Dhammapada 16

Here you rejoice, and after death you rejoice

Here you rejoice, and after death you rejoice; having done good deeds, you rejoice in both. You rejoice, you rejoice deeply, seeing the purity of your own actions.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

Someone who has acted well can feel glad on seeing the quality of their actions. The verse places that gladness both in this life and after death, not only in a good mood today.

Key words

pecca

after death — The verse includes a postmortem consequence.

The story behind the verse

The story of the lay follower Dhammika (Dhammikaupāsakavatthu)

Dhammika is a devoted lay follower who has supported the monastic community. As he is dying, monks recite the teaching beside him. The commentary describes gods arriving with chariots to invite him to their worlds. He chooses a heavenly destination, and the Buddha explains his gladness in good deeds.

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

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.