Among the 423 short verses in the Dhammapada, a handful keep popping up as golden nuggets of Buddhist wisdom. They’ve stood the test of time—still quoted in mindfulness apps like Headspace and Calm, and even popping up on social media feeds when someone needs a little soul food.

1. “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” (Verse 1)
   Mind shapes everything. This line often headlines quotes about positive thinking, showing up in boardrooms and yoga studios alike.

2. “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.” (Verse 5)
   A timeless reminder that fighting fire with fire only adds fuel. It’s been hashtagged under #ChooseKindness more times than can be counted.

3. “Not to do any evil, to cultivate good, and to purify one’s mind—this is the teaching of the Buddhas.” (Verse 183)
   A neat summary of the path. No frills, just three pillars that get back to basics whenever life feels like a whirlwind.

4. “All conditioned things are impermanent—when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering.” (Verse 277)
   The essence of impermanence. In an age of fleeting trends and viral fads, it’s a reality check: attachments can be like castles built on sand.

5. “Let the wise one guard the mind, thoroughly well; like a diligent watchman guarding the city gates.” (Verse 35)
   An image straight out of a medieval epic. It’s about staying vigilant against destructive thoughts, especially in our scrolling-and-swiping era.

6. “Better than a hundred years lived without knowing the Deathless State is a single day of life lived seeing the Deathless State.” (Verse 202)
   Quality over quantity—this one sneaks up and delivers a punch. It pops up in discussions around minimalism and conscious living.

These verses keep finding fresh life in modern conversations, proving that ancient wisdom and today’s hustle can actually dance hand in hand.