. |
. |
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
ekakanipāta |
the book of the ones |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
1.1. Subhūtittheragāthā |
1.1. Subhūti |
Nidānagāthā |
Background |
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa. |
Homage to that Blessed One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha! |
Sīhānaṃva nadantānaṃ, |
Like the lions of mighty fang |
dāṭhīnaṃ girigabbhare; |
who roar in mountain caves— |
Suṇātha bhāvitattānaṃ, |
hear now from those who’ve practiced well |
gāthā atthūpanāyikā. |
their own verses about themselves. |
Yathānāmā yathāgottā, |
What their name, and what their clan, |
yathādhammavihārino; |
and how they lived by the teaching; |
Yathādhimuttā sappaññā, |
how dedicated were those wise ones, |
vihariṃsu atanditā. |
as they meditated tirelessly. |
Tattha tattha vipassitvā, |
Clearly seeing in every case, |
phusitvā accutaṃ padaṃ; |
they reached the imperishable state. |
Katantaṃ paccavekkhantā, |
Reviewing their completed task, |
imamatthamabhāsisuṃ. |
they spoke about it in these words. |
Subhūtittheragāthā |
Subhūti |
“Channā me kuṭikā sukhā nivātā, |
My little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind: |
Vassa deva yathāsukhaṃ; |
so rain, sky, as you please! |
Cittaṃ me susamāhitaṃ vimuttaṃ, |
My mind is undistractible-&-lucid and freed, |
Ātāpī viharāmi vassa devā”ti. |
I practice wholeheartedly: so rain, sky! |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā subhūtitthero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Subhūti. |
1.2. Mahākoṭṭhikattheragāthā |
1.2. Mahākoṭṭhita |
“Upasanto uparato, |
Calm and quiet, |
mantabhāṇī anuddhato; |
thoughtful in counsel, and stable— |
Dhunāti pāpake dhamme, |
he shakes off bad qualities |
dumapattaṃva māluto”ti. |
as the wind shakes leaves off a tree. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā mahākoṭṭhiko thero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Mahākoṭṭhita. |
1.3. Kaṅkhārevatattheragāthā |
1.3. Kaṅkhārevata |
“Paññaṃ imaṃ passa tathāgatānaṃ, |
See this wisdom of the Realized Ones! |
Aggi yathā pajjalito nisīthe; |
Like a fire blazing in the night, |
Ālokadā cakkhudadā bhavanti, |
giving light, giving vision, |
Ye āgatānaṃ vinayanti kaṅkhan”ti. |
they dispel the doubt of those who’ve come. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā kaṅkhārevato thero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Kaṅkhārevata. |
1.4. Puṇṇattheragāthā |
1.4. Puṇṇa (1st) |
“Sabbhireva samāsetha, |
Associate only with the virtuous, |
paṇḍitehatthadassibhi; |
the astute ones who see the goal. |
Atthaṃ mahantaṃ gambhīraṃ, |
The wise ones, diligent and discerning, |
duddasaṃ nipuṇaṃ aṇuṃ; |
realize the goal |
Dhīrā samadhigacchanti, |
so great and profound, |
appamattā vicakkhaṇā”ti. |
hard to see, subtle, and fine. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā puṇṇo mantāṇiputto thero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Puṇṇa Mantāṇiputta. |
1.5. Dabbattheragāthā |
1.5. Dabba |
“Yo duddamiyo damena danto, |
Once hard to tame, now tamed himself; |
Dabbo santusito vitiṇṇakaṅkho; |
clever, content, with doubt overcome; |
Vijitāvī apetabheravo hi, |
victorious since his fears have vanished: |
Dabbo so parinibbuto ṭhitatto”ti. |
Dabba is steadfast, and has become Nirvana'd. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā dabbo thero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Dabba. |
