Dhammapada 50

Do not look at others' faults, or at what others have or have not done

Do not look at others' faults, or at what others have or have not done. Look instead at your own actions and omissions.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

The verse turns attention from listing other people's mistakes to reviewing your own conduct. That review includes things you have done and things you have left undone.

Key words

katākata

done and not done — Includes omissions as well as completed actions.

The story behind the verse

Pathika the Naked Ascetic

In the commentary, Pathika, a naked ascetic, depended on a woman who also wanted to hear the Buddha. He tried to keep her from going to hear the teaching, and she decided to invite the Buddha to her home and sent her son with the invitation. Pathika persuaded the boy to give wrong directions, and the Buddha knew the way and arrived at the appointed time. Pathika angrily abused his supporter and left, and the Buddha saw that the woman was upset and directed her attention toward her own conduct.

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

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.