MINDFULNESS · DHAMMAPADA 186
The Strength of Awareness
There is no satisfying lusts, even by a shower of gold pieces; he who knows that lusts have a short taste and cause pain, he is wise;
Dhammapada 186 · Chapter 14, The Buddha (The Awakened) · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “There is no satisfying lusts, even by a shower of gold pieces.” In its chapter, this image points toward awakening as a lived discipline. 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
Let one sound remind you to return to the body.