The Buddha shares a reflection on aging and the impermanence of life and possessions. Seeing that all we call ‘mine’ must be lost at death, one should not cling to self. The sage, like a lotus leaf unstained by water, does not cling or spurn what is seen, heard, or sensed.

King Pasenadi of Kosala and Queen Mallikā ask each other who is more dearer to them than themselves.

The Buddha answers step-by-step to a series of questions starting with the source of quarrels and disputes, followed by the arising of various things such as hopes, aims, desires, possessions; leading all the way to the description of the ultimate purity of the spirit.

The story of Suppavāsā, a noblewoman of the Koliyan clan, who endures a difficult pregnancy and ultimately gives birth to a healthy son with the blessings of the Buddha. Overjoyed, she declares she would endure it again. The Buddha then utters a verse on how suffering, disguised as pleasure, overpowers the negligent.

DhammaPada verses 209–220 explore the danger of attachment to what is pleasing, how sorrow and fear arise from the beloved, affection, delight, sensual pleasures, and craving, who is dear to the people, who flows upstream, and on the importance of merit.