Dhammapada 201
Victory gives rise to hatred
Victory gives rise to hatred; the defeated sleep in suffering. The peaceful sleep at ease, having left victory and defeat behind.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Jayaṁ veraṁ pasavati,
dukkhaṁ seti parājito;
Upasanto sukhaṁ seti,
hitvā jayaparājayaṁ.
In plain words
Winning can leave hatred behind, while losing can leave someone in pain. The verse values the peace of stepping outside the demand to be either the winner or the loser.
Key words
- jayaparājaya
- victory and defeat — Both sides of the contest are relinquished.
The story behind the verse
The story of the defeat of King Kosala (Kosalaraññoparājayavatthu)
King Pasenadi of Kosala is defeated in battles with King Ajātasattu. He becomes distressed by the defeats. Monks report his sorrow to the Buddha. The Buddha speaks of the hatred born from victory and the peace of leaving both victory and defeat behind.
Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).
To reflect on
Where has winning become more important than the purpose of an exchange?
Try it today
In one disagreement, address the issue without trying to score a point.
Practise it with
Equanimity (upekkhā)
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.