Dhamma Verses (Dhammapada, KN 2)

Introduction – 8
indolent, low in energy –
Māra surely o’erthrows that one,
like wind overthrows a weak tree.
There are 89 verses employing similes (21%): 1, 2, 7, 8, 13, 14, 19, 21,
28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 40, 44, 45, 46, 49, 51, 52, 53, 58, 59, 64, 65, 71, 76,
81, 82, 91-95, 123, 125, 134, 135, 136, 143, 144, 149, 150, 152, 155,
156, 161, 162, 164, 170-174, 202, 208, 219, 220, 222, 235, 239, 240,
251, 252, 268, 284, 285, 287, 304, 311, 315, 320, 325, 326, 327, 329,
330, 334-338, 342, 343, 347, 377, 380, 401, 407, 413.
Metaphors do not use comparison, but suggest a resemblance
between otherwise disparate objects. An example can be found in
verse 25, where the island is the safe haven the person who is
striving hopes to make.
Uṭṭhānen’ appamādena saṁyamena damena ca,
dīpaṁ kay i rātha medhāvī yaṁ ogho nābhikīrati.
Through activity, heedfulness,
through self-control and through restraint,
the sagacious make an island
no flood waters can overcome.
I identify 77 verses in this collection that use metaphors (18%): 25,
26, 35, 40, 46, 47, 48, 54-57, 60, 66, 69, 80, 85, 86, 103, 121, 122, 145,
147, 151, 153, 154, 160, 174, 175, 204, 205, 211, 218, 222, 235-238,
242-244, 254, 255, 262, 263, 275, 276, 282, 283, 288, 294, 295, 302,
321-323, 339-341, 344-346, 350, 351, 354, 356-359, 363, 369-371, 385,
387, 388, 414.