DhammaPada verses 1-20 share on the power of the mind in shaping one's experiences, the importance of letting go of resentment and hostility, the consequences of living without restraint and moderation, the distinction between essence and non-essence, the sorrow and joy tied to one's actions, the importance of acting according to the Dhamma, and who partakes in the true ascetic life.

DhammaPada verses 60-75 describe the traits and consequences for an immature person. They suffer from delusion, cling to false views of self and possessions, perform harmful actions, seek status without wisdom, and long for recognition. In contrast, the wise avoid their company and pursue seclusion and true understanding of the Dhamma.

DhammaPada verses 179-196 describe the boundless and traceless nature of the Buddha, the teachings of all the Buddhas, rarity of a human birth, rarity of the arising of a Buddha, what is a safe refuge that leads to release from suffering, and the merit gained by ones who honor the Buddhas or their disciples.

Dhammapada verses 273–289 emphasize the eightfold path as the foremost way to liberation, seeing the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and not-self nature of all things. Further, the verses mention the relation of meditation and wisdom, They mention restraint, how wisdom through meditation, on cutting off the forest as well as the undergrowth, and making swift effort to purify by the way of practice leading to Nibbāna.

Dhammapada verses 290–305 share on the renunciation of lesser happiness for greater joy, mindfulness of the body, and applying effort to overcome defilements. Further, the verses highlight the harm of neglecting what should be done, consequence of imposing suffering on another, while praising recollection of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha as well as the qualities of mindfulness, non-violence, and cultivation. The verses conclude with the benefits of solitude and the wilderness for those who are energetic and self-restrained.

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.

When one knows and sees the four noble truths, there is the wearing away of the taints.

The Buddha describes the true ascetic and brahmin as one who understands the four noble truths.

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.

Verses depicting the uncertain, brief, and suffering-laden nature of mortal life, emphasizing the inevitability of death for all beings, like ripe fruits fated to fall. The Buddha counsels against futile grief and lamentation over the departed, urging the wise to understand the world's relentless course of decay and death.

A radiant deity tempts young Samiddhi to enjoy sensual pleasures. The Buddha later reveals that true liberation transcends identity and craving, and is only found by those who let go of even the need to describe themselves.

The Buddha explains how difficult it is for an uninstructed person to become disenchanted with the mind. A learned disciple of the Noble Ones wisely applies the mind to dependent co-arising.

What is the burden and who bears it, what is the taking up of the burden and the putting down of it.

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.

The Buddha describes the four kinds of kamma (actions) and their results in detail.

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.

If suffering is displeasing to you, do not commit evil deeds, whether openly or in secret.