LETTING GO · DHAMMAPADA 339

The Freedom of Enough

He whose thirst running towards pleasure is exceeding strong in the thirty-six channels, the waves will carry away that misguided man, viz. his desires which are set on passion.

Dhammapada 339 · Chapter 24, Thirst · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “He whose thirst running towards pleasure is exceeding strong in the thirty-six channels, the waves will….” In its chapter, this image points toward craving and the possibility of release. 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

Let one preference be unmet without turning it into a problem.