Dhammapada 165

By yourself wrongdoing is done

By yourself wrongdoing is done; by yourself you are tainted. By yourself wrongdoing is left undone; by yourself you become pure. Purity and impurity are each person's own; no one can purify another.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

Wrongdoing and refraining from it belong to your own actions. Others can help, but the verse says they cannot make your conduct pure on your behalf.

Key words

paccattaṁ

each for oneself — The responsibility is personal, rather than transferable.

The story behind the verse

Courtezans save a layman’s life

In the commentary, Cūḷakāla had spent the night at the monastery listening to the teaching. In the morning he stood by the monastery pool washing his face, and Thieves ran past while escaping pursuit. They dropped their stolen goods near him, and the owners took him for a thief and began beating him. Women who knew he had been at the religious observance spoke up and secured his release, and the Buddha taught about the personal responsibility involved in wrongdoing and purity.

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

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.