Don't chase the past. Don't long for the future.

What it means

The past is gone and the future has not arrived. What is left is the present, which the verse asks you to see clearly as it happens. Put your attention where your life actually is.

The source

"Don't chase the past. Don't long for the future." The Buddha said it in Bhaddekaratta Sutta (Majjhima Nikāya 131). Translated from the original Pali by Spartan Surfers.

"Atītaṁ nānvāgameyya, nappaṭikaṅkhe anāgataṁ; Yadatītaṁ pahīnaṁ taṁ, appattañca anāgataṁ."

Original Pali, Bhaddekaratta Sutta (Majjhima Nikāya 131). Text read at suttacentral.net.

Who said it

The Buddha (c. 5th century BC). Siddhattha Gotama, the teacher from northern India whose path of insight and practice became Buddhism. His sayings survive in the Pali Canon, including the Dhammapada.

Questions

What does "Don't chase the past. Don't long for the future." mean?

The past is gone and the future has not arrived. What is left is the present, which the verse asks you to see clearly as it happens. Put your attention where your life actually is.

Who said "Don't chase the past. Don't long for the future."?

The Buddha (c. 5th century BC). Source: Bhaddekaratta Sutta (Majjhima Nikāya 131).

What is the original Pali?

Atītaṁ nānvāgameyya, nappaṭikaṅkhe anāgataṁ; Yadatītaṁ pahīnaṁ taṁ, appattañca anāgataṁ. Translated from the original Pali by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Don't chase the past. Don't long for the future." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Don't chase the past. Don't long for the future." (The Buddha, Bhaddekaratta Sutta (Majjhima Nikāya 131), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/dont-chase-the-past-dont-long-for-the