Chapter8— The Thousands
Chapter Eight of the Dhammapada, titled 'The Thousands,' serves as a pivotal meditation on the relative magnitude of spiritual achievement versus martial prowess. By contrasting the conquest of external armies with the mastery of the self, this section underscores the central Buddhist tenet that inner transformation constitutes the highest form of victory. Situated within the early canonical collection, these verses function as an ethical exhortation, guiding the reader to prioritize the discipline of the mind over worldly power.
About this translation
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
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