---
title: "Verses of the Senior Monks · Theragāthā"
author: "The Elder Monks"
translator: "Bhikkhu Sujato"
languages: [pi, en]
shelf: "Pali Canon"
section: 18 of 22
url: https://scriptura.si/works/pali-theragatha/18/
cite: "The Elder Monks, tr. Bhikkhu Sujato, Verses of the Senior Monks · Theragāthā, section 18. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/pali-theragatha/18/"
---

# Verses of the Senior Monks · Theragāthā

*The Elder Monks, tr. Bhikkhu Sujato*

Poems of awakening by more than two hundred and sixty monks of the Buddha’s time.

> Pali: the Mahāsaṅgīti Tipiṭaka (Buddha Jayanti edition, 2500), from SuttaCentral’s bilara-data, dedicated to the public domain (CC0).

> English: Bhikkhu Sujato, from SuttaCentral’s bilara-data, dedicated to the public domain (CC0). Notes are not included.

> Rows follow the segment numbers the two texts share, gathered into paragraphs; verse keeps its lines.

## 18. Chapter One · Thag 3.1–6.13

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/pali-theragatha/18/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/pali-theragatha/18/#p-N

[¶0] Thag 3.1 · Aṅgaṇikabhāradvāja

> Pali: Thag 3.1 · Aṅgaṇikabhāradvājattheragāthā

[¶1] Seeking purity the wrong way,
I served the sacred fire in a grove.
Not knowing the path to purity,
I practiced endless mortification.

> Pali: “Ayoni suddhimanvesaṁ,
aggiṁ paricariṁ vane;
Suddhimaggaṁ ajānanto,
akāsiṁ amaraṁ tapaṁ.

[¶2] I’ve gained this happiness by means of happiness:
behold the clear rightness of the teaching!
I’ve attained the three knowledges
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Taṁ sukhena sukhaṁ laddhaṁ,
passa dhammasudhammataṁ;
Tisso vijjā anuppattā,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanaṁ.

[¶3] I used to be brahmin only by kin,
but now I really am a brahmin!
I am master of the three knowledges, <j>I’m a bathed initiate,
I’m a scholar and a knowledge master.

> Pali: Brahmabandhu pure āsiṁ,
idāni khomhi brāhmaṇo;
Tevijjo nhātako camhi,
sottiyo camhi vedagū”ti.

[¶4] > Pali: … Aṅgaṇikabhāradvājo thero ….

[¶5] Thag 3.2 · Paccaya

> Pali: Thag 3.2 · Paccayattheragāthā

[¶6] I went forth five days ago,
a trainee, my heart’s desire unfulfilled.
I entered my dwelling
and resolved in my heart:

> Pali: “Pañcāhāhaṁ pabbajito,
sekho appattamānaso;
Vihāraṁ me paviṭṭhassa,
cetaso paṇidhī ahu.

[¶7] I won’t eat; I won’t drink;
I won’t leave my dwelling;
nor will I lie down on my side—
not until the dart of craving is plucked.

> Pali: Nāsissaṁ na pivissāmi,
vihārato na nikkhame;
Napi passaṁ nipātessaṁ,
taṇhāsalle anūhate.

[¶8] See my energy and vigor
as I meditate like this!
I’ve attained the three knowledges
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Tassa mevaṁ viharato,
passa vīriyaparakkamaṁ;
Tisso vijjā anuppattā,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanan”ti.

[¶9] > Pali: … Paccayo thero ….

[¶10] Thag 3.3 · Bakkula

> Pali: Thag 3.3 · Bākulattheragāthā

[¶11] Whoever wishes to do afterwards
what they should have done before
has lost the causes for happiness,
and afterwards they’re tormented by regrets.

> Pali: “Yo pubbe karaṇīyāni,
pacchā so kātumicchati;
Sukhā so dhaṁsate ṭhānā,
pacchā ca manutappati.

[¶12] You should only say what you would do;
you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do.
The wise will recognize
one who talks without doing.

> Pali: Yañhi kayirā tañhi vade,
yaṁ na kayirā na taṁ vade;
Akarontaṁ bhāsamānaṁ,
parijānanti paṇḍitā.

[¶13] Oh! Extinguishment is so very blissful,
as taught by the fully awakened Buddha:
sorrowless, stainless, secure,
where suffering all ceases.

> Pali: Susukhaṁ vata nibbānaṁ,
sammāsambuddhadesitaṁ;
Asokaṁ virajaṁ khemaṁ,
yattha dukkhaṁ nirujjhatī”ti.

[¶14] > Pali: … Bākulo thero ….

[¶15] Thag 3.4 · Dhaniya

> Pali: Thag 3.4 · Dhaniyattheragāthā

[¶16] If you wish to live in happiness,
longing for the ascetic life,
don’t look down on the Saṅgha’s robes,
or its food and drinks.

> Pali: “Sukhañce jīvituṁ icche,
sāmaññasmiṁ apekkhavā;
Saṅghikaṁ nātimaññeyya,
cīvaraṁ pānabhojanaṁ.

[¶17] If you wish to live in happiness,
longing for the ascetic life,
stay in the Saṅgha’s lodgings
like a snake making use of a mouse’s hole.

> Pali: Sukhañce jīvituṁ icche,
sāmaññasmiṁ apekkhavā;
Ahi mūsikasobbhaṁva,
sevetha sayanāsanaṁ.

[¶18] If you wish to live in happiness,
longing for the ascetic life,
develop this one quality:
be content with whatever is offered.

> Pali: Sukhañce jīvituṁ icche,
sāmaññasmiṁ apekkhavā;
Itarītarena tusseyya,
ekadhammañca bhāvaye”ti.

[¶19] > Pali: … Dhaniyo thero ….

[¶20] Thag 3.5 · Mātaṅgaputta

> Pali: Thag 3.5 · Mātaṅgaputtattheragāthā

[¶21] “It’s too cold, too hot,
too late,” they say.
When the young neglect their work like this,
opportunities pass them by.

> Pali: “Atisītaṁ atiuṇhaṁ,
atisāyamidaṁ ahu;
Iti vissaṭṭhakammante,
khaṇā accenti māṇave.

[¶22] But one who considers heat and cold
as no more than blades of grass—
he does his duties as a man,
and his happiness never fails.

> Pali: Yo ca sītañca uṇhañca,
tiṇā bhiyyo na maññati;
Karaṁ purisakiccāni,
so sukhā na vihāyati.

[¶23] With my chest I’ll thrust aside
the grasses, vines, canes,
the vetiver, rushes and reeds,
and foster seclusion.

> Pali: Dabbaṁ kusaṁ poṭakilaṁ,
usīraṁ muñjapabbajaṁ;
Urasā panudissāmi,
vivekamanubrūhayan”ti.

[¶24] > Pali: … Mātaṅgaputto thero ….

[¶25] Thag 3.6 · Khujjasobhita

> Pali: Thag 3.6 · Khujjasobhitattheragāthā

[¶26] “One of those monks who live in Pāṭaliputta—
such brilliant speakers, and very learned—
stands at the door:
the old man, Khujjasobhita.

> Pali: “Ye cittakathī bahussutā,
Samaṇā pāṭaliputtavāsino;
Tesaññataroyamāyuvā,
Dvāre tiṭṭhati khujjasobhito”.

[¶27] One of those monks who live in Pāṭaliputta—
such brilliant speakers, and very learned—
stands at the door:
an old man, shivering in the gale.”

> Pali: “Ye cittakathī bahussutā,
Samaṇā pāṭaliputtavāsino;
Tesaññataroyamāyuvā,
Dvāre tiṭṭhati māluterito”.

[¶28] “By war well fought, by sacrifice well made,
by victory in battle;
by leading the spiritual life:
that’s how one prospers in happiness.”

> Pali: “Suyuddhena suyiṭṭhena,
saṅgāmavijayena ca;
Brahmacariyānuciṇṇena,
evāyaṁ sukhamedhatī”ti.

[¶29] > Pali: … Khujjasobhito thero ….

[¶30] Thag 3.7 · Vāraṇa

> Pali: Thag 3.7 · Vāraṇattheragāthā

[¶31] Anyone among men
who harms other creatures:
that person will fall
both from this world and the next.

> Pali: “Yodha koci manussesu,
parapāṇāni hiṁsati;
Asmā lokā paramhā ca,
ubhayā dhaṁsate naro.

[¶32] But someone with a mind of love,
sympathetic for all creatures:
a person like that
brims with much merit.

> Pali: Yo ca mettena cittena,
sabbapāṇānukampati;
Bahuñhi so pasavati,
puññaṁ tādisako naro.

[¶33] You should all train <j>to learn well-spoken words,
to attend closely to ascetics,
to sit alone in hidden places,
and to settle the mind.

> Pali: Subhāsitassa sikkhetha,
samaṇūpāsanassa ca;
Ekāsanassa ca raho,
cittavūpasamassa cā”ti.

[¶34] > Pali: … Vāraṇo thero ….

[¶35] Thag 3.8 · Vassika

> Pali: Thag 3.8 · Vassikattheragāthā

[¶36] I was the only one in my family
who had faith and wisdom.
It’s good for my relatives that I’m
firm in principle, and ethical.

> Pali: “Ekopi saddho medhāvī,
assaddhānīdha ñātinaṁ;
Dhammaṭṭho sīlasampanno,
hoti atthāya bandhunaṁ.

[¶37] I curbed my family out of sympathy,
telling them off out of love
for my family and relatives.
They performed a service for the monks

> Pali: Niggayha anukampāya,
coditā ñātayo mayā;
Ñātibandhavapemena,
kāraṁ katvāna bhikkhusu.

[¶38] and then they passed away,
finding happiness in the Third Heaven.
There, my brothers and mother
enjoy all the pleasures they desire.

> Pali: Te abbhatītā kālaṅkatā,
pattā te tidivaṁ sukhaṁ;
Bhātaro mayhaṁ mātā ca,
modanti kāmakāmino”ti.

[¶39] > Pali: … Vassiko thero ….

[¶40] Thag 3.9 · Yasoja

> Pali: Thag 3.9 · Yasojattheragāthā

[¶41] “With knobbly knees,
thin and veiny,
eating and drinking but little—
this person’s spirit is undaunted.”

> Pali: “Kālapabbaṅgasaṅkāso,
kiso dhamanisanthato;
Mattaññū annapānamhi,
adīnamānaso naro”.

[¶42] “Pestered by flies and mosquitoes
in the wilds, the formidable forest,
one should mindfully endure,
like an elephant at the head of the battle.

