MINDFULNESS · DHAMMAPADA 22
The Strength of Awareness
Those who are advanced in earnestness, having understood this clearly, delight in earnestness, and rejoice in the knowledge of the Ariyas (the elect).
Dhammapada 22 · Chapter 2, On Earnestness · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Those who are advanced in earnestness, having understood this clearly, delight in earnestness, and rejoice in….” In its chapter, this image points toward careful attention as the ground of a wakeful life. Its value is practical when it changes how you meet one choice, relationship, or difficult feeling today. 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.