LETTING GO · DHAMMAPADA 359

Nothing to Defend

The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by lust: therefore a gift bestowed on those who are free from lust brings great reward.

Dhammapada 359 · Chapter 24, Thirst · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by lust.” In its chapter, this image points toward craving and the possibility of release. Rather than using change to create fear, the passage can sharpen tenderness for a life that cannot be held still. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.

Practice prompt

Where could ‘enough’ replace ‘more’?