WISE FRIENDSHIP · DHAMMAPADA 87
Walking With Good Friends
A wise man should leave the dark state (of ordinary life), and follow the bright state (of the Bhikshu). After going from his home to a homeless state, he should in his retirement look for enjoyment where there seemed to be no enjoyment. Leaving all pleasures behind, and calling nothing his own, the wise man should purge himself from all the troubles of the mind.
Dhammapada 87, 88 · Chapter 6, The Wise Man (Pandita) · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “A wise man should leave the dark state (of ordinary life), and follow the bright state….” 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.