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.

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

The Buddha explains the four cases of taking up practices, based on whether they are pleasant or painful now and whether they ripen as suffering or a pleasant abiding in the future.

By clinging to the five aggregates, one experiences pleasure and pain.

The Buddha contrasts the suffering experienced by gods and humans, who delight in impermanent sense objects, with the contentment of the Tathāgata who understands their true nature, highlighting the differing views of happiness held by the world and the Noble Ones.

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 explains what causes the hindrances to arise and how to abandon them.

The Buddha contrasts the undeveloped and developed mind.

One who delights in personal existence does not have an auspicious death. One who delights in Nibbāna and gives up personal existence has an auspicious death.

One who delights in personal existence dies with regret and their passing away is not fortunate. One who delights in Nibbāna and gives up personal existence dies without regret and their passing away is fortunate.

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