All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts.
Buddha Dhammapada, Verse 1, The Twin-Verses (300 BCE) Translated by F. Max Müller
Source checked by an editor
When and why it was written
- When
- The opening verse of the Dhammapada, a collection of the Buddha's sayings preserved in the Pali Canon.
- Why
- It sets the theme for the whole collection: the mind comes first.
What it means
The first line of the Dhammapada puts thought at the root of experience. Habits of mind become habits of life.
That is why watching the mind, on paper or in stillness, is not idle. It is work on the foundation.
Our reading of the passage cited above, not a quotation from a commentary.
Read the source
Dhammapada by Traditional (Pali Canon), 300 BCE
Your turn
What does this bring up for you?
Saved to this device only. Nothing is sent to a server.
Continue transfers only this reflection. Review your account before saving. Your original browser copy stays here.
Read next
There is no fire like passion, no shark like hatred, no snare like folly, no torrent like greed.
Dhammapada, verse 251 (300 BCE)
However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?
Dhammapada, verse 19 (300 BCE)
For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love, this is an old rule.
Dhammapada, Verse 5, The Twin-Verses (300 BCE)