MEDITATION · DHAMMAPADA 39
Steadiness From Within
If a man's thoughts are not dissipated, if his mind is not perplexed, if he has ceased to think of good or evil, then there is no fear for him while he is watchful.
Dhammapada 39 · Chapter 3, Thought · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “If a man's thoughts are not dissipated, if his mind is not perplexed, if he has….” 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
Choose a simple anchor and return to it five times.