> Pali: “Phuṭṭho ḍaṁsehi makasehi,
araññasmiṁ brahāvane;
Nāgo saṅgāmasīseva,
sato tatrādhivāsaye.

[¶43] A monk alone is like the supreme Divinity;
a pair of monks are like gods;
three are like a village;
and more than that is a rabble.”

> Pali: Yathā brahmā tathā eko,
yathā devo tathā duve;
Yathā gāmo tathā tayo,
kolāhalaṁ tatuttarin”ti.

[¶44] > Pali: … Yasojo thero ….

[¶45] Thag 3.10 · Sāṭimattiya

> Pali: Thag 3.10 · Sāṭimattiyattheragāthā

[¶46] In the past you had faith,
today you have none.
What’s yours is yours alone—
I’ve done nothing wrong.

> Pali: “Ahu tuyhaṁ pure saddhā,
sā te ajja na vijjati;
Yaṁ tuyhaṁ tuyhamevetaṁ,
natthi duccaritaṁ mama.

[¶47] Faith is impermanent, fickle:
or so I have seen.
Passions wax and wane:
why would a sage waste away on that account?

> Pali: Aniccā hi calā saddhā,
evaṁ diṭṭhā hi sā mayā;
Rajjantipi virajjanti,
tattha kiṁ jiyyate muni.

[¶48] The meal of a sage is cooked
bit by bit in this family or that.
I’ll walk for alms,
for my legs are strong.

> Pali: Paccati munino bhattaṁ,
Thokaṁ thokaṁ kule kule;
Piṇḍikāya carissāmi,
Atthi jaṅghabalaṁ mamā”ti.

[¶49] > Pali: … Sāṭimattiyo thero ….

[¶50] Thag 3.11 · Upāli

> Pali: Thag 3.11 · Upālittheragāthā

[¶51] One newly gone forth,
who has left their home out of faith,
should mix with spiritual friends,
who are tireless and pure of livelihood.

> Pali: “Saddhāya abhinikkhamma,
navapabbajito navo;
Mitte bhajeyya kalyāṇe,
suddhājīve atandite.

[¶52] One newly gone forth,
who has left their home out of faith,
a mendicant staying in the Saṅgha,
being wise, would train in monastic discipline.

> Pali: Saddhāya abhinikkhamma,
navapabbajito navo;
Saṅghasmiṁ viharaṁ bhikkhu,
sikkhetha vinayaṁ budho.

[¶53] One newly gone forth,
who has left their home out of faith,
skilled in what is appropriate and what is not,
would wander undistracted.

> Pali: Saddhāya abhinikkhamma,
navapabbajito navo;
Kappākappesu kusalo,
careyya apurakkhato”ti.

[¶54] > Pali: … Upālitthero ….

[¶55] Thag 3.12 · Uttarapāla

> Pali: Thag 3.12 · Uttarapālattheragāthā

[¶56] I was, indeed, an astute scholar,
competent to think on the meaning.
The five kinds of sensual stimulation in the world,
so delusory, were my downfall.

> Pali: “Paṇḍitaṁ vata maṁ santaṁ,
alamatthavicintakaṁ;
Pañca kāmaguṇā loke,
sammohā pātayiṁsu maṁ.

[¶57] Leaping into Māra’s domain,
I was struck by a powerful dart.
But I was able to free myself
from the trap laid by the King of Death.

> Pali: Pakkhando māravisaye,
daḷhasallasamappito;
Asakkhiṁ maccurājassa,
ahaṁ pāsā pamuccituṁ.

[¶58] I have given up all sensual pleasures;
all rebirths are shattered;
transmigration through births is finished;
now there’ll be no more future lives.

> Pali: Sabbe kāmā pahīnā me,
bhavā sabbe padālitā;
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṁsāro,
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti.

[¶59] > Pali: … Uttarapālo thero ….

[¶60] Thag 3.13 · Abhibhūta

> Pali: Thag 3.13 · Abhibhūtattheragāthā

[¶61] Listen up, all my relatives,
those who have gathered here:
I’ll teach you Dhamma!
Painful is birth again and again.

> Pali: “Suṇātha ñātayo sabbe,
yāvantettha samāgatā;
Dhammaṁ vo desayissāmi,
dukkhā jāti punappunaṁ.

[¶62] Rouse yourselves, try harder!
Devote yourselves to the instructions of the Buddha!
Crush the army of death,
as an elephant a hut of reeds.

> Pali: Ārambhatha nikkamatha,
Yuñjatha buddhasāsane;
Dhunātha maccuno senaṁ,
Naḷāgāraṁva kuñjaro.

[¶63] Whoever shall meditate diligently
in this teaching and training,
giving up transmigration,
will make an end to suffering.

> Pali: Yo imasmiṁ dhammavinaye,
appamatto vihassati;
Pahāya jātisaṁsāraṁ,
dukkhassantaṁ karissatī”ti.

[¶64] > Pali: … Abhibhūto thero ….

[¶65] Thag 3.14 · Gotama (2nd)

> Pali: Thag 3.14 · Gotamattheragāthā

[¶66] Transmigrating, I went to hell,
and to the ghost realm time and again.
Many times I dwelt long
in the animal realm, so full of pain.

> Pali: “Saṁsaraṁ hi nirayaṁ agacchissaṁ,
Petalokamagamaṁ punappunaṁ;
Dukkhamamhipi tiracchānayoniyaṁ,
Nekadhā hi vusitaṁ ciraṁ mayā.

[¶67] I was also reborn as a human,
and from time to time I went to heaven.
I’ve stayed in realms <j>of luminous form and formlessness,
among the neither-percipient-nor-non-percipient, <j>and the non-percipient.

> Pali: Mānusopi ca bhavobhirādhito,
Saggakāyamagamaṁ sakiṁ sakiṁ;
Rūpadhātusu arūpadhātusu,
Nevasaññisu asaññisuṭṭhitaṁ.

[¶68] I know well these created states are insubstantial—
conditioned, quivering, always in motion.
When I understood that this is created in myself,
mindful, I found peace.

> Pali: Sambhavā suviditā asārakā,
Saṅkhatā pacalitā saderitā;
Taṁ viditvā mahamattasambhavaṁ,
Santimeva satimā samajjhagan”ti.

[¶69] > Pali: … Gotamo thero ….

[¶70] Thag 3.15 · Hārita (2nd)

> Pali: Thag 3.15 · Hāritattheragāthā

[¶71] Whoever wishes to do afterwards
tasks they should have done before
has lost the causes for happiness,
and afterwards they’re tormented by regrets.

> Pali: “Yo pubbe karaṇīyāni,
pacchā so kātumicchati;
Sukhā so dhaṁsate ṭhānā,
pacchā ca manutappati.

[¶72] You should only say what you would do;
you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do.
The wise will recognize
one who talks without doing.

> Pali: Yañhi kayirā tañhi vade,
yaṁ na kayirā na taṁ vade;
Akarontaṁ bhāsamānaṁ,
parijānanti paṇḍitā.

[¶73] Oh! Extinguishment is so very blissful,
as taught by the fully awakened Buddha:
sorrowless, stainless, secure,
where suffering all ceases.

> Pali: Susukhaṁ vata nibbānaṁ,
sammāsambuddhadesitaṁ;
Asokaṁ virajaṁ khemaṁ,
yattha dukkhaṁ nirujjhatī”ti.

[¶74] > Pali: … Hārito thero ….

[¶75] Thag 3.16 · Vimala (2nd)

> Pali: Thag 3.16 · Vimalattheragāthā

[¶76] Shunning bad friends,
associate with the supreme individual.
Stick to the advice he gave you,
aspiring to unshakable happiness.

> Pali: “Pāpamitte vivajjetvā,
bhajeyyuttamapuggalaṁ;
Ovāde cassa tiṭṭheyya,
patthento acalaṁ sukhaṁ.

[¶77] If you’re lost in the middle of a great sea,
and you clamber up on a little log, you’ll sink.
So too, a person who lives well
sinks by relying on a lazy person.
Hence you should avoid such
a lazy person who lacks energy.

> Pali: Parittaṁ dārumāruyha,
yathā sīde mahaṇṇave;
Evaṁ kusītamāgamma,
sādhujīvīpi sīdati;
Tasmā taṁ parivajjeyya,
kusītaṁ hīnavīriyaṁ.

[¶78] Dwell with the noble ones
who are secluded and determined
and always energetic;
the astute who practice absorption.

> Pali: Pavivittehi ariyehi,
pahitattehi jhāyibhi;
Niccaṁ āraddhavīriyehi,
paṇḍitehi sahāvase”ti.

[¶79] > Pali: … Vimalo thero …

[¶80] > Pali: Tikanipāto niṭṭhito.

[¶81] > Pali: Tatruddānaṁ

[¶82] > Pali: Aṅgaṇiko bhāradvājo,
paccayo bākulo isi;
Dhaniyo mātaṅgaputto,
sobhito vāraṇo isi.

[¶83] > Pali: Vassiko ca yasojo ca,
sāṭimattiyupāli ca;
Uttarapālo abhibhūto,
gotamo hāritopi ca.

[¶84] > Pali: Thero tikanipātamhi,
nibbāne vimalo kato;
Aṭṭhatālīsa gāthāyo,
therā soḷasa kittitāti.

[¶85] Thag 4.1 · Nāgasamāla

> Pali: Thag 4.1 · Nāgasamālattheragāthā

[¶86] Adorned with jewelry and all dressed up,
with garlands, and sandalwood makeup piled on,
along the main street is a lady—
a dancer dancing as the music plays.

> Pali: “Alaṅkatā suvasanā,
mālinī candanussadā;
Majjhe mahāpathe nārī,
tūriye naccati naṭṭakī.

[¶87] I entered for alms,
and while walking along I glanced at her,
adorned with jewelry and all dressed up,
set up like a snare of death.

> Pali: Piṇḍikāya paviṭṭhohaṁ,
gacchanto naṁ udikkhisaṁ;
Alaṅkataṁ suvasanaṁ,
maccupāsaṁva oḍḍitaṁ.

[¶88] Then the realization
came upon me—
the danger became clear,
and I grew firmly disillusioned.

> Pali: Tato me manasīkāro,
yoniso udapajjatha;
Ādīnavo pāturahu,
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha.

[¶89] Then my mind was freed—
behold the clear rightness of the teaching!
I’ve attained the three knowledges
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Tato cittaṁ vimucci me,
passa dhammasudhammataṁ;
Tisso vijjā anuppattā,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanan”ti.

[¶90] > Pali: … Nāgasamālo thero ….

