Dhammapada 51
Like a lovely flower, colorful but without scent, well-spoken words bear no fruit for one who does…
Like a lovely flower, colorful but without scent, well-spoken words bear no fruit for one who does not act on them.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Yathāpi ruciraṁ pupphaṁ,
vaṇṇavantaṁ agandhakaṁ;
Evaṁ subhāsitā vācā,
aphalā hoti akubbato.
In plain words
Well-spoken words are fruitless for someone who does not put them into practice. They are compared to a beautiful, colorful flower without fragrance.
Key words
- akubbato
- for one who does not act — The contrast concerns putting good speech into practice.
The story behind the verse
The story of the lay follower Chattapāṇi (Chattapāṇiupāsakavatthu)
Chattapāṇi is a learned lay follower whom a king asks to teach the women of his household. A monk is appointed instead, and Ānanda teaches them. One pupil applies herself to the teaching, while another does not. The Buddha contrasts words left unpracticed with words put into practice, using flowers with and without scent.
Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).
To reflect on
Which good advice of your own could you act on today?
Try it today
Put one piece of advice you often give into practice once.
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.