EVERYDAY LIFE · DHAMMAPADA 58
The Shape of a Good Day
As on a heap of rubbish cast upon the highway the lily will grow full of sweet perfume and delight, thus the disciple of the truly enlightened Buddha shines forth by his knowledge among those who are like rubbish, among the people that walk in darkness.
Dhammapada 58, 59 · Chapter 4, Flowers · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “As on a heap of rubbish cast upon the highway the lily will grow full of….” 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
Bring unusual care to one ordinary task.