MINDFULNESS · DHAMMAPADA 21
Steady and Present
Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness the path of death. Those who are in earnest do not die, those who are thoughtless are as if dead already.
Dhammapada 21 · Chapter 2, On Earnestness · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness the path of death.” In its chapter, this image points toward careful attention as the ground of a wakeful life. 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
What becomes visible when you stop rushing for ten seconds?