Dhammapada 118
If you do good deeds, do them again and again
If you do good deeds, do them again and again. Cultivate a desire for goodness; the piling up of goodness brings happiness.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Puññañce puriso kayirā,
kayirā naṁ punappunaṁ;
Tamhi chandaṁ kayirātha,
sukho puññassa uccayo.
In plain words
When you do something good, the verse encourages doing it again and wanting to continue. This desire for goodness is different from the craving criticized elsewhere.
Key words
- chanda
- desire, willingness — Here it is willingness to do good, distinct from craving.
The story behind the verse
Goddess and monk
In the commentary, a young woman offered food to Kassapa while he was on an alms round. Soon afterward a snake bit her, and she died, and the commentary says she was reborn as a goddess because of her generous act. She secretly swept and cared for Kassapa’s dwelling, and when he discovered her, he asked her to stop so that the arrangement would not invite gossip. She was distressed and appealed to continue, and the Buddha addressed her and praised the willingness to repeat good acts.
Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).
To reflect on
What good action would you like to make a little more regular?
Try it today
Repeat one small good action you have already done before.
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.