Dhammapada 41
Before long, this body will lie upon the earth, discarded, without consciousness, like a useless…
Before long, this body will lie upon the earth, discarded, without consciousness, like a useless piece of wood.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Aciraṁ vatayaṁ kāyo,
pathaviṁ adhisessati;
Chuddho apetaviññāṇo,
niratthaṁva kaliṅgaraṁ.
In plain words
The verse asks you to face what a body becomes after death: it lies without consciousness and is no longer usable. The wood image is stark, reminding you that the living body will not last.
Key words
- apetaviññāṇa
- without consciousness — Describes the body after death in this verse.
The story behind the verse
The story of the elder Pūtigatta Tissa (Pūtigattatissattheravatthu)
Tissa becomes seriously ill, with painful sores on his body. His companions leave him without the care he needs. The Buddha helps wash him and clean his robes, then teaches him about the body's fate. The commentary says Tissa reaches liberation before dying.
Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).
To reflect on
What matters today when you remember that this body is temporary?
Try it today
Briefly acknowledge that your body will die before choosing one use of your time.
Practise it with
Equanimity (upekkhā)
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.