1.6. Sītavaniyattheragāthā |
1.6. Sītavaniya |
“Yo sītavanaṃ upagā bhikkhu, |
The monk who went to Sītavana is solitary, |
Eko santusito samāhitatto; |
content and undistractible-&-lucid, |
Vijitāvī apetalomahaṃso, |
victorious, with goosebumps vanished, |
Rakkhaṃ kāyagatāsatiṃ dhitimā”ti. |
guarding rememberfulness of the body, resolute. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā sītavaniyo thero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Sītavaniya. |
1.7. Bhalliyattheragāthā |
1.7. Bhalliya |
“Yopānudī maccurājassa senaṃ, |
He has swept away the army of the King of Death, |
Naḷasetuṃva sudubbalaṃ mahogho; |
as a great flood, a fragile bridge of reeds. |
Vijitāvī apetabheravo hi, |
Victorious since his fears have vanished: |
Danto so parinibbuto ṭhitatto”ti. |
tame and steadfast, he has become Nirvana'd. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā bhalliyo thero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Bhalliya. |
1.8. Vīrattheragāthā |
1.8. Vīra |
“Yo duddamiyo damena danto, |
Once hard to tame, now tamed himself; |
Vīro santusito vitiṇṇakaṅkho; |
a hero, content, with doubt overcome; |
Vijitāvī apetalomahaṃso, |
victorious, with goosebumps vanished, |
Vīro so parinibbuto ṭhitatto”ti. |
Vīra is steadfast, and has become Nirvana'd. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā vīro thero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Vīra. |
1.9 Pilindavacchattheragāthā |
1.9. Pilindavaccha |
“Svāgataṃ na durāgataṃ, |
It was welcome, not unwelcome, |
Nayidaṃ dumantitaṃ mama; |
the advice I got was good. |
Saṃvibhattesu dhammesu, |
Of things which are shared, |
Yaṃ seṭṭhaṃ tadupāgamin”ti. |
I encountered the best. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā pilindavaccho thero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Pilindavaccha. |
1.10. Puṇṇamāsattheragāthā |
1.10. Puṇṇamāsa (1st) |
“Vihari apekkhaṃ idha vā huraṃ vā, |
A knowledge master, peaceful and restrained, |
Yo vedagū samito yatatto; |
is rid of concern for this world and the world beyond. |
Sabbesu dhammesu anūpalitto, |
Unsullied in the midst of all things, |
Lokassa jaññā udayabbayañcā”ti. |
they know the arising and passing of the world. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā puṇṇamāso thero gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior venerable Puṇṇamāsa. |
1.11. Cūḷavacchattheragāthā |
1.11. Cūḷavaccha |
“Pāmojjabahulo bhikkhu, |
A monk full of joy |
dhamme buddhappavedite; |
in the teaching proclaimed by the Buddha |
Adhigacche padaṃ santaṃ, |
would realize the peaceful state, |
saṅkhārūpasamaṃ sukhan”ti. |
the blissful stilling of conditions. |
… Cūḷavaccho thero …. |
|
1.12. Mahāvacchattheragāthā |
1.12. Mahāvaccha |
“Paññābalī sīlavatūpapanno, |
Empowered by wisdom, with precepts and observances intact, |
Samāhito jhānarato satīmā; |
undistractible-&-lucid, delighting in jhāna, rememberful, |
Yadatthiyaṃ bhojanaṃ bhuñjamāno, |
eating just the needed food, |
Kaṅkhetha kālaṃ idha vītarāgo”ti. |
one should bide one’s time here, free of desire. |
… Mahāvaccho thero …. |
|
1.13. Vanavacchattheragāthā |
1.13. Vanavaccha (1st) |
“Nīlabbhavaṇṇā rucirā, |
Glistening, they look like blue storm clouds, |
sītavārī sucindharā; |
with waters cool and streams so clear, |
Indagopakasañchannā, |
and covered all in ladybugs: |
te selā ramayanti man”ti. |
these rocky crags delight me! |
