Dhammapada
Selected verses
THE PATH
The best of paths is the Noble Eightfold Path. The best of truths are the Four Holy Truths. The best of virtues is freedom from attachment. The best of men is he who has eyes to see.
This is the Path, there is no other that leads to discernment. Go on this path and you will confuse Mara.
Go on this path and you will make an end of suffering and pain. I showed this path to the world when I found the cause of suffering.
You yourself must make the effort. The Tathagata only shows the way. The thoughtful who enter the path become free from the bondage of Mara.
"All things pass away." He who sees this is above sorrow and pain. This is the path of clarity.
"All things are suffering and grief." He who sees this is above sorrow and pain. This is the path of clarity.
"All forms are unreal." He who sees this is above sorrow and pain. This is the path of clarity.
A man who does not rouse himself when it is time to rise, who when young and strong sinks into sloth and irresolution, that lazy and idle man will never find the path to knowledge.
A man should control his speech, restrain his mind and never commit evil with his body. If he keeps these three ways of action clear, he will attain the path of the wise.
Through spiritual discipline and meditation (yoga), knowledge is gained. Through lack of spiritual discipline and meditation, knowledge is lost. Understanding the two paths of gain and loss, progress and decline, let a man walk on the path that leads to knowledge.
Dhammapada v.273-282
Excerpts
All that we are
Whom the gods envy
Dhammapada 3:
The Path
