This is commonly attributed:
This seems to be a rewording of:Better your own truth,
however weak,
than the truth of another,
however noble.
Shakyamuni Buddha
The Dhammapada
Translated from the Pali by P. Lal
Verse 166, the last verse in the chapter on "The Self":
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&c ... hIZaHx95JA
Other translations make it clear that this verse has quite a different meaning from "make up your own truth":Better is your own Dhamma, however weak,
than the Dhamma of another, however noble.
Look after your self, and be firm in your goal.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .budd.html
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html166. Let one not neglect one's own welfare for the sake of another, however great. Clearly understanding one's own welfare, let one be intent upon the good.
[url=http://home.nethere.net/dsparks/narada/index.htm[/url]Don't sacrifice your own welfare
for that of another,
no matter how great.
Realizing your own true welfare,
be intent on just that.
http://home.nethere.net/dsparks/narada/ ... 0Vagga.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
By the way, the word, "dhamma" does not seem to appear in the Pali:STRIVE FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE
For the sake of others' welfare, however great, let not one neglect one's own welfare.* Clearly perceiving one's own welfare, let one be intent on one's own goal.
Story
As the Buddha was about to pass away His disciples flocked from far and near to pay their last respects to Him. A monk named Attadattha instead of joining them, retired to his cell and meditated. The other monks reported this matter to the Buddha. When questioned as to his conduct. the monk replied. "Lord, as you would be passing away three months hence I thought the best way to honour you would be by attaining Arahantship during your lifetime itself." The Buddha praised him for his exemplary conduct and remarked that one's spiritual welfare should not be abandoned for the sake of others.
* Here "welfare" denotes one's ultimate goal, i.e., Nibbàna. Personal sanctification should not be sacrificed for the sake of external homage.
One must not misunderstand this verse to mean that one should not selflessly work for the wealfare of others. Selfless service is highly commended by the Buddha.
MettaAttadattha.m paratthena
bahunaa' pi na haapaye
Attadattham abhi~n~naaya
sadatthapasuto siyaa. 166.
Mike