SELF-KNOWLEDGE · DHAMMAPADA 8

Learning From Cause and Effect

He who lives without looking for pleasures, his senses well controlled, moderate in his food, faithful and strong, him Mara will certainly not overthrow, any more than the wind throws down a rocky mountain.

Dhammapada 8 · Chapter 1, The Twin-Verses · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “He who lives without looking for pleasures, his senses well controlled, moderate in his food, faithful….” 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

Pause before one ordinary action and name the state of mind behind it.