Chapter One · Thag 3.1–6.13

Thag 3.1 · Aṅgaṇikabhāradvāja

Thag 3.1 · Aṅgaṇikabhāradvājattheragāthā

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

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

I’ve gained this happiness by means of happiness:behold the clear rightness of the teaching!I’ve attained the three knowledgesand fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

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

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.

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

Thag 3.2 · Paccaya

Thag 3.2 · Paccayattheragāthā

I went forth five days ago,a trainee, my heart’s desire unfulfilled.I entered my dwellingand resolved in my heart:

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

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.

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

See my energy and vigoras I meditate like this!I’ve attained the three knowledgesand fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

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

Thag 3.3 · Bakkula

Thag 3.3 · Bākulattheragāthā

Whoever wishes to do afterwardswhat they should have done beforehas lost the causes for happiness,and afterwards they’re tormented by regrets.

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

You should only say what you would do;you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do.The wise will recognizeone who talks without doing.

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

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

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

Thag 3.4 · Dhaniya

Thag 3.4 · Dhaniyattheragāthā

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.

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

If you wish to live in happiness,longing for the ascetic life,stay in the Saṅgha’s lodgingslike a snake making use of a mouse’s hole.

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

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

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

Thag 3.5 · Mātaṅgaputta

Thag 3.5 · Mātaṅgaputtattheragāthā

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

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

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

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

With my chest I’ll thrust asidethe grasses, vines, canes,the vetiver, rushes and reeds,and foster seclusion.

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

Thag 3.6 · Khujjasobhita

Thag 3.6 · Khujjasobhitattheragāthā

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

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

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.”

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

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

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

Thag 3.7 · Vāraṇa

Thag 3.7 · Vāraṇattheragāthā

Anyone among menwho harms other creatures:that person will fallboth from this world and the next.

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

But someone with a mind of love,sympathetic for all creatures:a person like thatbrims with much merit.

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

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.

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

Thag 3.8 · Vassika

Thag 3.8 · Vassikattheragāthā

I was the only one in my familywho had faith and wisdom.It’s good for my relatives that I’mfirm in principle, and ethical.

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

I curbed my family out of sympathy,telling them off out of lovefor my family and relatives.They performed a service for the monks

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

and then they passed away,finding happiness in the Third Heaven.There, my brothers and motherenjoy all the pleasures they desire.

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

Thag 3.9 · Yasoja

Thag 3.9 · Yasojattheragāthā

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

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

“Pestered by flies and mosquitoesin the wilds, the formidable forest,one should mindfully endure,like an elephant at the head of the battle.

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

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.”

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

Thag 3.10 · Sāṭimattiya

Thag 3.10 · Sāṭimattiyattheragāthā

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thag 3.11 · Upāli

Thag 3.11 · Upālittheragāthā

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Thag 3.12 · Uttarapāla

Thag 3.12 · Uttarapālattheragāthā

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.

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

Leaping into Māra’s domain,I was struck by a powerful dart.But I was able to free myselffrom the trap laid by the King of Death.

Pakkhando māravisaye,daḷhasallasamappito;Asakkhiṁ maccurājassa,ahaṁ pāsā pamuccituṁ.

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

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

Thag 3.13 · Abhibhūta

Thag 3.13 · Abhibhūtattheragāthā

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

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

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

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

Whoever shall meditate diligentlyin this teaching and training,giving up transmigration,will make an end to suffering.

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

Thag 3.14 · Gotama (2nd)

Thag 3.14 · Gotamattheragāthā

Transmigrating, I went to hell,and to the ghost realm time and again.Many times I dwelt longin the animal realm, so full of pain.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Thag 3.15 · Hārita (2nd)

Thag 3.15 · Hāritattheragāthā

Whoever wishes to do afterwardstasks they should have done beforehas lost the causes for happiness,and afterwards they’re tormented by regrets.

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

You should only say what you would do;you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do.The wise will recognizeone who talks without doing.

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

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

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

Thag 3.16 · Vimala (2nd)

Thag 3.16 · Vimalattheragāthā

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

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

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 wellsinks by relying on a lazy person.Hence you should avoid sucha lazy person who lacks energy.

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

Dwell with the noble oneswho are secluded and determinedand always energetic;the astute who practice absorption.

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

Thag 4.1 · Nāgasamāla

Thag 4.1 · Nāgasamālattheragāthā

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.

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

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.

