EVERYDAY LIFE · DHAMMAPADA 293
Small Actions, Real Consequences
But they whose whole watchfulness is always directed to their body, who do not follow what ought not to be done, and who steadfastly do what ought to be done, the desires of such watchful and wise people will come to an end.
Dhammapada 293 · Chapter 21, Miscellaneous · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “But they whose whole watchfulness is always directed to their body, who do not follow what….” In its chapter, this image points toward finding the teaching in mixed, everyday circumstances. Rather than using change to create fear, the passage can sharpen tenderness for a life that cannot be held still. 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 good can be done with what is already at hand?