One choked by immorality,

as a sal tree by a creeper,

does to themselves

what a foe only wishes.

It’s easy to do bad things

harmful to oneself,

but good things that are helpful

are the hardest things to do.

On account of wicked views—

scorning the guidance

of the perfected ones,

the noble ones living righteously—

the idiot begets their own self’s demise,

like the bamboo bearing fruit.

For it is by oneself that evil’s done,

one is corrupted by oneself.

It’s by oneself that evil’s not done,

one is purified by oneself.

Purity and impurity are personal matters,

no one can purify another.

Never neglect what is good for yourself

for the sake of another, however great.

Knowing well what is good for yourself,

be intent upon your heart’s goal.

Minor Collection Sayings of the Dhamma 167–178 13. The World