MEDITATION · DHAMMAPADA 37
The Practice of Returning
Those who bridle their mind which travels far, moves about alone, is without a body, and hides in the chamber (of the heart), will be free from the bonds of Mara (the tempter).
Dhammapada 37 · Chapter 3, Thought · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “Those who bridle their mind which travels far, moves about alone, is without a body, and….” In its chapter, this image points toward the restless mind and its capacity to be trained. It locates the turning point before outward action, in the quality of attention you repeatedly cultivate. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.
Practice prompt
Give one full minute to the feeling of breathing.