Dhammapada 18

Here you are glad, and after death you are glad

Here you are glad, and after death you are glad; having done good deeds, you are glad in both. 'I have done good deeds,' you are glad to think; you are still more glad on reaching a good destination.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

The verse describes gladness in having done good, both now and after death. Traditionally its good destination is read as a favorable rebirth, rather than worldly success.

Key words

sugati

a good destination after death — A rebirth destination, not career or social advancement.

The story behind the verse

The story of Sumanā Devī (Sumanādevīvatthu)

Sumanā, a daughter of Anāthapiṇḍika, calls her father her younger brother as she is dying. He is distressed and wonders whether illness has confused her. The Buddha explains that she had reached a more advanced stage of spiritual attainment than her father. The commentary says she is reborn in a heavenly world.

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

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.