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Verse · Dhp 1–2

Mind Goes Before All Things

Yamakavagga

Translated by RidgeClub 1 min read

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Manopubbaṅgamā dhammā,
manoseṭṭhā manomayā.
Manasā ce paduṭṭhena
bhāsati vā karoti vā,
tato naṃ dukkhamanveti
cakkaṃva vahato padaṃ.

Mind goes before all things;
mind is their chief, and they are made of mind.
If one speaks or acts
with a corrupted mind,
suffering follows
as the wheel follows the ox’s hoof.

Manopubbaṅgamā dhammā,
manoseṭṭhā manomayā.
Manasā ce pasannena
bhāsati vā karoti vā,
tato naṃ sukhamanveti
chāyāva anapāyinī.

Mind goes before all things;
mind is their chief, and they are made of mind.
If one speaks or acts
with a clear and trusting mind,
happiness follows
like a shadow that never leaves.

Translation
RidgeClub
Source
Pāli Canon, Dhp 1–2
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The Pāli is in the public domain. This translation is offered freely: copy and share it, with or without credit.

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Verse Dhp 183–185

The Teaching of the Buddhas

Ovāda Pāṭimokkha

The whole of the teaching in three verses — not doing evil, doing good, purifying the mind — remembered each year on Māgha Pūjā.