Verse 131. Those Who Do Not Receive Happiness

Whoever harms with force
those desiring happiness,
as seeker after happiness
one gains no future joy.

Explanation: People who like to be happy and are in search of pleasure hurt others through various acts of violence for their own happiness. These victims too want to be happy as much as those who inflict pain on them. Those who inflict pain do not achieve happiness even in their next birth.

The Story of Many Youths (Verses 131 & 132)

While residing at the Jetavana Monastery, the Buddha spoke these verses, with reference to a number of youths.

Once, the Buddha was out on an alms-round at Savatthi when he came across a number of youths beating a snake with sticks. When questioned, the youths answered that they were beating the snake because they were afraid that the snake might bite them. To them the Buddha said, “If you do not want to be harmed, you should also not harm others: if you harm others, you will not find happiness in your next existence”.

Treasury of Truth: Illustrated Dhammapada – 423 Verses

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