… Vanavaccho thero …. |
|
1.14. Sivakasāmaṇeragāthā |
1.14. The Novice Sivaka |
“Upajjhāyo maṃ avaca, |
My mentor said to me: |
ito gacchāma sīvaka; |
“Let’s leave here, Sīvaka.” |
Gāme me vasati kāyo, |
My body lives in the village, |
araññaṃ me gato mano; |
but my mind has gone to the wilderness. |
Semānakopi gacchāmi, |
I go there even when lying down— |
natthi saṅgo vijānatan”ti. |
you can't tie down those who know. |
… Vanavacchassa therassa (siviko) sāmaṇero …. |
|
1.15. Kuṇḍadhānattheragāthā |
1.15. Kuṇḍadhāna |
“Pañca chinde pañca jahe, |
Five to cut, five to drop, |
pañca cuttari bhāvaye; |
and five more to develop. |
Pañcasaṅgātigo bhikkhu, |
A monk who has got over five kinds of clinging |
oghatiṇṇoti vuccatī”ti. |
is called “One who has crossed the flood”. |
… Kuṇḍadhāno thero …. |
|
1.16 Belaṭṭhasīsattheragāthā |
1.16. Belaṭṭhasīsa |
“Yathāpi bhaddo ājañño, |
Just as a fine thoroughbred |
naṅgalāvattanī sikhī; |
proceeds with ease, |
Gacchati appakasirena, |
tail and mane flying in the wind; |
evaṃ rattindivā mama; |
so my days and nights |
Gacchanti appakasirena, |
proceed with ease, |
sukhe laddhe nirāmise”ti. |
full of spiritual joy. |
… Belaṭṭhasīso thero …. |
|
1.17. Dāsakattheragāthā |
1.17. Dāsaka |
“Middhī yadā hoti mahagghaso ca, |
When someone's a lazybones, a huge glutton, |
Niddāyitā samparivattasāyī; |
fond of sleep, rolling round the bed |
Mahāvarāhova nivāpapuṭṭho, |
like a great hog stuffed with grain: |
Punappunaṃ gabbhamupeti mando”ti. |
that idiot is reborn again and again. |
… Dāsako thero …. |
|
1.18. Siṅgālapituttheragāthā |
1.18. Siṅgāla’s Father |
“Ahu buddhassa dāyādo, |
There was an heir of the Buddha, |
bhikkhu bhesakaḷāvane; |
a monk in Bhesakaḷā forest, |
Kevalaṃ aṭṭhisaññāya, |
who suffused the entire earth |
apharī pathaviṃ imaṃ; |
with the perception of bones. |
Maññehaṃ kāmarāgaṃ so, |
I think he will quickly |
khippameva pahissatī”ti. |
get rid of sensual desire. |
… Siṅgālapitā thero …. |
|
1.19 Kulattheragāthā |
1.19. Kula |
“Udakañhi nayanti nettikā, |
Irrigators guide water, |
Usukārā namayanti tejanaṃ; |
fletchers shape arrows, |
Dāruṃ namayanti tacchakā, |
carpenters carve wood; |
Attānaṃ damayanti subbatā”ti. |
those true to their vows tame themselves. |
… Kulo thero …. |
|
1.20. Ajitattheragāthā |
1.20. Ajita |
“Maraṇe me bhayaṃ natthi, |
I do not fear death; |
nikanti natthi jīvite; |
nor do I long for life. |
Sandehaṃ nikkhipissāmi, |
I’ll lay down this body, |
sampajāno paṭissato”ti. |
aware and rememberful. |
… Ajito thero … |
|
1.21. Nigrodhattheragāthā |
1.21. Nigrodha |
“Nāhaṃ bhayassa bhāyāmi, |
I’m not afraid of fear, |
Satthā no amatassa kovido; |
for our teacher is expert in the deathless. |
Yattha bhayaṃ nāvatiṭṭhati, |
Mendicants proceed by the path |
Tena maggena vajanti bhikkhavo”ti. |
where no fear remains. |
… Nigrodho thero …. |
|
1.22. Cittakattheragāthā |
1.22. Cittaka |
“Nīlā sugīvā sikhino, |
Crested peacocks with beautiful blue necks |
Morā kārambhiyaṃ abhinadanti; |
cry out in Karaṃvī. |
Te sītavātakīḷitā, |
Stirred by a cool breeze, |
Suttaṃ jhāyaṃ nibodhentī”ti. |
they wake the sleeper to practice jhāna. |
… Cittako thero …. |
|
1.23. Gosālattheragāthā |
1.23. Gosāla |
“Ahaṃ kho veḷugumbasmiṃ, |
I’ll eat honey and milk-rice |
bhutvāna madhupāyasaṃ; |
in Veḷugumba. |
Padakkhiṇaṃ sammasanto, |
And then, skillfully scrutinizing |
khandhānaṃ udayabbayaṃ; |
the rise and fall of the aggregates, |
