches that all that we experience (the
worldas well as the self) is created by thought, or the cognitive
processof sense perception and conception. This also proves that
writers onBuddhism are mistaken in stating that the Buddha was
silent concern-ing the beginning of the world. In the Rohitassa
Sutta of the AguttaraNikya, the Buddha states clearly that the
world, the beginning of theworld, the end of the world, and the way
leading to the end of theworld, are all in this fathom long body
itself with its perceptions andconceptions. The word mano is
commonly translated as mind. But theBuddha takes a phenomenalistic
standpoint in the mind-mattercontroversy that had baffled
philosophers throughout history. Theduality mind and body is
rejected by the Buddha. The Buddhaexplains in the Sabba Sutta of
the Sayutta Nikya that all that wecan talk about is sense
experience, including thought or conceptionas the sixth sense. The
terms nma and rpa, commonly translatedas mind and body are not two
entities that co-exist in relation toeach other. They are only two
ways of looking at the single activitycalled experience. Nma
(naming) is experience seen subjectivelyas the mental process of
identifying an object (rpa kye adhivcanasapassa). Rpa (appearance)
is experience seen objectively as an entitythat is perceived and
conceived through the mental process of identi-fication (nma kye
pathigha sapassa). Mano refers to thought or themental process of
conceptualization, which integrates and makesmeaning out of the
different percepts brought in through the differentsenses. This
meaningful total experience is the dhamm, viewed sub-jectively as
identification of an entity (nma) and objectively as theentity
identified (rpa). Dhamm which is this meaningful totality
ofexperience is normally seen as pleasant or unpleasant
circumstance(loka dhamma). 61
61. Happiness follows the doer of good, as the shadow that
leaves not the person.2. Manopubbagam dhamm Mind precedes all
knowables,manose manomay minds their chief, mind-made are
they.manas ce pasannenaif with a clear, a confident mindbhsati v
karoti v one should either speak or act,tato na
sukhamanvetihappiness follows caused by that,chyva anapyin. (1:2)as
ones shadow neer departing.
62. Happiness Follows The Doer Of Good1 (2) The Story of
Maakudali (Verse 2)While residing at the Jetavana Monastery in
Svatthi, theBuddha spoke this verse, with reference to Maakudali,
ayoung Brhmin.Maakudali was a young Brhmin, whose
father,Adinnapubbaka, was very miserly and never gave anythingin
charity. Even the gold ornaments for his only son weremade by
himself to save payment for workmanship. Whenhis son fell ill, no
physician was consulted, until it was toolate. When he realized
that his son was dying, he had theyouth carried outside on to the
verandah, so that people com-ing to his house would not see his
possessions.On that morning, the Buddha arising early from hisdeep
meditation of compassion saw, in his Net of Knowledge,Maakudali
lying on the verandah. So when entering Svat-thi for alms-food with
his disciples, the Buddha stood nearthe door of the Brhmin
Adinnapubbaka. The Buddha sentforth a ray of light to attract the
attention of the youth, whowas facing the interior of the house.
The youth saw theBuddha; and as he was very weak he could only
profess hisfaith mentally. But that was enough. When he passed
awaywith his heart in devotion to the Buddha he was reborn in
theTvatisa celestial world.From his celestial abode the young
Maakudali, see-ing his father mourning over him at the cemetery,
appearedto the old man in the likeness of his old self. He told his
father 63
63. about his rebirth in the Tvatisa world and also urged himto
approach and invite the Buddha to a meal. At the house
ofAdinnapubbaka the question of whether one could or couldnot be
reborn in a celestial world simply by mentally profess-ing profound
faith in the Buddha, without giving in charityor observing the
moral precepts, was brought up. So theBuddha invited Maakudali to
appear in person; Maaku-dali then appeared in his celestial
ornaments and told themabout his rebirth in the Tvatisa realm. Only
then, the lis-teners became convinced that the son of the Brhmin
Adin-napubbaka, by simply devoting his mind to the Buddha,
hadattained much glory.Explanatory Translation (Verse 2)dhamm
manopubbagam mano seh manomayce pasannena manas bhsati v karoti v
tatosukha na anveti anapyini chy ivadhamm: experience;
manopubbagam: thought pre-cedes; manoseh: thought is predominant;
manomay:mind-made are they; ce: therefore, if; pasannena:
(with)pure; manas: thought; bhsati: (one) speaks; karoti v: oracts;
tato: due to it; sukha: happiness; na: that person;anveti: follows;
anapyini: not deserting; chy iva: as theshadow.All that man
experiences springs out of his thoughts. If histhoughts are good,
the words and deeds will also be good.The result of good thoughts,
words and deeds will be happi-64
64. ness. This happiness never leaves the person whose
thoughtsare good. Happiness will always follow him like his
shadowthat never leaves him.CommentaryHow we experience our
circumstances depends on the way we inter-pret them. If we
interpret them in the wrong way, we experience suf-fering. If we
interpret them in the right way, we experience happiness.In other
words, our happiness or unhappiness depends on the waywe think.
