LETTING GO · DHAMMAPADA 209
When Clinging Softens
He who gives himself to vanity, and does not give himself to meditation, forgetting the real aim (of life) and grasping at pleasure, will in time envy him who has exerted himself in meditation.
Dhammapada 209 · Chapter 16, Pleasure · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “He who gives himself to vanity, and does not give himself to meditation, forgetting the real….” In its chapter, this image points toward the stress created by possessiveness. 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
Release one small possession, task, or expectation that no longer serves.