Dhammapada 368

A bhikkhu who dwells in loving-kindness, with clear confidence in the Buddha's teaching, may reach…

A bhikkhu who dwells in loving-kindness, with clear confidence in the Buddha's teaching, may reach the peaceful state, the happiness of conditioned things coming to rest.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

The verse describes a monk living with goodwill and clear confidence in the Buddha's teaching. The peaceful goal is traditionally read as Nibbāna, where conditioned processes come to rest, rather than simple relaxation.

Key words

mettā

loving-kindness, goodwill — A wish for beings' well-being, explicitly named here.

saṅkhārūpasama

conditioned things coming to rest — Traditionally points to liberation rather than everyday relaxation.

The story behind the verse

The conversion of a pack of thieves

In the commentary, Soṇa became a monk, and his mother arranged to hear him teach, and While she attended the teaching, thieves entered her house. Their leader stood near her with orders to kill her if she returned home, and a servant came to warn her about the theft. The mother chose to remain with the teaching and said the thieves could take the property, and the leader was moved by her response and told his companions to restore what they had taken. The thieves sought her forgiveness and became monks, and the Buddha gave them the group of verses on monastic practice, and the commentary says they attained liberation.

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

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.