Dhammapada verses 360–382 depict the ideal bhikkhu as one who restrains the senses, body, speech, and mind, leading to freedom from suffering. Emphasis is placed on mindfulness, inner joy, collectedness, and self-reliance. Through discipline and reflection, the bhikkhu advances towards the peace of Nibbāna, shining like the moon freed from clouds.

Dhammapada verses 383–423 redefine 'Brāhmaṇa' (sage) by inner attainment, not birth or appearance. Through effort, a true sage cuts craving, understands reality, and realizes Nibbāna. Fearless, detached, pure, and restrained, they embody non-violence and patience. Free from defilements and attachments, having overcome suffering and rebirth, the sage achieves the ultimate goal, radiating wisdom and peace.

The body is fragile, consciousness is of a fading nature. All substrates of existence are impermanent, dissatisfactory, and subject to change.

The Buddha distinguishes peaceful abidings in the here and now from the way of effacement leading upwards to complete quenching. Effacement is shown as the gradual chipping away of defilements through restraint, cultivation of the noble eightfold path, and diligent training, culminating in the complete freedom of Nibbāna.

The Buddha outlines an approach to cross-examine other sects and their doctrines, and how to distinguish between the true Dhamma and the false Dhamma through the comprehension of the four kinds of clinging.

Verses urging one to rise from negligence, train steadfastly for the state of peace, and not waste the fleeting opportunity of the present moment. The teaching emphasizes the urgency of effort with the imagery of the afflicted pierced by a dart and the King of Death misleading one who remains negligent.

King Pasenadi expresses deep sorrow over his grandmother's death. The Buddha teaches him that all beings, without exception, are subject to death and cannot escape it, likening it to a potter's pots that are all bound to break.

Consciousness, while persisting, might persist attached to form, feeling, perception, and intentional constructions. When passion for these is abandoned, the support for the establishment of consciousness is completely cut off. That consciousness, being unestablished, does not grow, and by not intentionally constructing, is liberated.

The Buddha teaches the Dhamma for the complete comprehension of all clinging through seeing the dependent co-arising of feeling through the six sense bases.

The Buddha explains to the headman Bhadraka the root cause of suffering through a direct and relatable inquiry. When Bhadraka admits to feeling sorrow when those he cares about are harmed, the Buddha skillfully reveals that such sorrow arises not from the events themselves but from one’s own attachment and desire.

The Buddha describes the eight ways in which a woman binds a man.

The Buddha describes the eight ways in which a man binds a woman.

The Buddha describes eight motivations for giving, including giving out of desire, aversion, and fear.

The Buddha expresses an inspired utterance contrasting one who has comprehended the nature of reality with one who is with possessions.

The Buddha expresses an inspired utterance to Visākhā on how all under another's control brings suffering.