MINDFULNESS · DHAMMAPADA 183

An Island Within

Not to commit any sin, to do good, and to purify one's mind, that is the teaching of (all) the Awakened.

Dhammapada 183 · Chapter 14, The Buddha (The Awakened) · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “Not to commit any sin, to do good, and to purify one's mind, that is the….” In its chapter, this image points toward awakening as a lived discipline. It locates the turning point before outward action, in the quality of attention you repeatedly cultivate. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.

Practice prompt

Notice three breaths without trying to improve them.