The Scattered Chapter (DHP290-305)

Collection of Minor Texts

Verses of Dhamma

The Scattered Chapter

If by relinquishing limited happiness

one can see abundant happiness,

then one who is wise relinquishes limited happiness

and sees abundant happiness.

By profiting from the suffering of others,

one seeks happiness for oneself;

one who is intimately involved in hostility

is not free from hostility.

They reject what should be done

and do what should not be done;

arrogant and negligent,

their defilements increase.

They have undertaken

continuous mindfulness of the body,

they do not do what should not be done,

and they always do what should be done;

mindful and aware,

their defilements disappear.

Having slain mother and father,

two royal kings,

and a kingdom with its followers,

the brahmin proceeds untroubled.

Having slain mother and father,

two scholar kings,

and a tiger as well,

the brahmin proceeds untroubled.

They always wake up well,

the disciples of Gotama

who continuously recollect the Buddha

by day and by night.

They always wake up well,

disciples of the Buddha

who continuously recollect the Dhamma

by day and by night.

They always wake up well,

the disciples of Gotama

who continuously recollect the Saṅgha

by day and by night.

They always wake up well,

the disciples of Gotama

who continuously practice mindfulness of the body

by day and by night.

They always wake up well,

the disciples of Gotama

who approve of harmlessness

by day and by night.

They always wake up well,

the disciples of Gotama

who approve of self-development

by day and by night.

The renunciant life is difficult and hard to enjoy;

the household life is difficult and hard to endure.

Living with others is suffering,

and travelers also undergo suffering.

Therefore, just as one can choose to not travel,

one can choose to not suffer.

One who has faith and morality,

influence and wealth,

is honored

wherever they are.

Those who are good are visible from afar,

like a Himalayan mountain;

but those who are not good cannot be seen,

like arrows loosed at night.

Sitting alone, sleeping alone,

going alone, never lazy;

training oneself alone,

one can enjoy the forest.