PATIENCE · DHAMMAPADA 326
Steady Under Pressure
This mind of mine went formerly wandering about as it liked, as it listed, as it pleased; but I shall now hold it in thoroughly, as the rider who holds the hook holds in the furious elephant.
Dhammapada 326 · Chapter 23, The Elephant · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “This mind of mine went formerly wandering about as it liked, as it listed, as it….” In its chapter, this image points toward patient strength under difficult conditions. 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
Can you protect a boundary without contempt?