[¶91] Thag 4.2 · Bhagu

> Pali: Thag 4.2 · Bhaguttheragāthā

[¶92] Overwhelmed by drowsiness,
I left my dwelling.
Stepping up to the path for walking meditation,
I fell to the ground right there.

> Pali: “Ahaṁ middhena pakato,
vihārā upanikkhamiṁ;
Caṅkamaṁ abhiruhanto,
tattheva papatiṁ chamā.

[¶93] I rubbed my limbs, and again
I stepped up on the path for walking meditation.
I walked meditation up and down the path,
serene inside myself.

> Pali: Gattāni parimajjitvā,
punapāruyha caṅkamaṁ;
Caṅkame caṅkamiṁ sohaṁ,
ajjhattaṁ susamāhito.

[¶94] Then the realization
came upon me—
the danger became clear,
and I grew firmly disillusioned.

> Pali: Tato me manasīkāro,
yoniso udapajjatha;
Ādīnavo pāturahu,
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha.

[¶95] Then my mind was freed—
behold the clear rightness of the teaching!
I’ve attained the three knowledges,
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Tato cittaṁ vimucci me,
passa dhammasudhammataṁ;
Tisso vijjā anuppattā,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanan”ti.

[¶96] > Pali: … Bhagutthero ….

[¶97] Thag 4.3 · Sabhiya

> Pali: Thag 4.3 · Sabhiyattheragāthā

[¶98] When others do not understand,
let us, who do understand this,
restrain ourselves in this regard;
for that is how conflicts are laid to rest.

> Pali: “Pare ca na vijānanti,
mayamettha yamāmase;
Ye ca tattha vijānanti,
tato sammanti medhagā.

[¶99] And when those who don’t understand
behave as though they were immortal,
those who understand the Dhamma
are like the healthy among the sick.

> Pali: Yadā ca avijānantā,
iriyantyamarā viya;
Vijānanti ca ye dhammaṁ,
āturesu anāturā.

[¶100] Any lax act,
any corrupt observance,
or suspicious spiritual life,
is not very fruitful.

> Pali: Yaṁ kiñci sithilaṁ kammaṁ,
saṅkiliṭṭhañca yaṁ vataṁ;
Saṅkassaraṁ brahmacariyaṁ,
na taṁ hoti mahapphalaṁ.

[¶101] Whoever has no respect
for their spiritual companions
is as far from true Dhamma
as the firmament from the earth.

> Pali: Yassa sabrahmacārīsu,
gāravo nūpalabbhati;
Ārakā hoti saddhammā,
nabhaṁ puthaviyā yathā”ti.

[¶102] > Pali: … Sabhiyo thero ….

[¶103] Thag 4.4 · Nandaka (2nd)

> Pali: Thag 4.4 · Nandakattheragāthā

[¶104] Curse you mortal frame, you stink!
You’re on Māra’s side, you fester!
O body, you have nine streams
that are flowing all the time.

> Pali: “Dhiratthu pūre duggandhe,
mārapakkhe avassute;
Navasotāni te kāye,
yāni sandanti sabbadā.

[¶105] Don’t think much of mortal frames;
don’t disparage the Realized Ones.
They’re not even aroused by heaven,
let alone by humans.

> Pali: Mā purāṇaṁ amaññittho,
māsādesi tathāgate;
Saggepi te na rajjanti,
kimaṅgaṁ pana mānuse.

[¶106] But those who are fools and simpletons,
with bad advisors, wrapped in delusion,
that kind of person is aroused by bodies,
when Māra has laid down the snare.

> Pali: Ye ca kho bālā dummedhā,
dummantī mohapārutā;
Tādisā tattha rajjanti,
mārakhittamhi bandhane.

[¶107] Those in whom greed, hate, and ignorance
have faded away;
such people are not aroused by bodies,
they’ve cut the strings, unbound.

> Pali: Yesaṁ rāgo ca doso ca,
avijjā ca virājitā;
Tādī tattha na rajjanti,
chinnasuttā abandhanā”ti.

[¶108] > Pali: … Nandako thero ….

[¶109] Thag 4.5 · Jambuka

> Pali: Thag 4.5 · Jambukattheragāthā

[¶110] For fifty-five years
I wore dust and dirt.
Eating one meal a month,
I tore out my hair and beard.

> Pali: “Pañcapaññāsavassāni,
rajojallamadhārayiṁ;
Bhuñjanto māsikaṁ bhattaṁ,
kesamassuṁ alocayiṁ.

[¶111] I stood on one foot;
I shunned seats;
I ate dried-out dung;
I didn’t accept food set aside for me.

> Pali: Ekapādena aṭṭhāsiṁ,
āsanaṁ parivajjayiṁ;
Sukkhagūthāni ca khādiṁ,
uddesañca na sādiyiṁ.

[¶112] I did many deeds of this kind,
which lead to a bad destination.
Swept away by a great flood,
I went to the Buddha for refuge.

> Pali: Etādisaṁ karitvāna,
bahuṁ duggatigāminaṁ;
Vuyhamāno mahoghena,
buddhaṁ saraṇamāgamaṁ.

[¶113] See the going for refuge!
Behold the clear rightness of the teaching!
I’ve attained the three knowledges
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Saraṇagamanaṁ passa,
passa dhammasudhammataṁ;
Tisso vijjā anuppattā,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanan”ti.

[¶114] > Pali: … Jambuko thero ….

[¶115] Thag 4.6 · Senaka

> Pali: Thag 4.6 · Senakattheragāthā

[¶116] It was so welcome for me
during the Gayā spring festival
to see the Awakened One
teaching the supreme Dhamma.

> Pali: “Svāgataṁ vata me āsi,
gayāyaṁ gayaphagguyā;
Yaṁ addasāsiṁ sambuddhaṁ,
desentaṁ dhammamuttamaṁ.

[¶117] He was glorious, the tutor of a community,
a leader who had realized the highest.
In all the world with its gods,
he was the victor of unequaled vision.

> Pali: Mahappabhaṁ gaṇācariyaṁ,
aggapattaṁ vināyakaṁ;
Sadevakassa lokassa,
jinaṁ atuladassanaṁ.

[¶118] A great giant, a great hero,
a great light free of defilement.
With the utter ending of all defilements,
the Teacher fears nothing from any quarter.

> Pali: Mahānāgaṁ mahāvīraṁ,
mahājutimanāsavaṁ;
Sabbāsavaparikkhīṇaṁ,
satthāramakutobhayaṁ.

[¶119] For a long time, sadly, I was corrupted,
fettered by the bond of wrong view.
That Blessed One, Senaka,
released me from all ties.

> Pali: Cirasaṅkiliṭṭhaṁ vata maṁ,
diṭṭhisandānabandhitaṁ;
Vimocayi so bhagavā,
sabbaganthehi senakan”ti.

[¶120] > Pali: … Senako thero ….

[¶121] Thag 4.7 · Sambhūta

> Pali: Thag 4.7 · Sambhūtattheragāthā

[¶122] Hurrying when it’s time to dawdle;
dawdling when it’s time to hurry;
being so disorganized
a fool falls into suffering.

> Pali: “Yo dandhakāle tarati,
taraṇīye ca dandhaye;
Ayoni saṁvidhānena,
bālo dukkhaṁ nigacchati.

[¶123] Their good fortune wastes away
like the moon in the waning fortnight.
They become disgraced
and alienated from their friends.

> Pali: Tassatthā parihāyanti,
kāḷapakkheva candimā;
Āyasakyañca pappoti,
mittehi ca virujjhati.

[¶124] Dawdling when it’s time to dawdle;
hurrying when it’s time to hurry;
being so well organized,
an astute person comes into happiness.

> Pali: Yo dandhakāle dandheti,
taraṇīye ca tāraye;
Yoniso saṁvidhānena,
sukhaṁ pappoti paṇḍito.

[¶125] Their good fortune flourishes
like the moon in the waxing fortnight.
They become famous and respected,
not alienated from their friends.

> Pali: Tassatthā paripūrenti,
sukkapakkheva candimā;
Yaso kittiñca pappoti,
mittehi na virujjhatī”ti.

[¶126] > Pali: … Sambhūto thero ….

[¶127] Thag 4.8 · Rāhula

> Pali: Thag 4.8 · Rāhulattheragāthā

[¶128] I am known as “Fortunate Rāhula”,
because I’m accomplished in both ways:
I am the son of the Buddha,
whose eye sees clearly in all things.

> Pali: “Ubhayeneva sampanno,
rāhulabhaddoti maṁ vidū;
Yañcamhi putto buddhassa,
yañca dhammesu cakkhumā.

[¶129] Since my defilements have ended,
since there are no more future lives—
I’m perfected, worthy of offerings,
master of the three knowledges, <j>seer of freedom from death.

> Pali: Yañca me āsavā khīṇā,
yañca natthi punabbhavo;
Arahā dakkhiṇeyyomhi,
tevijjo amataddaso.

[¶130] Blinded by sensual pleasures, trapped in a net,
they are smothered over by craving;
bound by the kinsman of the negligent,
like a fish caught in a funnel-net trap.

> Pali: Kāmandhā jālapacchannā,
taṇhāchādanachāditā;
Pamattabandhunā baddhā,
macchāva kumināmukhe.

[¶131] Having thrown off those sensual pleasures,
having cut Māra’s bond,
and having plucked out craving, root and all:
I’m cooled, quenched.

> Pali: Taṁ kāmaṁ ahamujjhitvā,
chetvā mārassa bandhanaṁ;
Samūlaṁ taṇhamabbuyha,
sītibhūtosmi nibbuto”ti.

[¶132] > Pali: … Rāhulo thero ….

[¶133] Thag 4.9 · Candana

> Pali: Thag 4.9 · Candanattheragāthā

[¶134] Covered over with gold,
surrounded by all her maids,
with my son upon her hip,
my wife came to me.

> Pali: “Jātarūpena sañchannā,
dāsīgaṇapurakkhatā;
Aṅkena puttamādāya,
bhariyā maṁ upāgami.

[¶135] I saw her coming,
the mother of my son,
adorned with jewelry and all dressed up,
set up like a snare of death.

> Pali: Tañca disvāna āyantiṁ,
sakaputtassa mātaraṁ;
Alaṅkataṁ suvasanaṁ,
maccupāsaṁva oḍḍitaṁ.

[¶136] Then the realization
came upon me—
the danger became clear,
and I was firmly disillusioned.

> Pali: Tato me manasīkāro,
yoniso udapajjatha;
Ādīnavo pāturahu,
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha.

