LETTING GO · DHAMMAPADA 354
Holding More Lightly
The gift of the law exceeds all gifts; the sweetness of the law exceeds all sweetness; the delight in the law exceeds all delights; the extinction of thirst overcomes all pain.
Dhammapada 354 · Chapter 24, Thirst · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “The gift of the law exceeds all gifts.” 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 are you gripping that could be held more lightly?