EVERYDAY LIFE · DHAMMAPADA 53
Living the Teaching
As many kinds of wreaths can be made from a heap of flowers, so many good things may be achieved by a mortal when once he is born.
Dhammapada 53 · Chapter 4, Flowers · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “As many kinds of wreaths can be made from a heap of flowers, so many good….” In its chapter, this image points toward bringing integrity into ordinary life. Its natural image contrasts appearance with character—the effect of a life is carried by conduct, not display. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.
Practice prompt
Leave one place or conversation a little better than you found it.