The Affection chapter examines the mechanics of attachment with a precision that can feel severe until it is read carefully. Do not seek union with the beloved, nor with the unbeloved, it counsels — for not seeing what you love is suffering, and so is seeing what you do not love (16.2); therefore hold nothing dear, for separation from the dear is grievous, and those beyond 'dear and not-dear' have no bonds (16.3).
The famous cascade at the chapter's centre traces every anxiety to its source, one step at a time: from the beloved spring grief and fear (16.4); from affection, grief and fear (16.5); from delight, from sense-pleasure, and finally from craving — grief and fear (16.6–16.8). For one wholly free of craving, there is no grief — whence then fear? The point is not coldness: verse 16.9 praises the person of virtue and truth whom the world itself holds dear. The chapter closes warmly, with the image of a traveller long abroad returning home safe, welcomed by rejoicing kin — just so do one's own good deeds receive the doer of merit in the world beyond (16.11–16.12).
Key verses
Therefore, do not make anything beloved — separation from the beloved is grievous. For those in whom there is no 'dear and not-dear,' there are no bonds.
From affection springs grief; from affection springs fear. For one wholly freed from affection, there is no grief — whence then fear?
Just so, the doer of merit who has gone from this world to the next — merits receive him, like dear relatives welcoming a beloved who has returned.
Read Chapter 16 in full
Every verse with translation, word meanings, and commentary — free.
Leia grátis no appPergunte às tradições
Uma pergunta. Cinco tradições respondem.
2 perguntas a cada 24 horas sem conta.