MINDFULNESS · DHAMMAPADA 281
A Clear Place to Stand
Watching his speech, well restrained in mind, let a man never commit any wrong with his body! Let a man but keep these three roads of action clear, and he will achieve the way which is taught by the wise.
Dhammapada 281 · Chapter 20, The Way · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Watching his speech, well restrained in mind, let a man never commit any wrong with his….” In its chapter, this image points toward a practical path of attention, ethics, and understanding. 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 deserves your careful attention today?