Dhammapada 239
Gradually, little by little, moment by moment, let the wise blow away their own impurities, as a…
Gradually, little by little, moment by moment, let the wise blow away their own impurities, as a smith does with silver.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Anupubbena medhāvī,
thokaṁ thokaṁ khaṇe khaṇe;
Kammāro rajatasseva,
niddhame malamattano.
In plain words
Working on your own faults is compared to a smith removing impurities from silver. The repeated phrases emphasize gradual effort in small moments.
Key words
- anupubbena
- gradually, in sequence — The work is incremental rather than a single dramatic act.
The story behind the verse
Little by little
In the commentary, a brahmin saw monks arranging their robes before going for alms. Grass at that spot made the robes wet, and he cleared the grass. Later he spread sand and made further improvements as new needs became apparent, and he built a shelter and then a hall for the monks. He gave a feast when the hall was complete, and the Buddha praised his gradual work and compared removing impurities to a smith working silver.
Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).
To reflect on
What small fault in conduct could you work on patiently?
Try it today
Correct one small lapse in your conduct when you notice it.
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.