Dhammapada, Chapter 21 summary
Chapter 21 of 26 · 2 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 21, the verses urge giving up lesser pleasures, avoiding harm, and practicing attention so that desire comes to an end. They describe the constant wakefulness of Gotama’s disciples, acknowledge pain in both household and monastic life, and close by linking disciplined solitude with freedom from desire.
What happens
- The opening verses favor greater pleasure over lesser pleasure and warn that hurting others keeps hatred alive.
- Neglect and thoughtlessness increase desire, while bodily attention and right conduct bring desire to an end.
- Two verses describe a true Brahmana as unharmed despite killing parents and rulers, among others.
- Gotama’s disciples remain awake through attention to Buddha, the law, the community, their bodies, compassion, and meditation.
- The verses describe difficulties in worldly, monastic, and wandering life, then connect virtue with respect and goodness with visibility.
- The closing verse links solitary practice and self-mastery with joy in the ending of desire.
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