[¶137] Then my mind was freed—
behold the clear rightness of the teaching!
I’ve attained the three knowledges
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Tato cittaṁ vimucci me,
passa dhammasudhammataṁ;
Tisso vijjā anuppattā,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanan”ti.

[¶138] > Pali: … Candano thero ….

[¶139] Thag 4.10 · Dhammika

> Pali: Thag 4.10 · Dhammikattheragāthā

[¶140] “Dhamma surely protects <j>one who practices Dhamma.
The teaching brings happiness when practiced well.
This is the benefit of practicing Dhamma:
one doesn’t go to a bad destination.

> Pali: “Dhammo have rakkhati dhammacāriṁ,
Dhammo suciṇṇo sukhamāvahati;
Esānisaṁso dhamme suciṇṇe,
Na duggatiṁ gacchati dhammacārī.

[¶141] It’s not the case that Dhamma <j>and what is not Dhamma
lead to the same results.
What is not Dhamma leads to hell,
while Dhamma takes you to a good place.

> Pali: Na hi dhammo adhammo ca,
ubho samavipākino;
Adhammo nirayaṁ neti,
dhammo pāpeti suggatiṁ.

[¶142] So you should rouse up enthusiasm for the teachings;
such rejoicing is owing to the Holy One, <j>the unaffected.
The disciples of the excellent Holy One <j>are firm in the teaching;
those attentive ones are led on, <j>headed to the very best of refuges.”

> Pali: Tasmā hi dhammesu kareyya chandaṁ,
Iti modamāno sugatena tādinā;
Dhamme ṭhitā sugatavarassa sāvakā,
Nīyanti dhīrā saraṇavaraggagāmino”.

[¶143] “The boil has been burst from its root,
the net of craving is eradicated.
He has ended transmigration, he has nothing,
he’s like the full moon on a bright night.”

> Pali: “Vipphoṭito gaṇḍamūlo,
Taṇhājālo samūhato;
So khīṇasaṁsāro na catthi kiñcanaṁ,
Cando yathā dosinā puṇṇamāsiyan”ti.

[¶144] > Pali: … Dhammiko thero ….

[¶145] Thag 4.11 · Sappaka

> Pali: Thag 4.11 · Sappakattheragāthā

[¶146] When the crane with its beautiful white wings,
startled by fear of the dark cloud,
flees, seeking shelter—
then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me.

> Pali: “Yadā balākā sucipaṇḍaracchadā,
Kāḷassa meghassa bhayena tajjitā;
Palehiti ālayamālayesinī,
Tadā nadī ajakaraṇī rameti maṁ.

[¶147] When the crane, so very pure and white,
startled by fear of the dark rcloud,
seeks a cave to shelter in, but can’t see one—
then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me.

> Pali: Yadā balākā suvisuddhapaṇḍarā,
Kāḷassa meghassa bhayena tajjitā;
Pariyesati leṇamaleṇadassinī,
Tadā nadī ajakaraṇī rameti maṁ.

[¶148] Who wouldn’t be delighted
by the black plum trees
that grace both banks of the river,
there, behind my cave?

> Pali: Kaṁ nu tattha na ramenti,
jambuyo ubhato tahiṁ;
Sobhenti āpagākūlaṁ,
mama leṇassa pacchato.

[¶149] Well rid of the pack of jackals, <j>mad for the dead,
the lazy frogs croak:
“Today is no time to stray from mountain streams;
Ajakaraṇī is safe, pleasant, and delightful.”

> Pali: Tāmatamadasaṅghasuppahīnā,
Bhekā mandavatī panādayanti;
‘Nājja girinadīhi vippavāsasamayo,
Khemā ajakaraṇī sivā surammā’”ti.

[¶150] > Pali: … Sappako thero ….

[¶151] Thag 4.12 · Mudita

> Pali: Thag 4.12 · Muditattheragāthā

[¶152] I went forth to save my life.
But I embraced faith
after receiving full ordination.
I strove, strong in effort:

> Pali: “Pabbajiṁ jīvikatthohaṁ,
laddhāna upasampadaṁ;
Tato saddhaṁ paṭilabhiṁ,
daḷhavīriyo parakkamiṁ.

[¶153] Gladly, let this body be broken!
Let this scrap of meat disintegrate!
Let both my legs fall off
at the knees!

> Pali: Kāmaṁ bhijjatuyaṁ kāyo,
maṁsapesī visīyaruṁ;
Ubho jaṇṇukasandhīhi,
jaṅghāyo papatantu me.

[¶154] I won’t eat, I won’t drink,
I won’t leave my dwelling,
nor will I lie down on my side,
until the dart of craving is plucked.

> Pali: Nāsissaṁ na pivissāmi,
vihārā ca na nikkhame;
Napi passaṁ nipātessaṁ,
taṇhāsalle anūhate.

[¶155] As I meditate like this,
see my energy and vigor!
I’ve attained the three knowledges
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Tassa mevaṁ viharato,
passa vīriyaparakkamaṁ;
Tisso vijjā anuppattā,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanan”ti.

[¶156] > Pali: … Mudito thero …

[¶157] > Pali: Catukkanipāto niṭṭhito.

[¶158] > Pali: Tatruddānaṁ

[¶159] > Pali: Nāgasamālo bhagu ca,
sabhiyo nandakopi ca;
Jambuko senako thero,
sambhūto rāhulopi ca.

[¶160] > Pali: Bhavati candano thero,
dasete buddhasāvakā;
Dhammiko sappako thero,
mudito cāpi te tayo;
Gāthāyo dve ca paññāsa,
therā sabbepi terasāti.

[¶161] Thag 5.1 · Rājadatta

> Pali: Thag 5.1 · Rājadattattheragāthā

[¶162] I, a monk, went to a charnel ground
and saw a woman’s body abandoned there,
dumped in a cemetery,
full of worms that devoured.

> Pali: “Bhikkhu sivathikaṁ gantvā,
Addasa itthimujjhitaṁ;
Apaviddhaṁ susānasmiṁ,
Khajjantiṁ kimihī phuṭaṁ.

[¶163] Some men were disgusted,
seeing her dead and rotten;
but sexual desire arose in me,
I was as if blind to her oozing body.

> Pali: Yañhi eke jigucchanti,
mataṁ disvāna pāpakaṁ;
Kāmarāgo pāturahu,
andhova savatī ahuṁ.

[¶164] Quicker than the cooking of rice
I left that place!
Mindful and aware,
I retired to a discreet place.

> Pali: Oraṁ odanapākamhā,
tamhā ṭhānā apakkamiṁ;
Satimā sampajānohaṁ,
ekamantaṁ upāvisiṁ.

[¶165] Then the realization
came upon me—
the danger became clear,
and I was firmly disillusioned.

> Pali: Tato me manasīkāro,
yoniso udapajjatha;
Ādīnavo pāturahu,
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha.

[¶166] Then my mind was freed—
behold the clear rightness of the teaching!
I’ve attained the three knowledges
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Tato cittaṁ vimucci me,
passa dhammasudhammataṁ;
Tisso vijjā anuppattā,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanan”ti.

[¶167] > Pali: … Rājadatto thero ….

[¶168] Thag 5.2 · Subhūta

> Pali: Thag 5.2 · Subhūtattheragāthā

[¶169] When a person, wishing for a certain outcome,
applies themselves where they ought not;
not achieving what they worked for,
they say: “That’s a sign of my bad luck.”

> Pali: “Ayoge yuñjamattānaṁ,
puriso kiccamicchako;
Carañce nādhigaccheyya,
‘taṁ me dubbhagalakkhaṇaṁ’.

[¶170] When a misfortune is extracted and beaten,
to surrender it in part would be like losing at dice;
but to surrender it all you’d have to be blind,
not seeing the even and the uneven.

> Pali: Abbūḷhaṁ aghagataṁ vijitaṁ,
Ekañce ossajeyya kalīva siyā;
Sabbānipi ce ossajeyya andhova siyā,
Samavisamassa adassanato.

[¶171] You should only say what you would do;
you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do.
The wise will recognize
one who talks without doing.

> Pali: Yañhi kayirā tañhi vade,
yaṁ na kayirā na taṁ vade;
Akarontaṁ bhāsamānaṁ,
parijānanti paṇḍitā.

[¶172] Just like a glorious flower
that’s colorful but lacks fragrance;
well-spoken speech is fruitless
for one who does not act on it.

> Pali: Yathāpi ruciraṁ pupphaṁ,
vaṇṇavantaṁ agandhakaṁ;
Evaṁ subhāsitā vācā,
aphalā hoti akubbato.

[¶173] Just like a glorious flower
that’s both colorful and fragrant,
well-spoken speech is fruitful
for one who acts on it.

> Pali: Yathāpi ruciraṁ pupphaṁ,
Vaṇṇavantaṁ sugandhakaṁ;
Evaṁ subhāsitā vācā,
Saphalā hoti kubbato”ti.

[¶174] > Pali: … Subhūto thero ….

[¶175] Thag 5.3 · Girimānanda

> Pali: Thag 5.3 · Girimānandattheragāthā

[¶176] The heavens rain like a sweet song;
my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind.
I meditate there, peaceful:
so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

> Pali: “Vassati devo yathā sugītaṁ,
Channā me kuṭikā sukhā nivātā;
Tassaṁ viharāmi vūpasanto,
Atha ce patthayasī pavassa deva.

[¶177] The heavens rain like a sweet song;
my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind.
I meditate there, my mind at peace:
so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

> Pali: Vassati devo yathā sugītaṁ,
Channā me kuṭikā sukhā nivātā;
Tassaṁ viharāmi santacitto,
Atha ce patthayasī pavassa deva.

[¶178] The heavens rain like a sweet song;
my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind.
I meditate there, free of greed:
so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

> Pali: Vassati devo,
… pe …
tassaṁ viharāmi vītarāgo,
… pe …

[¶179] The heavens rain like a sweet song;
my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind.
I meditate there, free of hate:
so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

> Pali: Vassati devo,
… pe …
tassaṁ viharāmi vītadoso,
… pe …

[¶180] The heavens rain like a sweet song;
my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind.
I meditate there, free of delusion:
so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

> Pali: Vassati devo,
… pe …
tassaṁ viharāmi vītamoho,
Atha ce patthayasī pavassa devā”ti.

[¶181] > Pali: … Girimānando thero ….

[¶182] Thag 5.4 · Sumana (1st)

> Pali: Thag 5.4 · Sumanattheragāthā

[¶183] My mentor helped me to learn,
hoping I would practice those teachings.
Aspiring to freedom from death,
I’ve done what had to be done.