Sānuṃ paṭigamissāmi, |
I’ll return to my forest hill |
vivekamanubrūhayan”ti. |
and foster seclusion. |
… Gosālo thero …. |
|
1.24. Sugandhattheragāthā |
1.24. Sugandha |
“Anuvassiko pabbajito, |
See the excellence of the teaching! |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ; |
Just one rainy season after I went forth, |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Sugandho thero …. |
|
1.25. Nandiyattheragāthā |
1.25. Nandiya |
“Obhāsajātaṃ phalagaṃ, |
Dark One, after attacking such a monk— |
cittaṃ yassa abhiṇhaso; |
one who has arrived at the fruit, |
Tādisaṃ bhikkhumāsajja, |
and whose mind is always full of light— |
kaṇha dukkhaṃ nigacchasī”ti. |
you’ll fall into suffering. |
… Nandiyo thero …. |
|
1.26. Abhayattheragāthā |
1.26. Abhaya |
“Sutvā subhāsitaṃ vācaṃ, |
Having heard the wonderful words |
buddhassādiccabandhuno; |
of the Buddha, the Kinsman of the Sun, |
Paccabyadhiṃ hi nipuṇaṃ, |
I penetrated the subtle truth, |
vālaggaṃ usunā yathā”ti. |
like a hair-tip with an arrow. |
… Abhayo thero …. |
|
1.27. Lomasakaṅgiyattheragāthā |
1.27. Lomasakaṅgiya |
“Dabbaṃ kusaṃ poṭakilaṃ, |
With my chest I’ll thrust aside |
usīraṃ muñjapabbajaṃ; |
the grasses, vines, and creepers, |
Urasā panudissāmi, |
and foster seclusion. |
vivekamanubrūhayan”ti. |
|
… Lomasakaṅgiyo thero …. |
1.28 Jambugāmikaputtattheragāthā |
1.28. Jambugāmikaputta |
“Kacci no vatthapasuto, |
Aren’t you obsessed with clothes? |
Kacci no bhūsanārato; |
Don’t you just love jewelry? |
Kacci sīlamayaṃ gandhaṃ, |
Is it not you—and no-one else— |
Kiṃ tvaṃ vāyasi netarā pajā”ti. |
who spreads the scent of virtue? |
… Jambugāmikaputto thero …. |
|
1.29. Hāritattheragāthā |
1.29. Hārita (1st) |
“Samunnamayamattānaṃ, |
Straighten yourself, |
usukārova tejanaṃ; |
like a fletcher straightens an arrow. |
Cittaṃ ujuṃ karitvāna, |
When your mind is upright, Hārita, |
avijjaṃ bhinda hāritā”ti. |
break ignorance to bits! |
… Hārito thero …. |
|
1.30. Uttiyattheragāthā |
1.30. Uttiya (1st) |
“Ābādhe me samuppanne, |
When I was ill in the past, |
sati me udapajjatha; |
rememberfulness arose in me. |
Ābādho me samuppanno, |
Now I am ill once more— |
kālo me nappamajjitun”ti. |
it’s time for me to be heedful. |
… Uttiyo thero …. |
|
1.31 Gahvaratīriyattheragāthā |
1.31. Gahvaratīriya |
“Phuṭṭho ḍaṃsehi makasehi, |
Pestered by flies and mosquitoes |
araññasmiṃ brahāvane; |
in the wilds, the formidable forest, |
Nāgo saṃgāmasīseva, |
one should rememberfully endure, |
sato tatrādhivāsaye”ti. |
like an elephant at the head of the battle. |
… Gahvaratīriyo thero …. |
|
1.32. Suppiyattheragāthā |
1.32. Suppiya |
“Ajaraṃ jīramānena, |
I’ll swap old age for the unaging, |
tappamānena nibbutiṃ; |
burning for Nirvana— |
Nimiyaṃ paramaṃ santiṃ, |
the ultimate peace, |
yogakkhemaṃ anuttaran”ti. |
the supreme sanctuary. |
… Suppiyo thero …. |
|
1.33. Sopākattheragāthā |
1.33. Sopāka (1st) |
“Yathāpi ekaputtasmiṃ, |
Just as a mother would be good |
piyasmiṃ kusalī siyā; |
to her beloved and only son; |
Evaṃ sabbesu pāṇesu, |
so, to creatures all and everywhere, |
sabbattha kusalo siyā”ti. |
let one be good. |
… Sopāko thero …. |
|
1.34. Posiyattheragāthā |
1.34. Posiya |
“Anāsannavarā etā, |
It's always better for a smart person |
niccameva vijānatā; |
to avoid sharing a seat with such women. |
Gāmā araññamāgamma, |
I went from the village to the wilderness; |
tato gehaṃ upāvisi; |
from there I entered a house. |
