CONTENTMENT · DHAMMAPADA 208
Peace Without Comparison
Therefore, one ought to follow the wise, the intelligent, the learned, the much enduring, the dutiful, the elect; one ought to follow a good and wise man, as the moon follows the path of the stars.
Dhammapada 208 · Chapter 15, Happiness · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Therefore, one ought to follow the wise, the intelligent, the learned, the much enduring, the dutiful,….” In its chapter, this image points toward forms of happiness rooted in simplicity. It also makes practice relational: the people you listen to can strengthen or weaken your best intentions. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.
Practice prompt
Enjoy one thing without immediately reaching for the next.