Dhammapada 381

A bhikkhu full of gladness, with clear confidence in the Buddha's teaching, may reach the peaceful…

A bhikkhu full of gladness, 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

A monk's gladness and clear confidence in the Buddha's teaching are connected with a peaceful goal. Traditionally that goal is read as Nibbāna, the coming to rest of conditioned processes, rather than simply a pleasant mood.

Key words

pāmojja

gladness — Here it belongs to the monk's practice, not explicitly another's success.

saṅkhārūpasama

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

The story behind the verse

“Whosoever beholds the Law, he beholds me”

In the commentary, Vakkali became a monk because he was fascinated by the Buddha’s appearance. He spent his time looking at the Buddha instead of developing his practice, and the Buddha directed him toward seeing the teaching rather than the body. When told to leave, Vakkali became deeply despondent, and he climbed a mountain intending to end his life. The Buddha appeared to him and taught a verse of gladness and confidence, and Vakkali’s joy returned, and the commentary says he attained liberation.

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

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.