Dhammapada 166

Do not neglect your own purpose for another's, however great

Do not neglect your own purpose for another's, however great. Knowing your own purpose, be intent on it.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

Do not lose sight of your own essential purpose while attending to other people's purposes. Traditionally this is read in a monk's practice setting, rather than as a general license to ignore others.

Key words

attadattha

one's own purpose or benefit — The phrase leaves the aim open; the traditional setting is practice.

The story behind the verse

By righteousness men honor the Buddha

In the commentary, the Buddha announced that his final passing was approaching. Many monks stayed close to him and spoke anxiously about what would happen, and Attadattha resolved to attain liberation while the Buddha was still alive. He withdrew from the group and devoted himself to practice, and other monks thought his withdrawal showed a lack of affection. They reported him to the Buddha, and the Buddha praised his purpose and said that practicing the teaching was a true way to honor him.

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

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.