SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 7
Beginning With Yourself
He who lives looking for pleasures only, his senses uncontrolled, immoderate in his food, idle, and weak, Mara (the tempter) will certainly overthrow him, as the wind throws down a weak tree.
Dhammapada 7 · Chapter 1, The Twin-Verses · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “He who lives looking for pleasures only, his senses uncontrolled, immoderate in his food, idle, and….” In its chapter, this image points toward intention and the way thought conditions action. Notice the difference between enjoying an experience and requiring it to provide lasting security. 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 quality would you like to strengthen through repetition?