MEDITATION · DHAMMAPADA 369

Attention as a Refuge

O Bhikshu, empty this boat! if emptied, it will go quickly; having cut off passion and hatred thou wilt go to Nirvana.

Dhammapada 369 · Chapter 25, The Bhikshu (Mendicant) · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “O Bhikshu, empty this boat.” In its chapter, this image points toward the disciplines that support contemplative life. The practical question is whether replaying injury protects you or keeps the injury active. 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 helps the mind settle without force?