MINDFULNESS · DHAMMAPADA 180
A Clear Place to Stand
He whom no desire with its snares and poisons can lead astray, by what track can you lead him, the Awakened, the Omniscient, the trackless?
Dhammapada 180 · Chapter 14, The Buddha (The Awakened) · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “He whom no desire with its snares and poisons can lead astray, by what track can….” In its chapter, this image points toward awakening as a lived discipline. Notice the difference between enjoying an experience and requiring it to provide lasting security. 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 deserves your careful attention today?