(OPRC) Lesson 109 (January 1, 2026) | Dhammapada 91 | Bhante Dr. G. Chandima

                       

Dhammapda 91
(Sayings of the Dhamma)

Arahanta
(Fully liberated one)

91. Uyyuñjanti satīmanto, 

The mindful ones strive diligently.

Na nikete ramanti te;
They do not delight in fixed abodes.

Haṃsāva pallalaṃ hitvā,
Like swans leaving a muddy pond behind,

Okamokaṃ jahanti te.

They abandon one dwelling after another.

Full Translation:

The mindful ones strive with diligent effort; they do not delight in settled abodes. Like swans that leave a muddy pond behind, they abandon one dwelling after another.

Story: Mahākassapa Thera Vatthu

Notes for Context:

*Uyyuñjanti (they apply themselves) can be understood as referring to the arahants’ active engagement with wholesome mental processes through five modes of disciplined application:

1. Āvajjana — Turning the thoughts toward wholesome states
   This refers to consciously directing attention toward one’s own kusala dhammas, clearly recognizing their presence without distraction or negligence.

2. Samāpajjana — Entering or accessing wholesome states
   Here, the thoughts intentionally tap into and abide in those already-arisen wholesome mental qualities, allowing them to become experientially established.

3. Adhiṭṭhāna — Determination or resolve
   This denotes the firm resolve to sustain and remain with those wholesome states, preventing regression into unwholesome patterns.

4. Uṭṭhāna — Rousing energy / skillful emergence
   This involves rising from a particular wholesome state at the appropriate time—without attachment—so that the thoughts remain dynamic rather than fixated.

5. Paccavekkhaṇa — Wise reflective review
   Finally, the arahant reflects discerningly upon all mental phenomena that have arisen and ceased, seeing them clearly as conditioned, impermanent, and non-self.

*This verse portrays the inner renunciation of awakened or earnest practitioners. “Dwelling” (oka, niketa) here refers not merely to physical homes but to mental clinging—comfort zones, requisites, identities, views, and emotional shelters.

The image of swans leaving a muddy pond suggests discernment: when nourishment is exhausted, they move on freely. Likewise, the mindful practitioner does not cling—even to refined states—but keeps letting go, moment by moment.