KN.DHP116-128 — The Chapter on Evil
Hasten to do good; restrain the mind from evil. For the mind delights in evil when one is slow in doing good.
If a person commits evil, let them not do it repeatedly. Let them not find pleasure in it, for the accumulation of evil brings suffering.
If a person does good, let them do it repeatedly. Let them find joy in it, for the accumulation of good brings happiness.
Even the wicked see good as long as their evil does not ripen. But when their evil ripens, then the wicked see evil.
Even the good see evil as long as their good does not ripen. But when their good ripens, then the good see good.
Do not underestimate evil, thinking it will not come to you. With the falling of water drops, even a water jar is filled. The fool fills with evil, gathering it little by little.
Do not underestimate good, thinking it will not come to you. With the falling of water drops, even a water jar is filled. The wise fill with good, gathering it little by little.
Just as a merchant with few companions avoids a dangerous road, and just as one desiring to live avoids poison, so should one avoid evil deeds.
If there is no wound on one's hand, one may carry poison in it. Poison does not enter one who has no wound; there is no evil for one who does not commit it.
Whoever harms an innocent, pure, and unblemished person, the evil returns to that fool, like fine dust thrown against the wind.
Some are born in the womb, evil-doers go to hell, the virtuous go to heaven, and those without defilements attain Nibbāna.
Not in the sky, nor in the middle of the sea, nor in a mountain cave, is there a place in the world where one can escape the consequences of evil deeds.
Not in the sky, nor in the middle of the sea, nor in a mountain cave, is there a place in the world where one can escape death.