Source of the verses: https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/dp01/
The following is a copy of a conversation between ChatGPT & Anonymous. Generated on 2025-07-31T01:02:11.571617Z
The first verses of the Dhammapada appear in Chapter 1: The Twin Verses (Yamaka Vagga). These verses set the tone for the entire text by emphasizing the power of the mind in shaping one's experience. Here are the first two verses, traditionally presented as a pair:
Manopubbaṅgamā dhammā
manoseṭṭhā manomayā,
manasā ce paduṭṭhena
bhāsati vā karoti vā,
tato naṁ dukkhamanveti
cakkaṁ va vahato padaṁ.
Translation (by Acharya Buddharakkhita):
Mind precedes all mental states.
Mind is their chief; they are mind-made.
If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts,
suffering follows him
like the wheel that follows the foot of the ox.
Manopubbaṅgamā dhammā
manoseṭṭhā manomayā,
manasā ce pasannena
bhāsati vā karoti vā,
tato naṁ sukhamanveti
chāyā va anapāyinī.
Translation:
Mind precedes all mental states.
Mind is their chief; they are mind-made.
If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts,
happiness follows him
like his never-departing shadow.
These verses highlight the central Buddhist theme that our thoughts shape our reality, and that purity or impurity of mind directly affects our suffering or happiness.
Purity of mind in Buddhism refers to a state where the mind is free from unwholesome qualities such as:
- Greed (lobha)
- Hatred or ill-will (dosa)
- Delusion or ignorance (moha)
These are known as the three poisons—the root causes of suffering (dukkha).
- Calm and clear — not agitated by desires or aversions
- Compassionate and kind — naturally inclined toward loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karuṇā), and joy for others (muditā)
- Wise and discerning — sees things as they truly are, without projection or attachment
- Ethically grounded — acts, speaks, and thinks with integrity
- Sīla (Ethical Conduct)
Living by the precepts purifies speech and action, which in turn influences the mind. - Samādhi (Concentration/Meditation)
Deepens awareness and steadies the mind, allowing inner defilements to settle. - Paññā (Wisdom)
Insight into impermanence (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and not-self (anattā) uproots the causes of suffering. - Mindfulness (Sati)
Guards the mind moment-to-moment, catching unwholesome tendencies as they arise.
Purity of mind is the state where the heart is free from craving, anger, and confusion, and responds with clarity, love, and wisdom.
It is not about perfection—it’s about a steady commitment to non-harming, clarity, and compassion in thought, word, and deed.