Full Moon – Restraint – 3rd January 2026

Suffering subsides with letting go
of the intention to cause harm.
There is no real greatness
if there is no restraint.

Dhammapada 390

From one perspective the idea of restraint can seem unappealing. From another perspective restraint could be seen as essential. The surface appearance of things does not always reveal the true value. Just because the idea of sitting still for forty minutes seems less fun that eating ice-cream and watching a video, does not mean those forty minutes would be wasted.

(This post is also available to view at dhammakatha.org)

Aruna Ratanagiri Monastery lake