Know this, O good man: evil things are difficult to control. Let not greed and wickedne ss drag you to protracted misery.
Know this, O good man: evil things are difficult to control. Let not greed and wickedness drag you to protracted misery.
Deep Commentary
The Buddha teaches that the lack of self-restraint is the root of evil. Specifically, the failure to control greed and desire leads to suffering and unwholesome actions. To avoid protracted misery, one must practice mindfulness and restrain these impulses. The remedy for this condition is a lifestyle characterized by simplicity, the reduction of wants, and contentment. By mastering one's desires, one secures a life of peace and liberation.
This verse from Dhammapada Chapter 18, Verse 248, reminds us that unwholesome actions and states of mind, particularly greed and wickedness, are challenging to manage once they take root. The Buddha emphasizes that a lack of self-restraint allows these impulses to lead us into prolonged suffering.
To avoid this misery, the teaching encourages mindfulness and the cultivation of simplicity, contentment, and a reduction of desires. By mastering these impulses, we can secure a life of peace and liberation.
What does this verse bring to your mind about your own practice?
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