Dhammapada verses

[Alrah]

Let the dread of endless mediocrity
spur you into great effort,
like a well-trained horse
encouraged by the mere touch of the whip.
Relinquish the burden of endless struggle
with unapologetic confidence,
with purity of action, effort, concentration,
and by conscious and disciplined
commitment to the path.

Verse 144

[Alrah]

There is no fire like lust,
no obstruction like hatred,
no trap like delusion,
and no vortex like craving.

Verse 251

If the roots are not removed
weeds grows again and again;
suffering returns to us
so long as craving remains.

Verse 338

Beings naturally experience pleasure;
but when pleasure is contaminated
with craving,
not releasing it creates frustration
and tedious suffering follows.

Verse 341

The bonds
of deluded habits and craving
are strengthened
by one who lets the mind heedlessly dwell
on objects of desire.

Verse 349

A master is one who has let go
of all craving and clinging to the world;
who has seen
the truth beyond forms,
yet is possessed of
a profound knowledge of words.
Such a great being can be said
to have finished the task.

Verse 352

The gift of truth excels all gifts.
The flavour of reality
surpasses all flavours.
The delight of truth
transcends all delights.
Freedom from craving
is the end of all suffering.

Verse 354

[Alrah]

A happiness transcending ordinary bliss
is experienced by those renunciates
who have entered into seclusion
with tranquil heart
and clear understanding of the Way.

Verse 373

When those who are wise
dwell in contemplation
on the transient nature
of the body-mind,
and of all conditioned existence,
they experience joy and delight
seeing through
to the inherently secure.

Verse 374

This then is the beginning
for a renunciate
who takes up the training:
wisely control your faculties,
commit yourself to the instruction,
seek contentment;
cultivate the company of those
who support your aspiration
for energetic practice of the teachings.
The beauty of pure conduct
conditions whole-hearted well-being
giving rise to complete
freedom from remorse.

Verse 375 - 376

[Alrah]

All states of being are determined by mind.
It is mind that leads the way.
Just as the wheel of the oxcart follows
the hoof print of the animal that draws it,
so suffering will surely follow
when we speak or act impulsively
from an impure state of mind.

Verse 1

[Alrah]

Like a fish which on being dragged
from its home in the water
and tossed on dry land
will thrash about,
so will the heart tremble
when withdrawing from the current of Mara.

Verse 34

[Alrah]

Only blessings can arise
from seeking the company
of wise and discerning persons,
who skilfully offer
both admonition and advice
as if guiding one to hidden treasure.

Verse 76

[Alrah]

For many lives I have wandered
looking for, but not finding,
the house-builder
who caused my suffering.
But now you are seen and
you shall build no more.
Your rafters are dislodged and
the ridge-pole is broken.
All craving is ended;
my heart is as one with the unmade.

Verse 153 - 154