Dhammapada 13

As rain breaks through a poorly roofed house, passion breaks through an undeveloped mind

As rain breaks through a poorly roofed house, passion breaks through an undeveloped mind.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

A mind that has not been trained is compared to a house with gaps in its roof. Strong desire can enter and take over, just as rain gets through those gaps.

Key words

rāga

passion — Desire that draws the mind in, not every kind of interest.

The story behind the verse

The story of the elder Nanda (Nandattheravatthu)

Nanda becomes a monk while still longing for the woman he was going to marry. The Buddha shows him heavenly women, and Nanda initially practices in hope of being with them. Other monks point out that he is practicing for a reward. He becomes ashamed of that motive, practices more deeply, and the commentary says he reaches liberation.

Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.