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

Then the realizationcame upon me—the danger became clear,and I grew firmly disillusioned.

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

Then my mind was freed—behold the clear rightness of the teaching!I’ve attained the three knowledgesand fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

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

Thag 4.2 · Bhagu

Thag 4.2 · Bhaguttheragāthā

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

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

I rubbed my limbs, and againI stepped up on the path for walking meditation.I walked meditation up and down the path,serene inside myself.

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

Then the realizationcame upon me—the danger became clear,and I grew firmly disillusioned.

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

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

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

Thag 4.3 · Sabhiya

Thag 4.3 · Sabhiyattheragāthā

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.

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

And when those who don’t understandbehave as though they were immortal,those who understand the Dhammaare like the healthy among the sick.

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

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

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

Whoever has no respectfor their spiritual companionsis as far from true Dhammaas the firmament from the earth.

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

Thag 4.4 · Nandaka (2nd)

Thag 4.4 · Nandakattheragāthā

Curse you mortal frame, you stink!You’re on Māra’s side, you fester!O body, you have nine streamsthat are flowing all the time.

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

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

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

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.

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

Those in whom greed, hate, and ignorancehave faded away;such people are not aroused by bodies,they’ve cut the strings, unbound.

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

Thag 4.5 · Jambuka

Thag 4.5 · Jambukattheragāthā

For fifty-five yearsI wore dust and dirt.Eating one meal a month,I tore out my hair and beard.

“Pañcapaññāsavassāni,rajojallamadhārayiṁ;Bhuñjanto māsikaṁ bhattaṁ,kesamassuṁ alocayiṁ.

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

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

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.

Etādisaṁ karitvāna,bahuṁ duggatigāminaṁ;Vuyhamāno mahoghena,buddhaṁ saraṇamāgamaṁ.

See the going for refuge!Behold the clear rightness of the teaching!I’ve attained the three knowledgesand fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

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

Thag 4.6 · Senaka

Thag 4.6 · Senakattheragāthā

It was so welcome for meduring the Gayā spring festivalto see the Awakened Oneteaching the supreme Dhamma.

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

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.

Mahappabhaṁ gaṇācariyaṁ,aggapattaṁ vināyakaṁ;Sadevakassa lokassa,jinaṁ atuladassanaṁ.

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.

Mahānāgaṁ mahāvīraṁ,mahājutimanāsavaṁ;Sabbāsavaparikkhīṇaṁ,satthāramakutobhayaṁ.

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

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

Thag 4.7 · Sambhūta

Thag 4.7 · Sambhūtattheragāthā

Hurrying when it’s time to dawdle;dawdling when it’s time to hurry;being so disorganizeda fool falls into suffering.

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

Their good fortune wastes awaylike the moon in the waning fortnight.They become disgracedand alienated from their friends.

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

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

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

Their good fortune flourisheslike the moon in the waxing fortnight.They become famous and respected,not alienated from their friends.

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

Thag 4.8 · Rāhula

Thag 4.8 · Rāhulattheragāthā

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Kāmandhā jālapacchannā,taṇhāchādanachāditā;Pamattabandhunā baddhā,macchāva kumināmukhe.

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

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

Thag 4.9 · Candana

Thag 4.9 · Candanattheragāthā

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

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

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

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

Then the realizationcame upon me—the danger became clear,and I was firmly disillusioned.

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

Then my mind was freed—behold the clear rightness of the teaching!I’ve attained the three knowledgesand fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

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

Thag 4.10 · Dhammika

Thag 4.10 · Dhammikattheragāthā

“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.

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

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

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

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.”

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

“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.”

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

Thag 4.11 · Sappaka

Thag 4.11 · Sappakattheragāthā

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

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

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.

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

Who wouldn’t be delightedby the black plum treesthat grace both banks of the river,there, behind my cave?

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

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.”

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

Thag 4.12 · Mudita

Thag 4.12 · Muditattheragāthā

I went forth to save my life.But I embraced faithafter receiving full ordination.I strove, strong in effort:

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

Gladly, let this body be broken!Let this scrap of meat disintegrate!Let both my legs fall offat the knees!

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

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.

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

As I meditate like this,see my energy and vigor!I’ve attained the three knowledgesand fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

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

Thag 5.1 · Rājadatta

Thag 5.1 · Rājadattattheragāthā

I, a monk, went to a charnel groundand saw a woman’s body abandoned there,dumped in a cemetery,full of worms that devoured.

