Dhammapada on Service

Not a mother, not a father will do so much, nor any other relative; a well-directed mind will do us greater service.

All men tremble at punishment, all men love life; remember that thou art like unto them, and do not kill, nor cause slaughter.

Let no one forget his own duty for the sake of another's, however great; let a man, after he has discerned his own duty, be always attentive to his duty.

Rouse thyself! do not be idle! Follow the law of virtue! The virtuous rests in bliss in this world and in the next.

Not to commit any sin, to do good, and to purify one's mind, that is the teaching of (all) the Awakened.

That is the safe refuge, that is the best refuge; having gone to that refuge, a man is delivered from all pain.

Let us live happily then, free from ailments among the ailing! among men who are ailing let us dwell free from ailments!

Let us live happily then, free from greed among the greedy! among men who are greedy let us dwell free from greed!

The sight of the elect (Arya) is good, to live with them is always happiness; if a man does not see fools, he will be truly happy.

In like manner his good works receive him who has done good, and has gone from this world to the other;--as kinsmen receive a friend on his return.

Make thyself an island, work hard, be wise! When thy impurities are blown away, and thou art free from guilt, thou wilt enter into the heavenly world of the elect (Ariya).

O man, know this, that the unrestrained are in a bad state; take care that greediness and vice do not bring thee to grief for a long time!

The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by hatred: therefore a gift bestowed on those who do not hate brings great reward.

The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by vanity: therefore a gift bestowed on those who are free from vanity brings great reward.

And this is the beginning here for a wise Bhikshu: watchfulness over the senses, contentedness, restraint under the law; keep noble friends whose life is pure, and who are not slothful.

Let him live in charity, let him be perfect in his duties; then in the fulness of delight he will make an end of suffering.