The Dhammapada
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The Dhammapada proceeds through numbered chapters of verses. It opens with "The Twin-Verses," pairing evil and pure thought and contrasting those whom Mâra overthrows with those he cannot, before Chapter II sets earnestness as the path of immortality, citing Maghavan (Indra). "Thought" (III) and the chapter on flowers (IV) liken the mind to a straightened arrow and the sage to a bee, while chapters on the fool (V) and "The Wise Man" (VI) contrast the two. "The Venerable (Arhat)" (VII) and the chapter on thousands (VIII) exalt self-conquest and one meaningful word; chapters on evil (IX) and "Punishment" (X) trace how deeds ripen and warn against killing. "Old Age" (XI), "Self" (XII), and "The World" (XIII) turn to the frail body and self-mastery. "The Buddha (The Awakened)" (XIV) declares the trackless Awakened and names refuge in Buddha, the Law, and the Church. "Happiness" (XV) and the chapter on pleasure (XVI) praise living without hatred and warn that grief arises from affection. "Anger" (XVII) addresses Atula; "Impurity" (XVIII) names ignorance the greatest taint; "The Just" (XIX) distinguishes true elders and Samanas. The chapter on the way (XX) names the eightfold path and states the Tathâgatas only preach. "Miscellaneous" (XXI) invokes the disciples of Gotama; the chapter on the evil way (XXII) sends liars to hell; the elephant chapter (XXIII) praises self-taming; the chapter on thirst (XXIV) urges digging up craving's root; the Bhikshu chapter (XXV) commends restraint. The closing "Brâhmana" chapter (XXVI) repeatedly defines the true Brâhmana by conduct rather than birth.
Chapter VI, titled "The Wise Man (Pandita)," presents numbered verses. Verse 76 advises following an intelligent man who points to true treasures, shows what to avoid, and reproves. Verse 77 states such a one, admonishing and teaching, is loved by the good and hated by the bad. Verse 78 counsels choosing virtuous friends over evil-doers. Verse 79 describes the sage who drinks in the law rejoicing, as preached by the Ariyas. Verse 80 compares well-makers, fletchers, and carpenters to wise people fashioning themselves. Verse 81 likens the wise, unshaken by blame and praise, to a rock. Verses 82–84 describe the serene, steady, unattached wise man. Verse 85 notes few reach the other shore. Verse 86 says those who follow the law pass beyond death. Verses 87–89 urge leaving the dark state for the bright, homeless state, purging troubles, and attaining freedom. Bracketed notes discuss terms and cite Burnouf, Childers, and Buddhaghosha.
Chapter VI, Section 1aChapter VI, Section 1bChapter VI, Section 1c