Tato uṭṭhāya pakkāmi, |
Though I was there to be fed, |
anāmantetvā posiyo”ti. |
I got up and left without taking leave. |
… Posiyo thero …. |
|
1.35. Sāmaññakānittheragāthā |
1.35. Sāmaññakāni |
“Sukhaṃ sukhattho labhate tadācaraṃ, |
Seeking happiness, they find it through this practice. |
Kittiñca pappoti yasassa vaḍḍhati; |
They get a good reputation and grow in fame, |
Yo ariyamaṭṭhaṅgikamañjasaṃ ujuṃ, |
those who develop the direct route: |
Bhāveti maggaṃ amatassa pattiyā”ti. |
the noble eight-fold path for realizing the deathless. |
… Sāmaññakānitthero …. |
|
1.36. Kumāputtattheragāthā |
1.36. Kumāputta |
“Sādhu sutaṃ sādhu caritakaṃ, |
Learning is good, living well is good, |
Sādhu sadā aniketavihāro; |
the homeless life is always good. |
Atthapucchanaṃ padakkhiṇakammaṃ, |
Questions on the meaning, actions that are skillful: |
Etaṃ sāmaññamakiñcanassā”ti. |
this is the ascetic life for one who has nothing. |
… Kumāputto thero …. |
|
1.37. Kumāputtasahāyakattheragāthā |
1.37. Kumāputtasahāyaka |
“Nānājanapadaṃ yanti, |
Some travel to different countries, |
Vicarantā asaññatā; |
wandering undisciplined. |
Samādhiñca virādhenti, |
If they lose their meditation, |
Kiṃsu raṭṭhacariyā karissati; |
what will such rotten conduct achieve? |
Tasmā vineyya sārambhaṃ, |
So you should dispel pride, |
Jhāyeyya apurakkhato”ti. |
practicing jhāna undistracted. |
… Kumāputtattherassa sahāyako thero …. |
|
1.38. Gavampatittheragāthā |
1.38. Gavampati |
“Yo iddhiyā sarabhuṃ aṭṭhapesi, |
His psychic power made the river Sarabhu stand still; |
So gavampati asito anejo; |
Gavampati is unbound and unperturbed. |
Taṃ sabbasaṅgātigataṃ mahāmuniṃ, |
The gods bow to that great sage, who has gone beyond all clinging, |
Devā namassanti bhavassa pāragun”ti. |
and gone beyond rebirth. |
… Gavampatitthero …. |
|
1.39. Tissattheragāthā |
1.39. Tissa (1st) |
“Sattiyā viya omaṭṭho, |
Like they’re struck by a sword, |
ḍayhamānova matthake; |
like their head was on fire, |
Kāmarāgappahānāya, |
a mendicant should go forth rememberfully |
sato bhikkhu paribbaje”ti. |
to give up sensual desire. |
… Tisso thero …. |
|
1.40. Vaḍḍhamānattheragāthā |
1.40. Vaḍḍhamāna |
“Sattiyā viya omaṭṭho, |
Like they’re struck by a sword, |
ḍayhamānova matthake; |
like their head was on fire, |
Bhavarāgappahānāya, |
a mendicant should go forth rememberfully, |
sato bhikkhu paribbaje”ti. |
to give up desire for rebirth. |
… Vaḍḍhamāno thero …. |
|
1.41. Sirivaḍḍhattheragāthā |
1.41. Sirivaḍḍha |
“Vivaramanupatanti vijjutā, |
Lightning flashes down |
Vebhārassa ca paṇḍavassa ca; |
on the cleft of Vebhāra and Paṇḍava. |
Nagavivaragato ca jhāyati, |
But in the mountain cleft he is absorbed in jhāna— |
Putto appaṭimassa tādino”ti. |
the son of the Buddha, inimitable and poised. |
… Sirivaḍḍho thero …. |
|
1.42 Khadiravaniyattheragāthā |
1.42. Khadiravaniya |
“Cāle upacāle sīsūpacāle (), |
Cāla, Upacāla, and Sīsupacāla |
Patissatā nu kho viharatha; |
meditate rememberfully! |
Āgato vo vālaṃ viya vedhī”ti. |
I’ve come to you like a hair-splitter. |
… Khadiravaniyo thero …. |
|
1.43. Sumaṅgalattheragāthā |
1.43. Sumaṅgala |
“Sumuttiko sumuttiko, |
Well freed! Well freed! |
Sāhu sumuttikomhi tīhi khujjakehi; |
I’m very well freed from three crooked things: |
Asitāsu mayā naṅgalāsu mayā, |
my sickles, my ploughs, |
Khuddakuddālāsu mayā. |
and my little hoes. |
Yadipi idhameva idhameva, |
Even if they were here, right here— |
