Living perceiving the attractive,
unrestrained in the senses;
Not knowing moderation in eating,
with laziness and little effort;
Māra indeed overcomes that one,
like the wind overcomes a weak tree.
– DhammaPada verse 7
Living perceiving the unattractive,
well-restrained in the senses;
Knowing moderation in eating,
with faith and strong effort;
Māra indeed does not overcome that one,
like the wind does not overcome a mountain rock.
– DhammaPada verse 8
The Buddha is sharing that living with an attraction towards sensory pleasures, i.e. letting the mind pull towards the objects of its affection with eagerness, with longing, without restraint leads to decline in one’s growth. Like a weak tree that is easily toppled by the wind, a person who is unrestrained and indulgent in sensory pleasures is easily overcome by negative forces.
However, when one lives restraining the mind from pulling towards the objects of its affection with eagerness and longing, perceives what is not attractive, applies moderation in eating, and lives with strong effort, one is building an unshakeable foundation that can withstand the impermanence of life.
Picture Credit: Ferdynand Ruszczyc, Autumn Wind, 1901
Related Teachings:
Teachings on the harmful and beneficial qualities (AN) - Short teachings on eight harmful and beneficial qualities that lead to one’s decline or growth.
A Bucket of Rice (SN 3.13) - A teaching where king Pasenadi comes up with a creative solution to moderation in eating to a beneficial effect on the Buddha’s advise.
Causes for Diverse Perceptions, Intentions, Passions, Quests (SN 14.7) - A teaching on what gives rise to diverse perceptions, intentions, desires, passions, and quests.