> Pali: “Yaṁ patthayāno dhammesu,
upajjhāyo anuggahi;
Amataṁ abhikaṅkhantaṁ,
kataṁ kattabbakaṁ mayā.

[¶184] I’ve realized the Dhamma,
witnessing it for myself, not based on legends.
With purified knowledge, free of doubt,
I declare it in your presence.

> Pali: Anuppatto sacchikato,
sayaṁ dhammo anītiho;
Visuddhañāṇo nikkaṅkho,
byākaromi tavantike.

[¶185] I know my past lives,
my clairvoyance is purified,
I’ve realized my heart’s goal,
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Pubbenivāsaṁ jānāmi,
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṁ;
Sadattho me anuppatto,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanaṁ.

[¶186] Being diligent in the training,
I learned your teachings well.
All my defilements are ended;
now there’ll be no more future lives.

> Pali: Appamattassa me sikkhā,
sussutā tava sāsane;
Sabbe me āsavā khīṇā,
natthi dāni punabbhavo.

[¶187] You advised me in noble observances;
sympathetic, you helped teach me.
Your instruction was not in vain—
I, your pupil, am fully trained.

> Pali: Anusāsi maṁ ariyavatā,
Anukampi anuggahi;
Amogho tuyhamovādo,
Antevāsimhi sikkhito”ti.

[¶188] > Pali: … Sumano thero ….

[¶189] Thag 5.5 · Vaḍḍha

> Pali: Thag 5.5 · Vaḍḍhattheragāthā

[¶190] Oh so well was the goad
shown to me by my mother,
on hearing whose words,
advised by my mother,
energetic and resolute,
I realized supreme awakening.

> Pali: “Sādhū hi kira me mātā,
Patodaṁ upadaṁsayi;
Yassāhaṁ vacanaṁ sutvā,
Anusiṭṭho janettiyā;
Āraddhavīriyo pahitatto,
Patto sambodhimuttamaṁ.

[¶191] I’m perfected, worthy of offerings,
master of the three knowledges, <j>seer of freedom from death.
I’ve conquered the army of Namuci,
and live without defilements.

> Pali: Arahā dakkhiṇeyyomhi,
tevijjo amataddaso;
Jetvā namucino senaṁ,
viharāmi anāsavo.

[¶192] Those defilements that were found in me,
internally and externally,
are all cut off without remainder,
and will not arise again.

> Pali: Ajjhattañca bahiddhā ca,
ye me vijjiṁsu āsavā;
Sabbe asesā ucchinnā,
na ca uppajjare puna.

[¶193] My self-assured sister
said this to me:
‘Now neither you nor I
have any snarls.’

> Pali: Visāradā kho bhaginī,
etamatthaṁ abhāsayi;
‘Apihā nūna mayipi,
vanatho te na vijjati’.

[¶194] Suffering is at an end;
this bag of bones is my last
in the transmigration through births and deaths;
now there’ll be no more future lives.”

> Pali: Pariyantakataṁ dukkhaṁ,
antimoyaṁ samussayo;
Jātimaraṇasaṁsāro,
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti.

[¶195] > Pali: … Vaḍḍho thero ….

[¶196] Thag 5.6 · Nadīkassapa

> Pali: Thag 5.6 · Nadīkassapattheragāthā

[¶197] It was truly for my benefit
that the Buddha went to the Nerañjara River.
When I heard his teaching,
I shunned wrong view.

> Pali: “Atthāya vata me buddho,
nadiṁ nerañjaraṁ agā;
Yassāhaṁ dhammaṁ sutvāna,
micchādiṭṭhiṁ vivajjayiṁ.

[¶198] I used to perform a diverse spectrum of sacrifices;
I served the sacred flame,
imagining, “This is purity.”
I was a blind, ordinary person.

> Pali: Yajiṁ uccāvace yaññe,
aggihuttaṁ juhiṁ ahaṁ;
‘Esā suddhī’ti maññanto,
andhabhūto puthujjano.

[¶199] Caught in the thicket of wrong view,
deluded by misapprehension.
Thinking impurity was purity,
I was blind and ignorant.

> Pali: Diṭṭhigahanapakkhando,
parāmāsena mohito;
Asuddhiṁ maññisaṁ suddhiṁ,
andhabhūto aviddasu.

[¶200] I’ve abandoned wrong view;
all rebirths are shattered.
I serve the fire for those <j>worthy of a religious donation:
I bow to the Realized One.

> Pali: Micchādiṭṭhi pahīnā me,
bhavā sabbe padālitā;
Juhāmi dakkhiṇeyyaggiṁ,
namassāmi tathāgataṁ.

[¶201] I’ve given up all delusion;
craving for continued existence is shattered;
transmigration through births is finished;
now there’ll be no more future lives.

> Pali: Mohā sabbe pahīnā me,
bhavataṇhā padālitā;
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṁsāro,
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti.

[¶202] > Pali: … Nadīkassapo thero ….

[¶203] Thag 5.7 · Gayākassapa

> Pali: Thag 5.7 · Gayākassapattheragāthā

[¶204] Three times a day—
morning, midday, and evening—
I plunged into the water at Gayā
for the Gayā spring festival.

> Pali: “Pāto majjhanhikaṁ sāyaṁ,
tikkhattuṁ divasassahaṁ;
Otariṁ udakaṁ sohaṁ,
gayāya gayaphagguyā.

[¶205] “Any bad things I’ve done
in previous lives,
I’ll now rinse away right here”—
such was the view I used to hold.

> Pali: ‘Yaṁ mayā pakataṁ pāpaṁ,
pubbe aññāsu jātisu;
Taṁ dānīdha pavāhemi’,
evaṁdiṭṭhi pure ahuṁ.

[¶206] Having heard the fine words,
a passage meaningful and principled,
I rationally reflected
on the true, essential goal.

> Pali: Sutvā subhāsitaṁ vācaṁ,
dhammatthasahitaṁ padaṁ;
Tathaṁ yāthāvakaṁ atthaṁ,
yoniso paccavekkhisaṁ.

[¶207] I’ve washed away all bad things;
I’m stainless, clean, pristine;
the pure heir of the pure one,
a bosom son of the Buddha.

> Pali: Ninhātasabbapāpomhi,
nimmalo payato suci;
Suddho suddhassa dāyādo,
putto buddhassa oraso.

[¶208] When I plunged into the eightfold stream,
all bad things were rinsed away.
I’ve attained the three knowledges
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Ogayhaṭṭhaṅgikaṁ sotaṁ,
sabbapāpaṁ pavāhayiṁ;
Tisso vijjā ajjhagamiṁ,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanan”ti.

[¶209] > Pali: … Gayākassapo thero ….

[¶210] Thag 5.8 · Vakkali

> Pali: Thag 5.8 · Vakkalittheragāthā

[¶211] “Struck by a wind ailment
while dwelling in a forest grove,
you’ve entered a tough place for gathering alms—
how will you get by, monk?”

> Pali: “Vātarogābhinīto tvaṁ,
viharaṁ kānane vane;
Paviṭṭhagocare lūkhe,
kathaṁ bhikkhu karissasi”.

[¶212] “Pervading this bag of bones
with abundant rapture and happiness,
putting up with what’s tough,
I’ll dwell in the forest.

> Pali: “Pītisukhena vipulena,
pharamāno samussayaṁ;
Lūkhampi abhisambhonto,
viharissāmi kānane.

[¶213] Developing mindfulness meditation,
the faculties and the powers,
developing the factors of awakening,
I’ll dwell in the forest.

> Pali: Bhāvento satipaṭṭhāne,
indriyāni balāni ca;
Bojjhaṅgāni ca bhāvento,
viharissāmi kānane.

[¶214] Having seen those who are energetic, resolute,
always staunchly vigorous,
harmonious and united,
I’ll dwell in the forest.

> Pali: Āraddhavīriye pahitatte,
Niccaṁ daḷhaparakkame;
Samagge sahite disvā,
Viharissāmi kānane.

[¶215] Recollecting the Buddha—
the best, the tamed, the serene—
tireless all day and night
I’ll dwell in the forest.”

> Pali: Anussaranto sambuddhaṁ,
aggaṁ dantaṁ samāhitaṁ;
Atandito rattindivaṁ,
viharissāmi kānane”ti.

[¶216] > Pali: … Vakkalitthero ….

[¶217] Thag 5.9 · Vijitasena

> Pali: Thag 5.9 · Vijitasenattheragāthā

[¶218] I’ll cage you, mind,
like an elephant in a stockade.
Born of the flesh, that net of the senses,
I won’t urge you to do bad.

> Pali: “Olaggessāmi te citta,
āṇidvāreva hatthinaṁ;
Na taṁ pāpe niyojessaṁ,
kāmajāla sarīraja.

[¶219] Caged, you won’t go anywhere,
like an elephant who can’t find an open gate.
Loser mind, you won’t wander again and again,
bullying, in love with wickedness.

> Pali: Tvaṁ olaggo na gacchasi,
Dvāravivaraṁ gajova alabhanto;
Na ca cittakali punappunaṁ,
Pasakka pāparato carissasi.

[¶220] Just as a strong trainer with a hook
takes a wild, newly captured elephant
and wins it over against its will,
so I’ll win you over.

> Pali: Yathā kuñjaraṁ adantaṁ,
Navaggahamaṅkusaggaho;
Balavā āvatteti akāmaṁ,
Evaṁ āvattayissaṁ taṁ.

[¶221] Just as a fine charioteer, skilled in the taming
of fine horses, tames a thoroughbred,
so I’ll tame you,
firmly established in the five powers.

> Pali: Yathā varahayadamakusalo,
Sārathi pavaro dameti ājaññaṁ;
Evaṁ damayissaṁ taṁ,
Patiṭṭhito pañcasu balesu.

[¶222] I’ll bind you with mindfulness;
devout, I shall tame you;
kept in check by harnessed energy,
mind, you won’t go far from here.

> Pali: Satiyā taṁ nibandhissaṁ,
Payutto te damessāmi;
Vīriyadhuraniggahito,
Na yito dūraṁ gamissase cittā”ti.

[¶223] > Pali: … Vijitaseno thero ….

[¶224] Thag 5.10 · Yasadatta

> Pali: Thag 5.10 · Yasadattattheragāthā

[¶225] With fault-finding mind, the simpleton
listens to the victor’s instruction.
They’re as far from the true teaching
as the earth is from the sky.

> Pali: “Upārambhacitto dummedho,
suṇāti jinasāsanaṁ;
Ārakā hoti saddhammā,
nabhaso pathavī yathā.