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

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

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

Quicker than the cooking of riceI left that place!Mindful and aware,I retired to a discreet place.

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

Then the realizationcame upon me—the danger became clear,and I was firmly disillusioned.

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

Then my mind was freed—behold the clear rightness of the teaching!I’ve attained the three knowledgesand fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

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

Thag 5.2 · Subhūta

Thag 5.2 · Subhūtattheragāthā

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.”

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

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.

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

You should only say what you would do;you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do.The wise will recognizeone who talks without doing.

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

Just like a glorious flowerthat’s colorful but lacks fragrance;well-spoken speech is fruitlessfor one who does not act on it.

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

Just like a glorious flowerthat’s both colorful and fragrant,well-spoken speech is fruitfulfor one who acts on it.

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

Thag 5.3 · Girimānanda

Thag 5.3 · Girimānandattheragāthā

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Vassati devo,… pe …tassaṁ viharāmi vītarāgo,… pe …

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.

Vassati devo,… pe …tassaṁ viharāmi vītadoso,… pe …

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.

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

Thag 5.4 · Sumana (1st)

Thag 5.4 · Sumanattheragāthā

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thag 5.5 · Vaḍḍha

Thag 5.5 · Vaḍḍhattheragāthā

Oh so well was the goadshown to me by my mother,on hearing whose words,advised by my mother,energetic and resolute,I realized supreme awakening.

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

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.

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

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

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

My self-assured sistersaid this to me:‘Now neither you nor Ihave any snarls.’

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

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

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

Thag 5.6 · Nadīkassapa

Thag 5.6 · Nadīkassapattheragāthā

It was truly for my benefitthat the Buddha went to the Nerañjara River.When I heard his teaching,I shunned wrong view.

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

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

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

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

Diṭṭhigahanapakkhando,parāmāsena mohito;Asuddhiṁ maññisaṁ suddhiṁ,andhabhūto aviddasu.

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.

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

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.

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

Thag 5.7 · Gayākassapa

Thag 5.7 · Gayākassapattheragāthā

Three times a day—morning, midday, and evening—I plunged into the water at Gayāfor the Gayā spring festival.

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

“Any bad things I’ve donein previous lives,I’ll now rinse away right here”—such was the view I used to hold.

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

Having heard the fine words,a passage meaningful and principled,I rationally reflectedon the true, essential goal.

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

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.

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

When I plunged into the eightfold stream,all bad things were rinsed away.I’ve attained the three knowledgesand fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

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

Thag 5.8 · Vakkali

Thag 5.8 · Vakkalittheragāthā

“Struck by a wind ailmentwhile dwelling in a forest grove,you’ve entered a tough place for gathering alms—how will you get by, monk?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recollecting the Buddha—the best, the tamed, the serene—tireless all day and nightI’ll dwell in the forest.”

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

Thag 5.9 · Vijitasena

Thag 5.9 · Vijitasenattheragāthā

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.

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

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.

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

Just as a strong trainer with a hooktakes a wild, newly captured elephantand wins it over against its will,so I’ll win you over.

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

Just as a fine charioteer, skilled in the tamingof fine horses, tames a thoroughbred,so I’ll tame you,firmly established in the five powers.

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

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.

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

Thag 5.10 · Yasadatta

Thag 5.10 · Yasadattattheragāthā

With fault-finding mind, the simpletonlistens to the victor’s instruction.They’re as far from the true teachingas the earth is from the sky.

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

With fault-finding mind, the simpletonlistens to the victor’s instruction.They fall away from the true teaching,like the moon in the waning fortnight.

Upārambhacitto dummedho,suṇāti jinasāsanaṁ;Parihāyati saddhammā,kāḷapakkheva candimā.

With fault-finding mind, the simpletonlistens to the victor’s instruction.They wither away in the true teaching,like a fish in a little puddle.

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

With fault-finding mind, the simpletonlistens to the victor’s instruction.They don’t thrive in the true teaching,like a rotten seed in a field.

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

But one with contented mindwho 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.

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

Thag 5.11 · Soṇa of the Sharp Ears

Thag 5.11 · Soṇakuṭikaṇṇattheragāthā

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

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

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

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

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

Santharitvāna saṅghāṭiṁ,seyyaṁ kappesi gotamo;Sīho selaguhāyaṁva,pahīnabhayabheravo.

Then, with lovely enunciation,Soṇa, a disciple of the Buddha,recited the true teachingbefore the best of Buddhas.

