WISDOM · DHAMMAPADA 170

A Deeper Kind of Knowing

Look upon the world as a bubble, look upon it as a mirage: the king of death does not see him who thus looks down upon the world.

Dhammapada 170 · Chapter 13, The World · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “Look upon the world as a bubble, look upon it as a mirage.” In its chapter, this image points toward seeing through distraction and appearance. Rather than using change to create fear, the passage can sharpen tenderness for a life that cannot be held still. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.

Practice prompt

Ask: is this true, useful, and timely?