Pakiṇṇakavagga · Miscellany · Gāthā 303
Yathāpi rukkhaṃ chetvāna, mūlaṃ puna va jāyati; evaṃ pāpaṃ karitvāna, punappunaṃ phalaṃ labhe.
Yathāpi rukkhaṃ chetvāna, mūlaṃ puna va jāyati; evaṃ pāpaṃ karitvāna, punappunaṃ phalaṃ labhe.
Just as a tree cut to the root sprouts again, so one who does evil is reborn again and again.
This verse from the Pakiṇṇakavagga (Miscellany) continues the exploration of the Buddhist path. The emphasis is on ethical practice (sīla) as foundation and on the profound transformation of character that defines the true brahmin — one who has transcended identifications and lives without causing harm.