LETTING GO · DHAMMAPADA 345

Traveling With Less

Wise people do not call that a strong fetter which is made of iron, wood, or hemp; far stronger is the care for precious stones and rings, for sons and a wife.

Dhammapada 345 · Chapter 24, Thirst · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “Wise people do not call that a strong fetter which is made of iron, wood, or….” In its chapter, this image points toward craving and the possibility of release. Its value is practical when it changes how you meet one choice, relationship, or difficult feeling today. 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 freedom appears when you do not need to win?