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 XVIII, titled "Impurity," addresses one likened to a sear leaf whom the messengers of death (Yama) approach, standing at the door of departure without provision. It urges making oneself an island, working hard, being wise, and states that impurities blown away bring entry into the heavenly world of the elect (Ariya), and freedom from renewed birth and decay. A wise man blows off impurities as a smith refines silver; a transgressor's works lead him to the evil path. It lists taints—of prayers, houses, body, watchman, woman, benefactor—and names ignorance the greatest, calling on mendicants to throw it off. Life is easy for the shameless, hard for the modest. Those who kill, lie, steal, go to another's wife, and drink dig up their own root. It names passion, hatred, folly, greed. Others' faults are easily perceived. No path exists through air; the Tathâgatas and awakened are free from vanity and unshaken.
Chapter XVIII, Section 1aChapter XVIII, Section 1bChapter XVIII, Section 1c