Thought also creates circumstances in a futuristic sense. If
weharbour ill will and speak or act with ill will, people will
begin to hateus. We will be punished by society and the law. After
death, we willalso be reborn in a realm of suffering. Here, thought
refers to kamma(action) and experience refers to vipka
(consequences). The message finally conveyed by this pair of verses
is: Thinkwrong and suffer. Think right and be happy. This pair of
verses wasspoken by the Buddha to show the inevitable consequence
(vipka) ofgood and evil thought (kamma). Man reaps what he has
sown, bothin the past and in the present. What he sows now, he
reaps in thepresent and in the future. Man himself is responsible
for his ownhappiness and misery. He creates his own hell and
heaven. He is thearchitect of his own fate. What he makes he can
unmake. Buddhismteaches the way to escape from suffering by
understanding andusing the law of cause and effect. Buddhism is
very realistic andoptimistic. Instead of blindly depending on
unknown supernatu-ral powers, hoping for happiness, Buddhism finds
the true way tohappiness realistically. 65
65. The hatred of those who mull over the wrong done to them
keeps on growing.3. Akkocchi ma, avadhi maWho bear within them
enmity: ajini ma ahsi me He has abused and beaten me, ye ta
upanayhantdefeated me and plundered me, vera tesa na sammati. (1:3)
hate is not allayed for them.
66. Uncontrolled Hatred Leads To Harm & Overcoming Anger1
(3) (4) The Story of Monk Tissa (Verses 3 & 4)While residing at
the Jetavana Monastery in Svatthi, theBuddha uttered these Verses,
with reference to Monk Tissa.Tissa, son of the Buddhas maternal
aunt, was at one timestaying with the Buddha. He had become a monk
only in hisold age, but he posed as a senior monk and was very
pleasedwhen visiting monks asked his permission to do some
servicefor him. On the other hand, he failed to perform the
dutiesexpected of junior monks; besides, he often quarrelled
withthe younger monks. Should anyone rebuke him on account ofhis
behaviour, he would go complaining to the Buddha, weep-ing, very
much dissatisfied and very upset.Once, the Teacher asked him,
Tissa, why have you cometo me so sad and sorrowful with tears in
your eyes, weeping?The other monks had discussed among themselves,
If hegoes alone, he may cause trouble. So they too went along
withhim, paid obeisance to the Teacher, and sat down respectfullyon
one side. Tissa answered the Teachers question, Venerable,these
monks are abusing me. The Teacher asked, But wherewere you sitting?
In the centre of the monastery in the Hallof State, Venerable. Did
you see these monks when theycame? Yes, Venerable I saw them. Did
you rise and go tomeet them? No, Venerable, I did not. Did you
offer to taketheir monastic utensils? No, Venerable, I did not
offer totake them. Tissa, do not act thus. You alone are to be
blamed;ask their pardon. I will not ask their pardon,
Venerable.67
67. The monks said to the Teacher, He is an obstinate
monk,Venerable. The Teacher replied, Monks, this is not the first
time he has proved obstinate; he was obstinate also in a previ- ous
state of existence. We know all about his present obsti- nacy,
Venerable; but what did he do in a previous state of existence?
Well then, monks, listen, said the Teacher. So saying, he told the
following story. Once upon a time, when a certain king reigned at
Benres, an ascetic named Devala, who had resided for eight months
in the Himlaya country, desiring to reside near the city during the
four months of the rains, for salt and vinegar returned from the
Himlayas. Seeing two boys at the gate of the city, he asked them,
Where do monks who come to this city spend the night? In the
potters hall, Venerable. So Devala went to the potters hall,
stopped at the door, and said,lf it is agreeable to you, Bhaggava,
I would like to spend one night in your hall. The potter turned
over the hall to him, saying, I have no work going on in the hall
at night, and the hall is a large one; spend the night here as you
please, Vener- able. No sooner had Devala entered the hall and sat
down than another ascetic named Nrada, returning from the Himlayas,
asked the potter for a nights lodging. The potter thought to
himself, The ascetic who arrived first may or may not be willing to
spend the night with him; I will therefore relieve myself of
responsibility. So he said to the ascetic who had just arrived,
Venera- ble, if the ascetic who arrived first approves of it, spend
the night at your pleasure. So Nrada approached Devala and said,
Teacher, if it is agreeable to you, I would like to spend one night
here. Devala replied, The hall is a large one; there- 68
68. fore come in and spend the night on one side. So Nradawent
in and sat down beside the ascetic who had gone inbefore him. Both
exchanged friendly greetings. When it was bedtime, Nrada noted
carefully the placewhere Devala lay and the position of the door,
and then laydown. But when Devala lay down, instead of lying down
inhis proper place, he lay down directly across the doorway.
Theresult was that when Nrada went out at night, he trod onDevalas
matted locks. Thereupon Devala cried out, Who istreading on my
locks? Nrada replied, Teacher, it is I. Falseascetic, said Devala,
You come from the forest and tread onmy locks. Teacher, I did not
know that you were lying here;please pardon me. Nrada then went
out, leaving Devalaweeping as if his heart would break. Devala
thought to him-self, I will not let him tread on me when he comes
in also. Sohe turned around and lay down, placing his head where
hisfeet had been before. When Nrada came in, he thought tohimself,
The first time I injured the teacher; this time I will goin past
his feet. The result was that, when Nrada entered, hetrod on
Devalas neck. Thereupon Devala cried out, Who isthat? Nrada
replied, It is I, teacher. False ascetic, saidDevala, The first
time you trod on my locks. This time youtread on my neck. I will
curse you. Teacher, I am not toblame. I did not know that you were
lying in this position.When I came in I thought to myself, The
first time I injuredthe teacher; this time I will go in past his
feet. Please pardonme. False ascetic, I will curse you. Do not do
so, teacher.But Devala, paying no attention to what Nrada said,
cursedhim all the same, saying, May your head split into
sevenpieces at sunrise.69
69. Those who do not mull over the harm done to them are
appeased.4. Akkocchi ma avadhi ma Who bear within no enmity: ajini
ma ahsi me He has abused and beaten me, ye ta na upanayhanti
defeated me and plundered me, vera tespasammati. (1:4)hate is quite
allayed for them.