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.
Verse 273 names the eightfold as best of ways, the four words as best truths, passionlessness as best virtue. Verse 274 calls this the way to purifying intelligence, all else the deceit of Mâra. Verse 275 states following it ends pain, the way preached by the speaker who understood removing thorns. Verse 276 says one must make effort oneself; the Tathâgatas only preach. Verses 277–279 repeat that knowing created things perish, are pain, and forms unreal leads to purity. Verse 280 describes the lazy man. Verses 281–282 concern restraint and zeal. Verse 283 urges cutting the forest of lust, addressing Bhikshus. Verses 284–285 address love of women and self, naming Sugata. Verses 286–289 describe the fool, death seizing him, kinsfolk giving no help, and clearing the way to Nirvâna.
Chapter XX, Section 1aChapter XX, Section 1b