WISE FRIENDSHIP · DHAMMAPADA 79

Walking With Good Friends

He who drinks in the law lives happily with a serene mind: the sage rejoices always in the law, as preached by the elect (Ariyas).

Dhammapada 79 · Chapter 6, The Wise Man (Pandita) · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “He who drinks in the law lives happily with a serene mind.” In its chapter, this image points toward the influence of teachers and companions. 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

Listen fully to someone without planning your reply.