Contentment Without Complaint: The Way of Arahant Anuruddha (Dhammapada 93) Reflections by Bhante Dr. Chandima

                         

1. Freedom Begins with Reducing influxes/outflowings (Āsava)

The Buddha teaches that our suffering is not primarily caused by people or situations, but by influxes/outflowings that repeatedly prompt us to act—craving pleasure, seeking control, clinging to views, or acting out of ignorance.

For lay people, the practice is to slow down and notice what is driving us before we think or speak.  Very often, the same patterns repeat: irritation when things do not go our way, restlessness when there is nothing to gain, or anxiety when control is threatened. Each time we pause and see these forces clearly, instead of obeying them automatically, an āsava weakens. Over time, this creates more space between impulse and action, allowing wisdom to guide daily life rather than habit.

For a deeper understanding of āsava and how they are abandoned, refer to the Sabbāsava Sutta (MN 2) 

2. Non-Clinging Even to Legitimate Needs

Venerable Anuruddha depended on food and robes, yet his mind (thoughts) did not cling to them.

You also need food, money, comfort, and security—but suffering arises when need turns into emotional dependence. When comfort becomes identity, or security becomes fear of loss, the mind (thoughts) tightens. Practicing mindful eating, responsible spending, and balanced enjoyment trains us to appreciate necessities without anxiety or excess. We learn to use things with gratitude rather than rely on them for happiness, which gradually frees the heart from fear and dissatisfaction.

3. Do Good Without Advertising It

Venerable Anuruddha never spoke about his needs or his virtues. He lived quietly and let actions speak.

In lay life, some often seek validation—likes, praise, recognition—even for good deeds. While appreciation is natural, clinging to recognition quietly strengthens the ego. The Dhamma invites us to practice silent generosity, where kindness is offered without expectation of return. Helping anonymously, giving without announcement, and serving without visibility cultivate humility and inner confidence. Such actions nourish the heart more deeply than public praise ever can.

4. Let Your Life Be Simple, Not Driven by Craving

The Venerable Anuruddha’s path is said to be untraceable, like birds flying through the sky, because it leaves no marks of craving or regret.

For lay people, this means not allowing obsessive desire to script every choice—what to buy, where to go, how to live. Many burdens in life come from excess commitments, possessions, and ambitions. By choosing simplicity—fewer wants, clearer priorities, mindful use of time—the mind becomes lighter. Life still continues with responsibilities, but it is lived with less pressure and more ease.

5. Receive and Give Without Entitlement

When abundance appeared, Venerable Anuruddha neither demanded it nor claimed ownership over it.

Lay practitioners can learn to receive help with gratitude, not expectation, and to give without control or conditions. Entitlement creates tension: we feel disappointed when expectations are not met and resentful when recognition is missing. When entitlement drops, giving becomes joyful and receiving becomes graceful. Relationships improve because generosity flows naturally, without calculation or obligation.

6. Avoid Comparison and Complaint About Resources

The monks’ discomfort arose from comparing the amount of food to the number of monks.

In daily life, unwholesome comparison quietly steals contentment—who earns more, who gets more support, who is treated better. Even abundance feels insufficient when the mind compares. The Buddha encourages contentment (santutthi), which is the ability to appreciate what is sufficient without constantly measuring against others. Contentment protects peace, reduces jealousy, and allows joy to arise from simplicity rather than accumulation.

7. Taste Inner Freedom in Everyday Moments (Vimokkha)

The verse speaks of liberation through emptiness (suññatā) and objectlessness (animitta).

Lay people can touch this freedom by loosening rigid identities—“my problem,” “my role,” “my failure.” When we step back from constant self-referencing and rest the mind in simple awareness—breathing, walking, listening—the burden of identity softens. Even brief moments without grasping bring clarity, calm, and a taste of liberation within ordinary daily life.

8. True Dhamma Practice Often Looks Ordinary

Venerable Anuruddha appeared unnoticed, even poor, yet his mind was fully free.

Lay people need to remember that progress in Dhamma is not measured by appearance, status, or recognition, but by reduced anger, less greed, softer speech, and quicker forgiveness. True transformation happens quietly, often invisible to others. When reactions soften, and understanding (responses) deepens, the Dhamma is working—even if nothing outwardly impressive is seen.