WISDOM · DHAMMAPADA 172

Clarity Without Pride

He who formerly was reckless and afterwards became sober, brightens up this world, like the moon when freed from clouds.

Dhammapada 172 · Chapter 13, The World · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “He who formerly was reckless and afterwards became sober, brightens up this world, like the moon….” In its chapter, this image points toward seeing through distraction and appearance. Its value is practical when it changes how you meet one choice, relationship, or difficult feeling today. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.

Practice prompt

What becomes simpler when you see it clearly?