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20051226

If There's No Wound...

If there's no wound on the hand,
that hand can hold poison.
Poison won't penetrate
where there's no wound.
There's no evil
for those who don't do it.

-Dhammapada, 9, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Comment:
This quote is from Verse 124 of the Dhammapada in the 9th set of verses also know as Papavagga.

In context, let's look at Verse 123:

123

Like a merchant with a small
but well-laden caravan
— a dangerous road,
like a person who loves life
— a poison,
one should avoid
— evil deeds.


Thus, the instruction is clear: avoid evil deeds.

Instead, practise good deeds.

For there is good fortune awaiting people who do good to other sentient beings.

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