PATIENCE · DHAMMAPADA 333
The Courage Not to Strike Back
Pleasant is virtue lasting to old age, pleasant is a faith firmly rooted; pleasant is attainment of intelligence, pleasant is avoiding of sins.
Dhammapada 333 · Chapter 23, The Elephant · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Pleasant is virtue lasting to old age, pleasant is a faith firmly rooted.” In its chapter, this image points toward patient strength under difficult conditions. 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
Notice anger in the body before turning it into speech.