Atha vāpi alameva alameva; |
I’d be done with them, done! |
Jhāya sumaṅgala jhāya sumaṅgala, |
Practice jhāna Sumaṅgala! Practice jhāna Sumaṅgala! |
Appamatto vihara sumaṅgalā”ti. |
Stay heedful, Sumaṅgala! |
… Sumaṅgalo thero …. |
|
1.44. Sānuttheragāthā |
1.44. Sānu |
“Mataṃ vā amma rodanti, |
Mum, they weep for the dead, |
Yo vā jīvaṃ na dissati; |
or for one who’s alive but has disappeared. |
Jīvantaṃ maṃ amma passantī, |
I’m alive and you can see me, |
Kasmā maṃ amma rodasī”ti. |
so mum, why do you weep for me? |
… Sānutthero …. |
|
1.45. Ramaṇīyavihārittheragāthā |
1.45. Ramaṇīyavihārin |
“Yathāpi bhaddo ājañño, |
Though a fine thoroughbred may stumble, |
khalitvā patitiṭṭhati; |
it soon stands firm again. |
Evaṃ dassanasampannaṃ, |
Even so is one accomplished in vision, |
sammāsambuddhasāvakan”ti. |
a disciple of the Buddha. |
… Ramaṇīyavihāritthero …. |
|
1.46. Samiddhittheragāthā |
1.46. Samiddhi |
“Saddhāyāhaṃ pabbajito, |
I went forth out of faith |
Agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
from the lay life to homelessness. |
Sati paññā ca me vuḍḍhā, |
My rememberfulness and wisdom have grown, |
Cittañca susamāhitaṃ; |
my mind is undistractible-&-lucid. |
Kāmaṃ karassu rūpāni, |
Make whatever illusions you want, |
Neva maṃ byādhayissasī”ti. |
it doesn’t bother me. |
… Samiddhitthero …. |
|
1.47. Ujjayattheragāthā |
1.47. Ujjaya |
“Namo te buddha vīratthu, |
Homage to you, O Buddha, O hero, |
vippamuttosi sabbadhi; |
freed in every way! |
Tuyhāpadāne viharaṃ, |
Meditating in the fruits of your practice, |
viharāmi anāsavo”ti. |
I live without defilements. |
… Ujjayo thero …. |
|
1.48. Sañjayattheragāthā |
1.48. Sañjaya |
“Yato ahaṃ pabbajito, |
Since I went forth |
Agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
from the lay life to homelessness, |
Nābhijānāmi saṅkappaṃ, |
I’ve not been aware of any thought |
Anariyaṃ dosasaṃhitan”ti. |
that is ignoble and hateful. |
… Sañjayo thero …. |
|
1.49. Rāmaṇeyyakattheragāthā |
1.49. Rāmaṇeyyaka |
“Cihacihābhinadite, |
Even with all the sounds, |
sippikābhirutehi ca; |
the chirping and cheeping of the birds, |
Na me taṃ phandati cittaṃ, |
my mind doesn’t waver, |
ekattanirataṃ hi me”ti. |
for I’m devoted to oneness. |
… Rāmaṇeyyako thero …. |
|
1.50. Vimalattheragāthā |
1.50. Vimala (1st) |
“Dharaṇī ca siñcati vāti, |
The rain falls and the wind blows on mother earth, |
Māluto vijjutā carati nabhe; |
while lightning flashes across the sky! |
Upasamanti vitakkā, |
But my thoughts are stilled, |
Cittaṃ susamāhitaṃ mamā”ti. |
my mind is undistractible-&-lucid. |
… Vimalo thero …. |
|
1.51. Godhikattheragāthā |
1.51. Godhika |
“Vassati devo yathā sugītaṃ, |
The sky rains down, like a beautiful song. |
Channā me kuṭikā sukhā nivātā; |
My little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. |
Cittaṃ susamāhitañca mayhaṃ, |
My mind is undistractible-&-lucid: |
Atha ce patthayasi pavassa devā”ti. |
so rain, sky, as you please. |
… Godhiko thero …. |
|
1.52. Subāhuttheragāthā |
1.52. Subāhu |
“Vassati devo yathā sugītaṃ, |
The sky rains down, like a beautiful song. |
Channā me kuṭikā sukhā nivātā; |
My little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. |
Cittaṃ susamāhitañca kāye, |
My mind has become undistractible-&-lucid in my body: |
Atha ce patthayasi pavassa devā”ti. |
so rain, sky, as you please. |
… Subāhutthero …. |
|
1.53. Valliyattheragāthā |
1.53. Valliya (1st) |
