MEDITATION · DHAMMAPADA 362
Training the Wandering Mind
He who controls his hand, he who controls his feet, he who controls his speech, he who is well controlled, he who delights inwardly, who is collected, who is solitary and content, him they call Bhikshu.
Dhammapada 362 · Chapter 25, The Bhikshu (Mendicant) · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “He who controls his hand, he who controls his feet, he who controls his speech, he….” In its chapter, this image points toward the disciplines that support contemplative life. It treats speech as an action with consequences, asking for truth and care before a reaction becomes language. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.
Practice prompt
Sit quietly for three minutes and begin again each time attention wanders.