Dhammapada 200

How happily we live, we who have nothing

How happily we live, we who have nothing. We will feed on joy, like the radiant gods.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

The speakers describe happiness in having nothing and being nourished by joy, like radiant gods. Nothing may mean possessions or things clung to; the verse does not settle that distinction.

Key words

kiñcana

something, a possession or attachment — The scope of having nothing remains open.

The story behind the verse

Mara possesses villagers

In the commentary, the Buddha visited Pañcasālā, where young women had gathered. He entered the village for alms, and the commentary says Māra influenced the villagers so that no one offered him food. The Buddha returned with an empty bowl, and Māra questioned him about receiving nothing and suggested another round. The Buddha recognized the attempt to trouble him, and he spoke of living happily through joy, comparing that nourishment to the radiant gods.

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

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.