Dhammapada 116

Hasten toward what is good

Hasten toward what is good; keep the mind from wrongdoing. When you are slow to do good deeds, the mind delights in wrongdoing.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

Do not keep postponing good actions or allow the mind to settle into wrongdoing. The verse treats promptness in doing good as part of caring for the direction of the mind.

Key words

abhittharetha

one should hasten — Urgency is directed toward goodness, not haste in every activity.

The story behind the verse

The Brahman with a single robe

In the commentary, a poor brahmin and his wife shared a single outer garment, and Because of that, they went out separately to hear the teaching. One night the husband wanted to give the garment to the Buddha, and he hesitated because the couple would have nothing to wear outside. Generous and reluctant impulses alternated through the night, and at last he laid the garment before the Buddha and celebrated overcoming his reluctance. King Pasenadi heard him, learned what he had done, and rewarded him, and the Buddha taught about doing good without delay.

Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.