Buddhism

Chapter1— The Twin Verses

◆ About this chapter

Chapter One of the Dhammapada, titled 'The Twin Verses,' establishes the foundational role of mental volition in Buddhist ethics and soteriology. By contrasting the consequences of wholesome and unwholesome thoughts, this opening section posits that the quality of one's mind determines the trajectory of one's existence. Situated at the very threshold of the collection, these verses function as a hermeneutic key for the subsequent teachings on karma and the cultivation of mindfulness.

Translation:

About this translation

King James Version (1611)

1611 · Public domain

The most influential English translation ever made. Sometimes archaic, but the standard PD English text.

Translators commissioned by King James I of England, 1604–1611

All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage.The Final Judgment The Sower and the Seed The Smallest Seed ²All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him. ⁵For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love — this is an old rule.

This chapter appears in 3 cross-tradition parallels

Comparative studies that quote one or more verses from this chapter alongside passages from other traditions.

Verse Discussions…

Every verse has its own thread. Click a verse to read or leave a response.

Chapter Discussion

Discussion

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What in this chapter surprised you, or stopped you?
Where does this passage cut against your expectation?
What questions does it raise that you don't have an answer to yet?

— 1 —sacredatlas.org