MEDITATION · DHAMMAPADA 33
Training the Wandering Mind
As a fletcher makes straight his arrow, a wise man makes straight his trembling and unsteady thought, which is difficult to guard, difficult to hold back.
Dhammapada 33 · Chapter 3, Thought · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “As a fletcher makes straight his arrow, a wise man makes straight his trembling and unsteady….” In its chapter, this image points toward the restless mind and its capacity to be trained. 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
Sit quietly for three minutes and begin again each time attention wanders.