Dhammapada 68
An action is well done if, after doing it, you do not regret it, and meet its result pleased and…
An action is well done if, after doing it, you do not regret it, and meet its result pleased and glad.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Tañca kammaṁ kataṁ sādhu,
yaṁ katvā nānutappati;
Yassa patīto sumano,
vipākaṁ paṭisevati.
In plain words
An action is praised when it leaves no regret and its result is received gladly. This is about the quality of conduct and its fruit, rather than enjoying whatever feels pleasant now.
Key words
- sādhu
- well done, good — Qualifies the action rather than mere satisfaction with oneself.
The story behind the verse
Sumana the gardener
In the commentary, Sumana supplied flowers to King Bimbisāra. One day he saw the Buddha and wanted to honor him, and he offered the flowers intended for the king to the Buddha instead. He made the offering despite the possibility of punishment, and the Buddha made his good act known in the city. The king heard what had happened and rewarded him generously, and the Buddha taught about an action whose result is met with gladness.
Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).
To reflect on
What action could you look back on without wishing to hide it?
Try it today
Choose one honest action where a shortcut is available.
Practise it with
Shared joy (muditā)
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.