Dhammapada 348

Let go of what is before, let go of what is after, let go of what is between, crossing beyond…

Let go of what is before, let go of what is after, let go of what is between, crossing beyond becoming. With the mind freed everywhere, you will not come again to birth and aging.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

Pāli

Muñca pure muñca pacchato,
Majjhe muñca bhavassa pāragū;
Sabbattha vimuttamānaso,
Na punaṁ jātijaraṁ upehisi.

In plain words

Letting go before, after, and between points to freedom without a remaining place to cling. The words allow spatial or temporal readings, and the ending explicitly concerns no further birth and aging.

Key words

bhava: becoming, existence — Crossing beyond it leads into the explicit rebirth ending.

The story behind the verse

The story of Uggasena (Uggasenavatthu)

Uggasena marries a performer and joins a traveling troupe. He trains as an acrobat and performs high above the ground. When the Buddha arrives, the crowd's attention turns away from him. The Buddha teaches him to let go, and the commentary says Uggasena reaches liberation and becomes a monk.

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

To reflect on

Where do you notice yourself searching for something to hold onto?

Try it today

Notice one act of clinging and loosen a small unnecessary demand.

Practise it with

Equanimity (upekkhā)

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.