Tato kalyāṇavākkaraṇo,sammāsambuddhasāvako;Soṇo abhāsi saddhammaṁ,buddhaseṭṭhassa sammukhā.

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

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

Thag 5.12 · Kosiya

Thag 5.12 · Kosiyattheragāthā

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Thag 6.1 · Uruveḷakassapa

Thag 6.1 · Uruveḷakassapattheragāthā

Seeing the demonstrationsof the renowned Gotamawas not enough for me to bow to him—I was blinded by jealousy and conceit.

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

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

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

Setting aside the petty powersI had before as a matted-hair ascetic,I then went forthin the victor’s instruction.

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

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.

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

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

Pubbenivāsaṁ jānāmi,dibbacakkhu visodhitaṁ;Iddhimā paracittaññū,dibbasotañca pāpuṇiṁ.

I’ve attained the goalfor the sake of which I went forthfrom the lay life to homelessness—the ending of all fetters.

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

Thag 6.2 · Tekicchakāri

Thag 6.2 · Tekicchakārittheragāthā

“The rice has been harvestedand gathered on the threshing-floor—but I don’t get any almsfood!How will I get by?”

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

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

“Buddhamappameyyaṁ anussara pasanno,Pītiyā phuṭasarīro hohisi satatamudaggo.

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

Dhammamappameyyaṁ anussara pasanno,Pītiyā phuṭasarīro hohisi satatamudaggo.

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

Saṅghamappameyyaṁ anussara pasanno,Pītiyā phuṭasarīro hohisi satatamudaggo”.

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

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

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

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

Thag 6.3 · Mahānāga

Thag 6.3 · Mahānāgattheragāthā

Whoever has no respectfor their spiritual companionsfalls away from the true teaching,like a fish in a little puddle.

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

Whoever has no respectfor their spiritual companionsdoesn’t thrive in the true teaching,like a rotten seed in a field.

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

Whoever has no respectfor their spiritual companionsis far from extinguishment,in the teaching of the Dhamma king.

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

Whoever does have respectfor their spiritual companionsdoesn’t fall away from the true teaching,like a fish in plenty of water.

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

Whoever does have respectfor their spiritual companionsthrives in the true teaching,like a fine seed in a field.

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

Whoever does have respectfor their spiritual companionsis close to extinguishmentin the teaching of the Dhamma king.

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

Thag 6.4 · Kulla

Thag 6.4 · Kullattheragāthā

I, Kulla, went to a charnel groundand saw a woman’s body abandoned there,dumped in a cemetery,full of worms that devoured.

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

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

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

Taking the teaching as a mirrorfor realizing knowledge and vision,I examined this body,hollow, inside and out.

Dhammādāsaṁ gahetvāna,ñāṇadassanapattiyā;Paccavekkhiṁ imaṁ kāyaṁ,tucchaṁ santarabāhiraṁ.

As this is, so is that;as that is, so is this.As below, so above;as above, so below.

Yathā idaṁ tathā etaṁ,yathā etaṁ tathā idaṁ;Yathā adho tathā uddhaṁ,yathā uddhaṁ tathā adho.

As by day, so by night;as by night, so by day.As before, so behind;as behind, so before.

Yathā divā tathā rattiṁ,yathā rattiṁ tathā divā;Yathā pure tathā pacchā,yathā pacchā tathā pure.

Even the music of a five-piece bandcan never give such pleasureas when, with unified mind,you rightly discern the Dhamma.

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

Thag 6.5 · Māluṅkyaputta (1st)

Thag 6.5 · Mālukyaputtattheragāthā

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 langurgreedy for fruit in a forest grove.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Thag 6.6 · Sappadāsa

Thag 6.6 · Sappadāsattheragāthā

In the twenty-five yearssince I went forth,I have not found peace of mind,even as long as a finger-snap.

“Paṇṇavīsativassāni,yato pabbajito ahaṁ;Accharāsaṅghātamattampi,cetosantimanajjhagaṁ.

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.

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

Or shall I commit suicide?What’s the point of living?For how on earth can one such as me dieafter resigning the training?

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

Then I picked up a razor,I sat on a cot:the razor was readyto slice my vein.

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

Then the realizationcame upon me—the danger became clear,and I was firmly disillusioned.

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

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

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

Thag 6.7 · Kātiyāna

Thag 6.7 · Kātiyānattheragāthā

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

A lamp of feeble flameis 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.

