LETTING GO · DHAMMAPADA 348
Releasing the Grip
Give up what is before, give up what is behind, give up what is in the middle, when thou goest to the other shore of existence; if thy mind is altogether free, thou wilt not again enter into birth and decay.
Dhammapada 348 · Chapter 24, Thirst · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Give up what is before, give up what is behind, give up what is in the….” In its chapter, this image points toward craving and the possibility of release. 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
What would remain if you stopped defending this story?