Dhammapada 282

Through practice, wisdom arises

Through practice, wisdom arises; without practice, wisdom diminishes. Knowing these two paths, to growth and to decline, establish yourself so that wisdom grows.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

Wisdom is described as growing through practice and diminishing without it. Recognizing those two directions, the verse asks you to arrange your life toward the growth of understanding.

Key words

yoga

practice — Here practice is not a reference to physical postures.

The story behind the verse

Pothila the Empty-head

In the commentary, Poṭhila was a monk with extensive knowledge of the teaching. The Buddha called him empty because he had not realized what he taught, and he resolved to practice and sought guidance in a forest community. The monks directed him to a young novice, and the novice tested his willingness to obey by asking him to enter a pool while wearing his robes. Poṭhila obeyed and received meditation instruction, and the Buddha taught him through an apparition, and the commentary says he attained liberation.

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

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.