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

Thag 6.8 · Migajāla

Thag 6.8 · Migajālattheragāthā

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.

“Sudesito cakkhumatā,buddhenādiccabandhunā;Sabbasaṁyojanātīto,sabbavaṭṭavināsano.

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

Niyyāniko uttaraṇo,taṇhāmūlavisosano;Visamūlaṁ āghātanaṁ,chetvā pāpeti nibbutiṁ.

By breaking the root of unknowing,it smashes the mechanism of deeds,and drops the thunderbolt of knowledgeon the taking up of consciousnesses.

Aññāṇamūlabhedāya,kammayantavighāṭano;Viññāṇānaṁ pariggahe,ñāṇavajiranipātano.

It informs us of our feelings,releasing us from grasping,contemplating with understandingall states of existence as a pit of burning coals.

Vedanānaṁ viññāpano,upādānappamocano;Bhavaṁ aṅgārakāsuṁva,ñāṇena anupassano.

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

Mahāraso sugambhīro,jarāmaccunivāraṇo;Ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo,dukkhūpasamano sivo.

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

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

Thag 6.9 · Jenta, the High Priest’s Son

Thag 6.9 · Purohitaputtajentattheragāthā

I was drunk with the pride of birthand wealth and authority.I wandered about intoxicatedwith my own gorgeous body.

“Jātimadena mattohaṁ,bhogaissariyena ca;Saṇṭhānavaṇṇarūpena,madamatto acārihaṁ.

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

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

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.

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

When I saw the foremost leader,the most excellent of charioteers,shining like the sunat the fore of the mendicant Saṅgha,

Disvā vināyakaṁ aggaṁ,sārathīnaṁ varuttamaṁ;Tapantamiva ādiccaṁ,bhikkhusaṅghapurakkhataṁ.

I discarded conceit and vanity,and, with a clear and confident heart,I bowed down with my headto the supreme among all beings.

Mānaṁ madañca chaḍḍetvā,vippasannena cetasā;Sirasā abhivādesiṁ,sabbasattānamuttamaṁ.

The conceit of superiority <j>and the conceit of inferiorityhave been given up and eradicated.The conceit “I am” is cut off,and every kind of conceit is destroyed.

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

Thag 6.10 · Sumana (2nd)

Thag 6.10 · Sumanattheragāthā

I was only seven years oldand had just gone forthwhen I overcame the mighty serpent kingwith my psychic powers.

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

I brought water for my mentorfrom the great lake Anotatta.When he saw me,my teacher declared:

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

“Sāriputta, see thisyoung boy coming,carrying a water pot,serene inside himself.

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

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

Pāsādikena vattena,kalyāṇairiyāpatho;Sāmaṇeronuruddhassa,iddhiyā ca visārado.

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

Ājānīyena ājañño,sādhunā sādhukārito;Vinīto anuruddhena,katakiccena sikkhito.

Having attained ultimate peaceand witnessed the unshakable,that novice Sumana has the wish:‘May no one find me out!’”

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

Thag 6.11 · Nhātakamuni

Thag 6.11 · Nhātakamunittheragāthā

“Struck by a wind ailmentwhile dwelling in a forest grove,you’ve entered a tough resort for gathering alms—how will you get by, monk?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vippamuttaṁ kilesehi,suddhacittaṁ anāvilaṁ;Abhiṇhaṁ paccavekkhanto,viharissaṁ anāsavo.

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

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

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.”

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

Thag 6.12 · Brahmadatta

Thag 6.12 · Brahmadattattheragāthā

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

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

When you get angry at an angry personyou just make things worse for yourself.When you don’t get angry at an angry personyou win a battle hard to win.

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

When you know that the other is angry,you act for the good of bothyourself and the otherif you’re mindful and stay calm.

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

People inexpert in the teachingconsider one who heals bothoneself and the otherto be a fool.

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

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.

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

If your mind runs offto sensual pleasures and future lives,quickly curb it with mindfulness,as one would curb a greedy cow eating grain.

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

Thag 6.13 · Sirimaṇḍa

Thag 6.13 · Sirimaṇḍattheragāthā

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.

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

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

Maccunābbhahato loko,jarāya parivārito;Taṇhāsallena otiṇṇo,icchādhūpāyito sadā.

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

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

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.

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

Don’t waste your day,a little or a lot.Every night that passesshortens your life by that much.

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

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

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