Dhammapada 14
As rain does not break through a well-roofed house, passion does not break through a well-developed…
As rain does not break through a well-roofed house, passion does not break through a well-developed mind.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Yathā agāraṁ suchannaṁ,
vuṭṭhī na samativijjhati;
Evaṁ subhāvitaṁ cittaṁ,
rāgo na samativijjhati.
In plain words
A well-trained mind is compared to a house that keeps the rain out. The image is about developing the mind so that passion does not break through it.
Key words
- subhāvita
- well developed, well trained — Describes cultivation of the mind, rather than an inborn trait.
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).
To reflect on
What small way of training attention could you return to today?
Try it today
Give one ordinary task your undivided attention for a minute.
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.