LETTING GO · DHAMMAPADA 93

Releasing the Grip

He whose appetites are stilled, who is not absorbed in enjoyment, who has perceived void and unconditioned freedom (Nirvana), his path is difficult to understand, like that of birds in the air.

Dhammapada 93 · Chapter 7, The Venerable (Arhat). · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg

Reflection

The verse begins, “He whose appetites are stilled, who is not absorbed in enjoyment, who has perceived void and….” In its chapter, this image points toward freedom from compulsive grasping. 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 would remain if you stopped defending this story?