“Vassati devo yathā sugītaṃ, |
The sky rains down, like a beautiful song. |
Channā me kuṭikā sukhā nivātā; |
My little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. |
Tassaṃ viharāmi appamatto, |
I meditate there, diligent: |
Atha ce patthayasi pavassa devā”ti. |
so rain, sky, as you please. |
… Valliyo thero …. |
|
1.54. Uttiyattheragāthā |
1.54. Uttiya (2nd) |
“Vassati devo yathā sugītaṃ, |
The sky rains down, like a beautiful song. |
Channā me kuṭikā sukhā nivātā; |
My little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. |
Tassaṃ viharāmi adutiyo, |
I dwell there without a partner: |
Atha ce patthayasi pavassa devā”ti. |
so rain, sky, as you please. |
… Uttiyo thero …. |
|
1.55. Añjanavaniyattheragāthā |
1.55. Añjanavaniya |
“Āsandiṃ kuṭikaṃ katvā, |
I plunged into the Añjana forest |
ogayha añjanaṃ vanaṃ; |
and made a little hut to live in. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Añjanavaniyo thero …. |
|
1.56. Kuṭivihārittheragāthā |
1.56. Kuṭivihārin (1st) |
“Ko kuṭikāyaṃ bhikkhu kuṭikāyaṃ, |
“Who is in this little hut?” “A monk is in this little hut, |
Vītarāgo susamāhitacitto; |
free of lust, his mind undistractible-&-lucid. |
Evaṃ jānāhi āvuso, |
My friend, you should know this: |
Amoghā te kuṭikā katā”ti. |
your little hut wasn’t built in vain.” |
… Kuṭivihāritthero …. |
|
1.57 Dutiyakuṭivihārittheragāthā |
1.57. Kuṭivihārin (2nd) |
“Ayamāhu purāṇiyā kuṭi, |
This was your old hut, |
Aññaṃ patthayase navaṃ kuṭiṃ; |
but you still want a new hut. |
Āsaṃ kuṭiyā virājaya, |
Let go of hope for a hut, monk! |
Dukkhā bhikkhu puna navā kuṭī”ti. |
A new hut will only bring more suffering. |
… Dutiyakuṭivihāritthero …. |
|
1.58. Ramaṇīyakuṭikattheragāthā |
1.58. Ramaṇīyakuṭika |
“Ramaṇīyā me kuṭikā, |
My little hut is pleasing, delightful, |
Saddhādeyyā manoramā; |
a gift given in faith. |
Na me attho kumārīhi, |
I’ve no need of girls: |
Yesaṃ attho tahiṃ gacchatha nāriyo”ti. |
go, ladies, to those in need! |
… Ramaṇīyakuṭiko thero …. |
|
1.59. Kosalavihārittheragāthā |
1.59. Kosalavihārin |
“Saddhāyāhaṃ pabbajito, |
I went forth out of faith |
araññe me kuṭikā katā; |
and built a little hut in the wilderness. |
Appamatto ca ātāpī, |
I’m heedful, ardent, |
sampajāno patissato”ti. |
aware, and rememberful. |
… Kosalavihāritthero …. |
|
1.60. Sīvalittheragāthā |
1.60. Sīvali |
“Te me ijjhiṃsu saṅkappā, |
My wishes—the purpose I had |
yadattho pāvisiṃ kuṭiṃ; |
for entering this hut—came true. |
Vijjāvimuttiṃ paccesaṃ, |
Abandoning the tendency to conceit, |
mānānusayamujjahan”ti. |
I’ll realize knowledge and liberation. |
… Sīvalitthero …. |
|
1.61. Vappattheragāthā |
1.61. Vappa |
“Passati passo passantaṃ, |
One who sees |
apassantañca passati; |
sees those who see and those who don’t. |
Apassanto apassantaṃ, |
One who doesn’t see |
passantañca na passatī”ti. |
sees neither. |
… Vappo thero …. |
|
1.62. Vajjiputtattheragāthā |
1.62. Vajjiputta (1st) |
“Ekakā mayaṃ araññe viharāma, |
We dwell alone in the wilderness, |
Apaviddhaṃva vanasmiṃ dārukaṃ; |
like a log rejected in a forest. |
Tassa me bahukā pihayanti, |
Lots of people are jealous of me, |
Nerayikā viya saggagāminan”ti. |
as beings in hell are of one going to heaven. |
… Vajjiputto thero …. |
|
1.63. Pakkhattheragāthā |
1.63. Pakkha |
“Cutā patanti patitā, |
They fall, collapsed and fallen; |
giddhā ca punarāgatā; |
greedy, they return. |
Kataṃ kiccaṃ rataṃ rammaṃ, |