[¶226] With fault-finding mind, the simpleton
listens to the victor’s instruction.
They fall away from the true teaching,
like the moon in the waning fortnight.

> Pali: Upārambhacitto dummedho,
suṇāti jinasāsanaṁ;
Parihāyati saddhammā,
kāḷapakkheva candimā.

[¶227] With fault-finding mind, the simpleton
listens to the victor’s instruction.
They wither away in the true teaching,
like a fish in a little puddle.

> Pali: Upārambhacitto dummedho,
suṇāti jinasāsanaṁ;
Parisussati saddhamme,
maccho appodake yathā.

[¶228] With fault-finding mind, the simpleton
listens to the victor’s instruction.
They don’t thrive in the true teaching,
like a rotten seed in a field.

> Pali: Upārambhacitto dummedho,
suṇāti jinasāsanaṁ;
Na virūhati saddhamme,
khette bījaṁva pūtikaṁ.

[¶229] But one with contented mind
who listens to the victor’s instruction—
having wiped out all defilements;
having witnessed the unshakable;
having arrived at ultimate peace—
the undefiled are fully extinguished.

> Pali: Yo ca tuṭṭhena cittena,
suṇāti jinasāsanaṁ;
Khepetvā āsave sabbe,
sacchikatvā akuppataṁ;
Pappuyya paramaṁ santiṁ,
parinibbātināsavo”ti.

[¶230] > Pali: … Yasadatto thero ….

[¶231] Thag 5.11 · Soṇa of the Sharp Ears

> Pali: Thag 5.11 · Soṇakuṭikaṇṇattheragāthā

[¶232] I’ve received ordination;
I am liberated, without defilements;
I’ve seen the Blessed One myself,
and even stayed together with him.

> Pali: “Upasampadā ca me laddhā,
vimutto camhi anāsavo;
So ca me bhagavā diṭṭho,
vihāre ca sahāvasiṁ.

[¶233] The Blessed One, the Teacher,
spent much of the night in the open;
then he, who is so skilled in meditation,
entered his dwelling.

> Pali: Bahudeva rattiṁ bhagavā,
abbhokāsetināmayi;
Vihārakusalo satthā,
vihāraṁ pāvisī tadā.

[¶234] Spreading his outer robe,
Gotama made his bed,
like a lion in a rocky cave,
with fear and dread given up.

> Pali: Santharitvāna saṅghāṭiṁ,
seyyaṁ kappesi gotamo;
Sīho selaguhāyaṁva,
pahīnabhayabheravo.

[¶235] Then, with lovely enunciation,
Soṇa, a disciple of the Buddha,
recited the true teaching
before the best of Buddhas.

> Pali: Tato kalyāṇavākkaraṇo,
sammāsambuddhasāvako;
Soṇo abhāsi saddhammaṁ,
buddhaseṭṭhassa sammukhā.

[¶236] When he has completely understood <j>the five aggregates,
developed the direct route,
and arrived at ultimate peace,
undefiled, he’ll be fully quenched.

> Pali: Pañcakkhandhe pariññāya,
Bhāvayitvāna añjasaṁ;
Pappuyya paramaṁ santiṁ,
Parinibbissatyanāsavo”ti.

[¶237] > Pali: … Soṇo kuṭikaṇṇatthero ….

[¶238] Thag 5.12 · Kosiya

> Pali: Thag 5.12 · Kosiyattheragāthā

[¶239] Whatever attentive one, <j>understanding their teacher’s words,
stays with them, their fondness growing;
that astute person is indeed devoted—
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished.

> Pali: “Yo ve garūnaṁ vacanaññu dhīro,
Vase ca tamhi janayetha pemaṁ;
So bhattimā nāma ca hoti paṇḍito,
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assa.

[¶240] When extreme stresses arise,
one who does not tremble, but reflects instead,
that astute person is indeed strong—
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished.

> Pali: Yaṁ āpadā uppatitā uḷārā,
Nakkhambhayante paṭisaṅkhayantaṁ;
So thāmavā nāma ca hoti paṇḍito,
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assa.

[¶241] Steady as the ocean, imperturbable,
their wisdom is deep, they see the subtle meaning;
that astute person is indeed unfaltering—
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished.

> Pali: Yo ve samuddova ṭhito anejo,
Gambhīrapañño nipuṇatthadassī;
Asaṁhāriyo nāma ca hoti paṇḍito,
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assa.

[¶242] They’re very learned, <j>and have memorized the teaching,
living in line with the teaching—
that astute person is indeed such—
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished.

> Pali: Bahussuto dhammadharo ca hoti,
Dhammassa hoti anudhammacārī;
So tādiso nāma ca hoti paṇḍito,
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assa.

[¶243] They know the meaning of what is said,
and act accordingly;
that astute person is indeed a master of meaning—
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished.

> Pali: Atthañca yo jānāti bhāsitassa,
Atthañca ñatvāna tathā karoti;
Atthantaro nāma sa hoti paṇḍito,
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assā”ti.

[¶244] > Pali: … Kosiyo thero ….

[¶245] > Pali: Pañcakanipāto niṭṭhito.

[¶246] > Pali: Tatruddānaṁ

[¶247] > Pali: Rājadatto subhūto ca,
girimānandasumanā;
Vaḍḍho ca kassapo thero,
gayākassapavakkalī.

[¶248] > Pali: Vijito yasadatto ca,
soṇo kosiyasavhayo;
Saṭṭhi ca pañca gāthāyo,
therā ca ettha dvādasāti.

[¶249] Thag 6.1 · Uruveḷakassapa

> Pali: Thag 6.1 · Uruveḷakassapattheragāthā

[¶250] Seeing the demonstrations
of the renowned Gotama
was not enough for me to bow to him—
I was blinded by jealousy and conceit.

> Pali: “Disvāna pāṭihīrāni,
gotamassa yasassino;
Na tāvāhaṁ paṇipatiṁ,
issāmānena vañcito.

[¶251] Knowing my thoughts,
the trainer of men scolded me.
I was struck with a sense of urgency,
so astonishing and hair-raising!

> Pali: Mama saṅkappamaññāya,
codesi narasārathi;
Tato me āsi saṁvego,
abbhuto lomahaṁsano.

[¶252] Setting aside the petty powers
I had before as a matted-hair ascetic,
I then went forth
in the victor’s instruction.

> Pali: Pubbe jaṭilabhūtassa,
yā me siddhi parittikā;
Tāhaṁ tadā nirākatvā,
pabbajiṁ jinasāsane.

[¶253] I used to be content with sacrifice,
the realm of sensual pleasures was my priority.
But later I eradicated desire,
and hatred and also delusion.

> Pali: Pubbe yaññena santuṭṭho,
kāmadhātupurakkhato;
Pacchā rāgañca dosañca,
mohañcāpi samūhaniṁ.

[¶254] I know my past lives;
my clairvoyance is clarified;
I have psychic powers, and know the minds of others;
I have attained clairaudience.

> Pali: Pubbenivāsaṁ jānāmi,
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṁ;
Iddhimā paracittaññū,
dibbasotañca pāpuṇiṁ.

[¶255] I’ve attained the goal
for the sake of which I went forth
from the lay life to homelessness—
the ending of all fetters.

> Pali: Yassa catthāya pabbajito,
agārasmānagāriyaṁ;
So me attho anuppatto,
sabbasaṁyojanakkhayo”ti.

[¶256] > Pali: … Uruveḷakassapo thero ….

[¶257] Thag 6.2 · Tekicchakāri

> Pali: Thag 6.2 · Tekicchakārittheragāthā

[¶258] “The rice has been harvested
and gathered on the threshing-floor—
but I don’t get any almsfood!
How will I get by?”

> Pali: “Atihitā vīhi,
khalagatā sālī;
Na ca labhe piṇḍaṁ,
kathamahaṁ kassaṁ”.

[¶259] “In faith, recollect the immeasurable Buddha!
Your body soaked with rapture, <j>you’ll always be full of joy.

> Pali: “Buddhamappameyyaṁ anussara pasanno,
Pītiyā phuṭasarīro hohisi satatamudaggo.

[¶260] In faith, recollect the immeasurable teaching!
Your body soaked with rapture, <j>you’ll always be full of joy.

> Pali: Dhammamappameyyaṁ anussara pasanno,
Pītiyā phuṭasarīro hohisi satatamudaggo.

[¶261] In faith, recollect the immeasurable Saṅgha!
Your body soaked with rapture, <j>you’ll always be full of joy.”

> Pali: Saṅghamappameyyaṁ anussara pasanno,
Pītiyā phuṭasarīro hohisi satatamudaggo”.

[¶262] “You stay in the open,
though these winter nights are cold.
Don’t perish, overcome with cold;
enter your dwelling, with door shut fast.”

> Pali: “Abbhokāse viharasi,
Sītā hemantikā imā ratyo;
Mā sītena pareto vihaññittho,
Pavisa tvaṁ vihāraṁ phusitaggaḷaṁ”.

[¶263] “I’ll realize the four immeasurable states,
and meditate happily in them.
I won’t perish, overcome with cold;
I’ll dwell unperturbed.”

> Pali: “Phusissaṁ catasso appamaññāyo,
Tāhi ca sukhito viharissaṁ;
Nāhaṁ sītena vihaññissaṁ,
Aniñjito viharanto”ti.

[¶264] > Pali: … Tekicchakārī thero ….

[¶265] Thag 6.3 · Mahānāga

> Pali: Thag 6.3 · Mahānāgattheragāthā

[¶266] Whoever has no respect
for their spiritual companions
falls away from the true teaching,
like a fish in a little puddle.

> Pali: “Yassa sabrahmacārīsu,
gāravo nūpalabbhati;
Parihāyati saddhammā,
maccho appodake yathā.

[¶267] Whoever has no respect
for their spiritual companions
doesn’t thrive in the true teaching,
like a rotten seed in a field.

> Pali: Yassa sabrahmacārīsu,
gāravo nūpalabbhati;
Na virūhati saddhamme,
khette bījaṁva pūtikaṁ.

[¶268] Whoever has no respect
for their spiritual companions
is far from extinguishment,
in the teaching of the Dhamma king.

> Pali: Yassa sabrahmacārīsu,
gāravo nūpalabbhati;
Ārakā hoti nibbānā,
dhammarājassa sāsane.

[¶269] Whoever does have respect
for their spiritual companions
doesn’t fall away from the true teaching,
like a fish in plenty of water.

> Pali: Yassa sabrahmacārīsu,
gāravo upalabbhati;
Na vihāyati saddhammā,
maccho bavhodake yathā.

