The Dhammapada · 2 of 2 · tr. F. Max Müller

Chapter XXII, Section 1b

They who fear when they ought not to fear, and fear not when they ought to fear, such men, embracing false doctrines, enter the evil path.

[313.

As to ra g a meaning 'dust' and 'passion,' see Buddhaghosha's Parables, pp.

65, 66.] p.

76 318.

They who forbid when there is nothing to be forbidden, and forbid not when there is something to be forbidden, such men, embracing false doctrines, enter the evil path.

319.

They who know what is forbidden as forbidden, and what is not forbidden as not forbidden, such men, embracing the true doctrine, enter the good path.

Themes

◆Eschatological Judgmentsoteriology

Final, collective cosmic judgment as an event in which the wicked are sentenced and the cosmos restored; distinct from psychopomp_journey (individual passage at death) and emphasising verdict where Zoroastrian frashokereti emphasises restoration.

The passage describes entering paths (good or evil) based on one's actions and knowledge at a specific moment.

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◆Good Thought Word Deedethics

The Zoroastrian triad of right thought, right speech, and right action as the foundation of ethical life; truth-in-living.

The passage explicitly outlines the triad of right thought (knowing what is forbidden/not forbidden) and right action (forbidding/not forbidding) as the foundation for entering the good path.

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◆Ritual Puritypraxis

The maintenance of a state of cleanliness—physical, moral, or spiritual—required for encounter with the divine.

The passage emphasizes avoiding false doctrines and maintaining correct knowledge as a prerequisite for entering the good path.

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◆Self Examinationpraxis

Daily review of thought and action as spiritual practice.

The verses require individuals to introspectively assess their own fears and judgments regarding what should be forbidden or not.

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