Dhammapada - Chapter 3 - The Mind

The third chapter of Dhammapada expounds upon the subject of mind. The verses talk in great detail about the characteristics of mind - how wavering the mind is, how difficult it is to control the mind. It further explains the benefits of a controlled mind and the handicaps of an ill-controlled mind.

There are 11 verses in Chapter 3.

Verse 33:

Quivering, Wavering, hard to guard,

hold in check: the mind.

The sages makes it straight - 

like a fletcher, the shaft an arrow.

Verse 34:

Like a fish pulled from its home in the water

and thrown on land:

this mind flips and flaps about 

to escape Mara's sway.

Verse 35:

Hard to hold down, nimble,

alighting wherever it likes: the mind

Its taming is good.

The mind well tamed brings ease.

Verse 36:

So hard to see, so very very subtle,

alighting wherever it likes: the mind.

The wise should guard it.

The mind protected brings ease.

Verse 37:

Wandering far, going alone,

bodiless, lying in a cave: the mind.

Those who restrain it: from Mara's bond,

they will be freed.

Verse 38:

For a person of unsteady mind,

not knowing true Dhamma,

serenity, set adrift:

discernment doesn't grow full.

Verse 39:

For a person of unsoddened   mind,

unassaulted awareness

abandoning merit and evil, wakeful,

there is no danger, no fear.

Verse 40:

Knowing this body is like a clay jar,

securing this mind like a fort,

attack Mara with the spear of discernment,

then guard what's won,

without settling there,

without laying claim.

Verse 41:

All too soon, this body,

will lie on the ground, cast off,

bereft of consciousness,

like a useless scrap of wood.

Verse 42:

Whatever an enemy might do

to an enemy,

or a foe to a foe,

the ill-directed mind 

can do you the worse.

Verse 43:

Whatever a mother, father,

or other kinsman,

might do for you,

the well-directed mind,

can do for you even better.

Chapter 4 will be continued in the next post.

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