Dhammapada, Stanza 8

Version 1:

Whoever dwells seeing the non-pleasurable, in senses well restrained,
And moderate in food, faithful, resolute in enterprise,
Over [them], indeed, Māra prevails not,
Like the wind over a rocky crag.

Version 2:

One who stays focused on the foul,
is restrained with regard to the senses,
knowing moderation in food,
full of conviction and energy:
Māra does not overcome [them]
as the wind, a mountain of rock.

Version 3:

Just as a storm cannot prevail against a rocky mountain, so Māra can never overpower the [one] who lives meditating on the impurities, who is controlled in his senses, moderate in eating, and filled with faith and earnest effort.(1)

Footnotes

(1) The impurities (asubha): subjects of meditation which focus on the inherent repulsiveness of the body, recommended especially as powerful antidotes to lust.

Commentary:

See the previous post entitled “When Words Bring Unexpected Fruits” and the discussion there.

(Note: Version 1 is from the John Ross Carter and Mahinda Palihawadana translation. Version 2 is from the Thanissaro Bhikkhu translation. Version 3 is from the Acharya Buddharakkhita translation. All footnotes are from the original versions. I have switched gendered pronouns for non-gendered pronouns. This is indicated with brackets.)

2 thoughts on “Dhammapada, Stanza 8”

  1. I love this phrase, “One who stays focused on the foul” – although I think it could be taken (out of context) as someone whose life centers around impurity or unwholesomeness.

    I really appreciate seeing the side-by-side versions of these verses. Thanks, Kusa!

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