EVERYDAY LIFE · DHAMMAPADA 305
The Fragrance of Character
He alone who, without ceasing, practises the duty of sitting alone and sleeping alone, he, subduing himself, will rejoice in the destruction of all desires alone, as if living in a forest.
Dhammapada 305 · Chapter 21, Miscellaneous · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “He alone who, without ceasing, practises the duty of sitting alone and sleeping alone, he, subduing….” In its chapter, this image points toward finding the teaching in mixed, everyday circumstances. 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
What would wholehearted attention look like in your next task?