[¶270] Whoever does have respect
for their spiritual companions
thrives in the true teaching,
like a fine seed in a field.

> Pali: Yassa sabrahmacārīsu,
gāravo upalabbhati;
So virūhati saddhamme,
khette bījaṁva bhaddakaṁ.

[¶271] Whoever does have respect
for their spiritual companions
is close to extinguishment
in the teaching of the Dhamma king.

> Pali: Yassa sabrahmacārīsu,
gāravo upalabbhati;
Santike hoti nibbānaṁ,
dhammarājassa sāsane”ti.

[¶272] > Pali: … Mahānāgo thero ….

[¶273] Thag 6.4 · Kulla

> Pali: Thag 6.4 · Kullattheragāthā

[¶274] I, Kulla, went to a charnel ground
and saw a woman’s body abandoned there,
dumped in a cemetery,
full of worms that devoured.

> Pali: “Kullo sivathikaṁ gantvā,
addasa itthimujjhitaṁ;
Apaviddhaṁ susānasmiṁ,
khajjantiṁ kimihī phuṭaṁ.

[¶275] “See this bag of bones, Kulla—
diseased, filthy, rotten,
oozing and trickling,
a fool’s delight.”

> Pali: Āturaṁ asuciṁ pūtiṁ,
passa kulla samussayaṁ;
Uggharantaṁ paggharantaṁ,
bālānaṁ abhinanditaṁ.

[¶276] Taking the teaching as a mirror
for realizing knowledge and vision,
I examined this body,
hollow, inside and out.

> Pali: Dhammādāsaṁ gahetvāna,
ñāṇadassanapattiyā;
Paccavekkhiṁ imaṁ kāyaṁ,
tucchaṁ santarabāhiraṁ.

[¶277] As this is, so is that;
as that is, so is this.
As below, so above;
as above, so below.

> Pali: Yathā idaṁ tathā etaṁ,
yathā etaṁ tathā idaṁ;
Yathā adho tathā uddhaṁ,
yathā uddhaṁ tathā adho.

[¶278] As by day, so by night;
as by night, so by day.
As before, so behind;
as behind, so before.

> Pali: Yathā divā tathā rattiṁ,
yathā rattiṁ tathā divā;
Yathā pure tathā pacchā,
yathā pacchā tathā pure.

[¶279] Even the music of a five-piece band
can never give such pleasure
as when, with unified mind,
you rightly discern the Dhamma.

> Pali: Pañcaṅgikena turiyena,
Na ratī hoti tādisī;
Yathā ekaggacittassa,
Sammā dhammaṁ vipassato”ti.

[¶280] > Pali: … Kullo thero ….

[¶281] Thag 6.5 · Māluṅkyaputta (1st)

> Pali: Thag 6.5 · Mālukyaputtattheragāthā

[¶282] When a man lives heedlessly,
craving grows in them like a camel’s foot creeper.
They jump from one thing to the next, like a langur
greedy for fruit in a forest grove.

> Pali: “Manujassa pamattacārino,
Taṇhā vaḍḍhati māluvā viya;
So plavatī hurā huraṁ,
Phalamicchaṁva vanasmi vānaro.

[¶283] Whoever is beaten by this wretched craving,
this attachment to the world,
their sorrow grows,
like grass in the rain.

> Pali: Yaṁ esā sahate jammī,
taṇhā loke visattikā;
Sokā tassa pavaḍḍhanti,
abhivaṭṭhaṁva bīraṇaṁ.

[¶284] But whoever prevails over this wretched craving,
so hard to get over in the world,
their sorrows fall from them,
like a drop from a lotus-leaf.

> Pali: Yo cetaṁ sahate jammiṁ,
taṇhaṁ loke duraccayaṁ;
Sokā tamhā papatanti,
udabindūva pokkharā.

[¶285] I say this to you, good people,
all those who have gathered here:
dig up the root of craving,
as you’d dig up the grass in search of roots.
Don’t let Māra break you again and again,
like a stream breaking a reed.

> Pali: Taṁ vo vadāmi bhaddaṁ vo,
yāvantettha samāgatā;
Taṇhāya mūlaṁ khaṇatha,
usīratthova bīraṇaṁ;
Mā vo naḷaṁva sotova,
māro bhañji punappunaṁ.

[¶286] Act on the Buddha’s words,
don’t let the moment pass you by.
For if you miss your moment
you’ll grieve when sent to hell.

> Pali: Karotha buddhavacanaṁ,
khaṇo vo mā upaccagā;
Khaṇātītā hi socanti,
nirayamhi samappitā.

[¶287] Negligence is always dust;
dust follows right behind negligence.
Through diligence and knowledge,
pluck out the dart from yourself.

> Pali: Pamādo rajo pamādo,
pamādānupatito rajo;
Appamādena vijjāya,
abbahe sallamattano”ti.

[¶288] > Pali: … Mālukyaputto thero ….

[¶289] Thag 6.6 · Sappadāsa

> Pali: Thag 6.6 · Sappadāsattheragāthā

[¶290] In the twenty-five years
since I went forth,
I have not found peace of mind,
even as long as a finger-snap.

> Pali: “Paṇṇavīsativassāni,
yato pabbajito ahaṁ;
Accharāsaṅghātamattampi,
cetosantimanajjhagaṁ.

[¶291] Since I couldn’t get my mind unified,
I was racked by desire for pleasures of the senses.
Wailing, with outstretched arms,
I left my dwelling.

> Pali: Aladdhā cittassekaggaṁ,
kāmarāgena aṭṭito;
Bāhā paggayha kandanto,
vihārā upanikkhamiṁ.

[¶292] Or shall I commit suicide?
What’s the point of living?
For how on earth can one such as me die
after resigning the training?

> Pali: Satthaṁ vā āharissāmi,
Ko attho jīvitena me;
Kathaṁ hi sikkhaṁ paccakkhaṁ,
Kālaṁ kubbetha mādiso.

[¶293] Then I picked up a razor,
I sat on a cot:
the razor was ready
to slice my vein.

> Pali: Tadāhaṁ khuramādāya,
mañcakamhi upāvisiṁ;
Parinīto khuro āsi,
dhamaniṁ chettumattano.

[¶294] Then the realization
came upon me—
the danger became clear,
and I was firmly disillusioned.

> Pali: Tato me manasīkāro,
yoniso udapajjatha;
Ādīnavo pāturahu,
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha.

[¶295] Then my mind was freed—
behold the clear rightness of the teaching!
I’ve attained the three knowledges,
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

> Pali: Tato cittaṁ vimucci me,
passa dhammasudhammataṁ;
Tisso vijjā anuppattā,
kataṁ buddhassa sāsanan”ti.

[¶296] > Pali: … Sappadāso thero ….

[¶297] Thag 6.7 · Kātiyāna

> Pali: Thag 6.7 · Kātiyānattheragāthā

[¶298] Get up, Kātiyāna, and sit!
Don’t sleep too much, be wakeful.
Don’t be lazy and let the kinsman of the negligent,
the King of Death, catch you in his trap.

> Pali: “Uṭṭhehi nisīda kātiyāna,
Mā niddābahulo ahu jāgarassu;
Mā taṁ alasaṁ pamattabandhu,
Kūṭeneva jinātu maccurājā.

[¶299] Like a wave in the mighty ocean,
rebirth and old age sweep you under.
Make a safe island of yourself,
for you have no other shelter.

> Pali: Seyyathāpi mahāsamuddavego,
Evaṁ jātijarātivattate taṁ;
So karohi sudīpamattano tvaṁ,
Na hi tāṇaṁ tava vijjateva aññaṁ.

[¶300] The teacher has mastered this path,
which transcends chains, <j>and the fear of birth and old age.
Be diligent in the first and final watches of the night,
and dedicate yourself to practice.

> Pali: Satthā hi vijesi maggametaṁ,
Saṅgā jātijarābhayā atītaṁ;
Pubbāpararattamappamatto,
Anuyuñjassu daḷhaṁ karohi yogaṁ.

[¶301] Free yourself from your former bonds!
Wearing your outer robe, with shaven head, <j>eating almsfood,
don’t delight in play or sleep,
dedicate yourself to absorption, Kātiyāna.

> Pali: Purimāni pamuñca bandhanāni,
Saṅghāṭikhuramuṇḍabhikkhabhojī;
Mā khiḍḍāratiñca mā niddaṁ,
Anuyuñjittha jhāya kātiyāna.

[¶302] Meditate and conquer, Kātiyāna,
you’re an expert in the path <j>to sanctuary from the yoke.
Having arrived at unexcelled purity,
you’ll be extinguished as a flame by water.

> Pali: Jhāyāhi jināhi kātiyāna,
Yogakkhemapathesu kovidosi;
Pappuyya anuttaraṁ visuddhiṁ,
Parinibbāhisi vārināva joti.

[¶303] A lamp of feeble flame
is bent down by the wind, like a creeper;
just so, kinsman of Indra,
shake off Māra, without grasping.
Free of lust for feelings,
await your time here, cooled.

> Pali: Pajjotakaro parittaraṁso,
Vātena vinamyate latāva;
Evampi tuvaṁ anādiyāno,
Māraṁ indasagotta niddhunāhi;
So vedayitāsu vītarāgo,
Kālaṁ kaṅkha idheva sītibhūto”ti.

[¶304] > Pali: … Kātiyāno thero ….

[¶305] Thag 6.8 · Migajāla

> Pali: Thag 6.8 · Migajālattheragāthā

[¶306] It was well-taught by the Clear-eyed One,
the Buddha, Kinsman of the Sun,
who has transcended all fetters,
and destroyed all rolling-on.

> Pali: “Sudesito cakkhumatā,
buddhenādiccabandhunā;
Sabbasaṁyojanātīto,
sabbavaṭṭavināsano.

[¶307] Emancipating, it leads across,
drying up the root of craving,
and, having cut off the poisonous root, <j>the slaughterhouse,
it leads to quenching.

> Pali: Niyyāniko uttaraṇo,
taṇhāmūlavisosano;
Visamūlaṁ āghātanaṁ,
chetvā pāpeti nibbutiṁ.

[¶308] By breaking the root of unknowing,
it smashes the mechanism of deeds,
and drops the thunderbolt of knowledge
on the taking up of consciousnesses.

> Pali: Aññāṇamūlabhedāya,
kammayantavighāṭano;
Viññāṇānaṁ pariggahe,
ñāṇavajiranipātano.

[¶309] It informs us of our feelings,
releasing us from grasping,
contemplating with understanding
all states of existence as a pit of burning coals.

