KN.DHP157-166 — The Chapter on the Self

The Story of Prince Bodhi

If one regards oneself as dear, one should guard oneself well. A wise person should care for oneself during one of the three watches of the night.

The Story of the Elder Upananda, Son of the Sakyans

First, one should establish oneself in what is proper. Then, one may instruct others. A wise person should not become defiled.

The Story of the Elder Tissa, the Striver

If one acts as one instructs others, then one is well-tamed. Indeed, the self is difficult to tame.

The Story of the Elder Nun, Mother of Kumārakassapa

The self is indeed one's own protector. Who else could be the protector? With a well-tamed self, one finds a protector hard to find.

The Story of the Lay Follower Mahākāla

The evil done by oneself, born of oneself, arising from oneself, crushes the foolish one, as a diamond crushes a rock.

The Story of Devadatta

For one whose conduct is exceedingly corrupt, like a creeper covering a tree, such a person brings about their own downfall, as an enemy wishes.

The Story of the Attempt to Split the Saṅgha

Evil deeds, harmful to oneself, are easy to do. But what is beneficial and good is indeed very difficult to do.

The Story of the Elder Kāla

The foolish one who rejects the teaching of the worthy ones, the noble ones who live by the Dhamma, relying on a wrong view, bears fruit like the bamboo, for self-destruction.

The Story of the Lay Follower Cūḷakāla

By oneself is evil done, by oneself is one defiled. By oneself is evil not done, by oneself is one purified. Purity and impurity depend on oneself; no one can purify another.

The Story of the Elder Attadattha

One should not neglect one's own welfare for the sake of another's, however great. Knowing one's own welfare, one should be intent on one's true goal.

Back