Section 7
Chapter 7: The Venerable explained simply
The Dhammapada by Buddhist tradition
Original excerpt
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90. There is no suffering for him who has finished his journey, and abandoned grief, who has freed himself on all sides, and thrown off all fetters. 91. They depart with their thoughts well-collected, they are not happy in their abode; like swans who have left their lake, they…
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Chapter VII. The Venerable (Arhat).
90. There is no suffering for him who has finished his journey, and
abandoned grief, who has freed himself on all sides, and thrown off all
fetters.
91. They depart with their thoughts well-collected, they are not happy
in their abode; like swans who have left their lake, they leave their
house and home.
92. Men who have no riches, who live on recognised food, who have
perceived void and unconditioned freedom (Nirvana), their path is
difficult to understand, like that of birds in the air.
93. He whose appetites are stilled, who is not absorbed in enjoyment,
who has perceived void and unconditioned freedom (Nirvana), his path is
difficult to understand, like that of birds in the air.
94. The gods even envy him whose senses, like horses well broken in by
the driver, have been subdued, who is free from pride, and free from
appetites.
95. Such a one who does his duty is tolerant like the earth, like
Indra's bolt; he is like a lake without mud; no new births are in store
for him.
96. His thought is quiet, quiet are his word and deed, when he has
obtained freedom by true knowledge, when he has thus become a quiet man.
97. The man who is free from credulity, but knows the uncreated, who has
cut all ties, removed all temptations, renounced all desires, he is the
greatest of men.
98. In a hamlet or in a forest, in the deep water or on the dry land,
wherever venerable persons (Arhanta) dwell, that place is delightful.
99. Forests are delightful; where the world finds no delight, there the
passionless will find delight, for they look not for pleasures.
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Simple English explanation
The awakened person is free because craving, fear, and attachment no longer rule the heart.
1-minute summary
The chapter describes the arhat as someone who has crossed beyond ordinary bondage. The images emphasize freedom from clinging, pride, and anxious wandering.
Key takeaways
- Freedom comes from ending craving.
- The awakened person is not owned by praise or desire.
- A peaceful mind leaves few traces of ego.
- Spiritual maturity is inward freedom.
Modern example
Someone who can serve without needing applause shows a small modern version of freedom from ego.