MINDFULNESS · DHAMMAPADA 181
The Care of Attention
Even the gods envy those who are awakened and not forgetful, who are given to meditation, who are wise, and who delight in the repose of retirement (from the world).
Dhammapada 181 · Chapter 14, The Buddha (The Awakened) · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Even the gods envy those who are awakened and not forgetful, who are given to meditation,….” In its chapter, this image points toward awakening as a lived discipline. 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
Choose one routine moment today and give it your full attention.