LETTING GO · DHAMMAPADA 353

Traveling With Less

`I have conquered all, I know all, in all conditions of life I am free from taint; I have left all, and through the destruction of thirst I am free; having learnt myself, whom shall I teach?

Dhammapada 353 · Chapter 24, Thirst · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “`I have conquered all, I know all, in all conditions of life I am free from….” 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

What freedom appears when you do not need to win?