> Pali: Vedanānaṁ viññāpano,
upādānappamocano;
Bhavaṁ aṅgārakāsuṁva,
ñāṇena anupassano.

[¶310] It’s very sweet and very deep,
holding birth and death at bay;
it is the noble eightfold path—
the stilling of suffering, bliss.

> Pali: Mahāraso sugambhīro,
jarāmaccunivāraṇo;
Ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo,
dukkhūpasamano sivo.

[¶311] Knowing deed as deed
and result as result;
seeing dependently originated phenomena
as if they were in a clear light;
leading to the great sanctuary and peace,
it’s excellent at the end.

> Pali: Kammaṁ kammanti ñatvāna,
vipākañca vipākato;
Paṭiccuppannadhammānaṁ,
yathāvālokadassano;
Mahākhemaṅgamo santo,
pariyosānabhaddako”ti.

[¶312] > Pali: … Migajālo thero ….

[¶313] Thag 6.9 · Jenta, the High Priest’s Son

> Pali: Thag 6.9 · Purohitaputtajentattheragāthā

[¶314] I was drunk with the pride of birth
and wealth and authority.
I wandered about intoxicated
with my own gorgeous body.

> Pali: “Jātimadena mattohaṁ,
bhogaissariyena ca;
Saṇṭhānavaṇṇarūpena,
madamatto acārihaṁ.

[¶315] No one was my equal or my better—
or so I thought.
I was such an arrogant fool,
stuck up, waving my own flag.

> Pali: Nāttano samakaṁ kañci,
atirekaṁ ca maññisaṁ;
Atimānahato bālo,
patthaddho ussitaddhajo.

[¶316] I never paid homage to anyone:
not even my mother or father,
nor others esteemed as respectable.
I was stiff with pride, lacking regard for others.

> Pali: Mātaraṁ pitarañcāpi,
aññepi garusammate;
Na kañci abhivādesiṁ,
mānatthaddho anādaro.

[¶317] When I saw the foremost leader,
the most excellent of charioteers,
shining like the sun
at the fore of the mendicant Saṅgha,

> Pali: Disvā vināyakaṁ aggaṁ,
sārathīnaṁ varuttamaṁ;
Tapantamiva ādiccaṁ,
bhikkhusaṅghapurakkhataṁ.

[¶318] I discarded conceit and vanity,
and, with a clear and confident heart,
I bowed down with my head
to the supreme among all beings.

> Pali: Mānaṁ madañca chaḍḍetvā,
vippasannena cetasā;
Sirasā abhivādesiṁ,
sabbasattānamuttamaṁ.

[¶319] The conceit of superiority <j>and the conceit of inferiority
have been given up and eradicated.
The conceit “I am” is cut off,
and every kind of conceit is destroyed.

> Pali: Atimāno ca omāno,
pahīnā susamūhatā;
Asmimāno samucchinno,
sabbe mānavidhā hatā”ti.

[¶320] > Pali: … Jento purohitaputto thero ….

[¶321] Thag 6.10 · Sumana (2nd)

> Pali: Thag 6.10 · Sumanattheragāthā

[¶322] I was only seven years old
and had just gone forth
when I overcame the mighty serpent king
with my psychic powers.

> Pali: “Yadā navo pabbajito,
jātiyā sattavassiko;
Iddhiyā abhibhotvāna,
pannagindaṁ mahiddhikaṁ.

[¶323] I brought water for my mentor
from the great lake Anotatta.
When he saw me,
my teacher declared:

> Pali: Upajjhāyassa udakaṁ,
anotattā mahāsarā;
Āharāmi tato disvā,
maṁ satthā etadabravi”.

[¶324] “Sāriputta, see this
young boy coming,
carrying a water pot,
serene inside himself.

> Pali: “Sāriputta imaṁ passa,
āgacchantaṁ kumārakaṁ;
Udakakumbhamādāya,
ajjhattaṁ susamāhitaṁ.

[¶325] His conduct inspires confidence,
he is of lovely deportment:
he is Anuruddha’s novice,
self-assured in psychic powers.

> Pali: Pāsādikena vattena,
kalyāṇairiyāpatho;
Sāmaṇeronuruddhassa,
iddhiyā ca visārado.

[¶326] Made a thoroughbred by a thoroughbred,
made good by the good,
educated and trained by Anuruddha,
who has completed his task.

> Pali: Ājānīyena ājañño,
sādhunā sādhukārito;
Vinīto anuruddhena,
katakiccena sikkhito.

[¶327] Having attained ultimate peace
and witnessed the unshakable,
that novice Sumana has the wish:
‘May no one find me out!’”

> Pali: So patvā paramaṁ santiṁ,
sacchikatvā akuppataṁ;
Sāmaṇero sa sumano,
mā maṁ jaññāti icchatī”ti.

[¶328] > Pali: … Sumano thero ….

[¶329] Thag 6.11 · Nhātakamuni

> Pali: Thag 6.11 · Nhātakamunittheragāthā

[¶330] “Struck by a wind ailment
while dwelling in a forest grove,
you’ve entered a tough resort for gathering alms—
how will you get by, monk?”

> Pali: “Vātarogābhinīto tvaṁ,
viharaṁ kānane vane;
Paviddhagocare lūkhe,
kathaṁ bhikkhu karissasi”.

[¶331] “Pervading this bag of bones
with abundant rapture and happiness,
putting up with what’s tough,
I’ll dwell in the forest.

> Pali: “Pītisukhena vipulena,
pharitvāna samussayaṁ;
Lūkhampi abhisambhonto,
viharissāmi kānane.

[¶332] Developing the seven awakening factors,
the faculties and the powers,
endowed with subtle absorptions,
I’ll dwell without defilements.

> Pali: Bhāvento satta bojjhaṅge,
indriyāni balāni ca;
Jhānasokhummasampanno,
viharissaṁ anāsavo.

[¶333] Freed from corruptions,
my pure mind is unclouded.
Frequently reviewing this,
I’ll meditate without defilements.

> Pali: Vippamuttaṁ kilesehi,
suddhacittaṁ anāvilaṁ;
Abhiṇhaṁ paccavekkhanto,
viharissaṁ anāsavo.

[¶334] Those defilements that were found in me,
internally and externally,
are all cut off without remainder,
and will not arise again.

> Pali: Ajjhattañca bahiddhā ca,
ye me vijjiṁsu āsavā;
Sabbe asesā ucchinnā,
na ca uppajjare puna.

[¶335] The five aggregates are fully understood,
they remain, but their root is cut.
I have reached the ending of suffering,
now there’ll be no more future lives.”

> Pali: Pañcakkhandhā pariññātā,
tiṭṭhanti chinnamūlakā;
Dukkhakkhayo anuppatto,
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti.

[¶336] > Pali: … Nhātakamunitthero ….

[¶337] Thag 6.12 · Brahmadatta

> Pali: Thag 6.12 · Brahmadattattheragāthā

[¶338] Whence anger for one free of anger,
tamed, living justly,
freed by right knowledge,
peaceful and unaffected?

> Pali: “Akkodhassa kuto kodho,
dantassa samajīvino;
Sammadaññāvimuttassa,
upasantassa tādino.

[¶339] When you get angry at an angry person
you just make things worse for yourself.
When you don’t get angry at an angry person
you win a battle hard to win.

> Pali: Tasseva tena pāpiyo,
yo kuddhaṁ paṭikujjhati;
Kuddhaṁ appaṭikujjhanto,
saṅgāmaṁ jeti dujjayaṁ.

[¶340] When you know that the other is angry,
you act for the good of both
yourself and the other
if you’re mindful and stay calm.

> Pali: Ubhinnamatthaṁ carati,
attano ca parassa ca;
Paraṁ saṅkupitaṁ ñatvā,
yo sato upasammati.

[¶341] People inexpert in the teaching
consider one who heals both
oneself and the other
to be a fool.

> Pali: Ubhinnaṁ tikicchantaṁ taṁ,
attano ca parassa ca;
Janā maññanti bāloti,
ye dhammassa akovidā.

[¶342] If anger arises in you,
reflect on the simile of the saw;
if craving for flavors arises in you,
remember the simile of the child’s flesh.

> Pali: Uppajje te sace kodho,
āvajja kakacūpamaṁ;
Uppajje ce rase taṇhā,
puttamaṁsūpamaṁ sara.

[¶343] If your mind runs off
to sensual pleasures and future lives,
quickly curb it with mindfulness,
as one would curb a greedy cow eating grain.

> Pali: Sace dhāvati cittaṁ te,
kāmesu ca bhavesu ca;
Khippaṁ niggaṇha satiyā,
kiṭṭhādaṁ viya duppasun”ti.

[¶344] > Pali: … Brahmadatto thero ….

[¶345] Thag 6.13 · Sirimaṇḍa

> Pali: Thag 6.13 · Sirimaṇḍattheragāthā

[¶346] The rain saturates things that are covered up;
it doesn’t saturate things that are open.
Therefore you should open up a covered thing,
so the rain will not saturate it.

> Pali: “Channamativassati,
vivaṭaṁ nātivassati;
Tasmā channaṁ vivaretha,
evaṁ taṁ nātivassati.

[¶347] The world is beaten down by death
and surrounded by old age.
The dart of craving has struck it down,
and it’s always fuming with desire.

> Pali: Maccunābbhahato loko,
jarāya parivārito;
Taṇhāsallena otiṇṇo,
icchādhūpāyito sadā.

[¶348] The world is beaten down by death,
caged by old age,
beaten constantly without respite,
like a criminal being flogged.

> Pali: Maccunābbhahato loko,
parikkhitto jarāya ca;
Haññati niccamattāṇo,
pattadaṇḍova takkaro.

[¶349] Three things are coming, like a wall of flame:
death, disease, and old age.
No power can stand before them,
and no speed’s enough to flee.

> Pali: Āgacchantaggikhandhāva,
maccu byādhi jarā tayo;
Paccuggantuṁ balaṁ natthi,
javo natthi palāyituṁ.

[¶350] Don’t waste your day,
a little or a lot.
Every night that passes
shortens your life by that much.

> Pali: Amoghaṁ divasaṁ kayirā,
appena bahukena vā;
Yaṁ yaṁ vijahate rattiṁ,
tadūnaṁ tassa jīvitaṁ.

[¶351] Walking or standing,
sitting or lying down:
your final night draws near;
you have no time to be careless.

> Pali: Carato tiṭṭhato vāpi,
āsīnasayanassa vā;
Upeti carimā ratti,
na te kālo pamajjitun”ti.

[¶352] > Pali: … Sirimaṇḍo thero ….