The twentieth section of the Dhammapada, known as The Path (Maggavagga), is a profound collection of verses that illuminate the
way toward liberation and awakening. Here the Buddha speaks directly of the Eightfold Path, describing it as the “best of paths” and the surest guide for those seeking freedom from suffering. This section emphasizes the centrality of right understanding, right effort, and right mindfulness as foundations of progress, while warning against distraction, negligence, and false teachings that lead astray. Each verse shines with practical clarity, pointing the disciple toward discipline, wisdom, and direct realization. In essence, The Path serves as both a map and an encouragement—showing not only the road that leads to Nirvāṇa, but also the inner attitude and steadfast resolve required to walk it.
Maggavagga, The Path
Welcome to The Path (Maggavagga) — a section of the Dhammapada that speaks to the way of awakening. In these verses, the Buddha points out the road of discipline, mindfulness, and right living that leads beyond suffering to peace and freedom. As you listen, may the words guide your steps toward clarity, compassion, and liberation.
273
Of all the paths the Eightfold Path is the best; of all the truths the Four Noble Truths
are the best; of all things passionlessness is the best: of men the Seeing One (the Buddha)
is the best.
274
This is the only path; there is none other for the purification of insight. Tread this path,
and you will bewilder Mara.
275
Walking upon this path you will make an end of suffering. Having discovered how to
pull out the thorn of lust, I make known the path.
276
You yourselves must strive; the Buddhas only point the way. Those meditative ones
who tread the path are released from the bonds of Mara.
277
"All conditioned things are impermanent" — when one sees this with wisdom, one
turns away from suffering. This is the path to purification.
278
"All conditioned things are unsatisfactory" — when one sees this with wisdom, one
turns away from suffering. This is the path to purification.
279
"All things are not-self" — when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from
suffering. This is the path to purification.
280
The idler who does not exert himself when he should, who though young and strong is
full of sloth, with a mind full of vain thoughts — such an indolent man does not find the
path to wisdom.
281
Let a man be watchful of speech, well controlled in mind, and not commit evil in
bodily action. Let him purify these three courses of action, and win the path made known
by the Great Sage.
282
Wisdom springs from meditation; without meditation wisdom wanes. Having known
these two paths of progress and decline, let a man so conduct himself that his wisdom may
increase.
283
Cut down the forest (lust), but not the tree; from the forest springs fear. Having cut
down the forest and the underbrush (desire), be passionless, O monks!
284
For so long as the underbrush of desire, even the most subtle, of a man towards a
woman is not cut down, his mind is in bondage, like the sucking calf to its mother.
285
Cut off your affection in the manner of a man who plucks with his hand an autumn
lotus. Cultivate only the path to peace, Nibbana, as made known by the Exalted One.
286
"Here shall I live during the rains, here in winter and summer" — thus thinks the fool.
He does not realize the danger (that death might intervene).
287
As a great flood carries away a sleeping village, so death seizes and carries away the
man with a clinging mind, doting on his children and cattle.
288
For him who is assailed by death there is no protection by kinsmen. None there are to
save him — no sons, nor father, nor relatives.
289
Realizing this fact, let the wise man, restrained by morality, hasten to clear the path
leading to Nibbana.