The work is done, the joyful is enjoyed, |
sukhenanvāgataṃ sukhan”ti. |
happiness is found through happiness. |
… Pakkho thero …. |
|
1.64. Vimalakoṇḍaññattheragāthā |
1.64. Vimalakoṇḍañña |
“Dumavhayāya uppanno, |
I arose from the one named after a tree; |
jāto paṇḍaraketunā; |
I was born of the one whose banner shines. |
Ketuhā ketunāyeva, |
The banner killer has destroyed the great banner, |
mahāketuṃ padhaṃsayī”ti. |
by means of the banner itself. |
… Vimalakoṇḍañño thero …. |
|
1.65 Ukkhepakatavacchattheragāthā |
1.65. Ukkhepakatavaccha |
“Ukkhepakatavacchassa, |
Vaccha has tossed away |
Saṅkalitaṃ bahūhi vassehi; |
what he built over many years. |
Taṃ bhāsati gahaṭṭhānaṃ, |
Sitting comfortably, uplifted with joy, |
Sunisinno uḷārapāmojjo”ti. |
he teaches this to householders. |
… Ukkhepakatavaccho thero …. |
|
1.66. Meghiyattheragāthā |
1.66. Meghiya |
“Anusāsi mahāvīro, |
He counseled me, the great hero, |
sabbadhammāna pāragū; |
the one who has gone beyond all things. |
Tassāhaṃ dhammaṃ sutvāna, |
When I heard his teaching |
vihāsiṃ santike sato; |
I stayed close by him, rememberful. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Meghiyo thero …. |
|
1.67. Ekadhammasavanīyattheragāthā |
1.67. Ekadhammasavanīya |
“Kilesā jhāpitā mayhaṃ, |
My defilements have been burnt away by practicing jhāna— |
bhavā sabbe samūhatā; |
rebirth into all states of existence is eradicated, |
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṃsāro, |
transmigration through births is finished, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Ekadhammasavanīyo thero …. |
|
1.68. Ekudāniyattheragāthā |
1.68. Ekudāniya |
“Adhicetaso appamajjato, |
For a sage of higher consciousness, diligent, |
Munino monapathesu sikkhato; |
training in the ways of sagacity: |
Sokā na bhavanti tādino, |
there are no sorrows for one so poised, |
Upasantassa sadā satīmato”ti. |
calm and ever rememberful. |
… Ekudāniyo thero …. |
|
1.69. Channattheragāthā |
1.69. Channa |
“Sutvāna dhammaṃ mahato mahārasaṃ, |
Hearing the sweet Dhamma taught by the master |
Sabbaññutaññāṇavarena desitaṃ; |
of universal understanding and superior knowledge, |
Maggaṃ papajjiṃ amatassa pattiyā, |
I’ve entered the path to realize the deathless— |
So yogakkhemassa pathassa kovido”ti. |
he is the expert on the road to sanctuary. |
… Channo thero …. |
|
1.70. Puṇṇattheragāthā |
1.70. Puṇṇa (2nd) |
“Sīlameva idha aggaṃ, |
Ethical conduct is best in this life, |
paññavā pana uttamo; |
but one with wisdom is supreme. |
Manussesu ca devesu, |
Someone with both virtue and wisdom |
sīlapaññāṇato jayan”ti. |
is victorious among men and gods. |
… Puṇṇo thero …. |
|
1.71. Vacchapālattheragāthā |
1.71. Vacchapāla |
“Susukhumanipuṇatthadassinā, |
For one who sees the goal, so very subtle and fine; |
Matikusalena nivātavuttinā; |
who is skilled in thought and humble in manner; |
Saṃsevitavuddhasīlinā, |
who has cultivated mature ethics, |
Nibbānaṃ na hi tena dullabhan”ti. |
it’s not hard to gain Nirvana. |
… Vacchapālo thero …. |
|
1.72. Ātumattheragāthā |
1.72. Ātuma |
“Yathā kaḷīro susu vaḍḍhitaggo, |
A young bamboo is hard to extract |
Dunnikkhamo hoti pasākhajāto; |
when the point is grown and become all woody. |
Evaṃ ahaṃ bhariyāyānitāya, |
That’s how I feel with the wife who was arranged for me. |
Anumaññaṃ maṃ pabbajitomhi dānī”ti. |
Give me permission—now I’ve gone forth. |
… Ātumo thero …. |
|
1.73. Māṇavattheragāthā |
1.73. Māṇava |
“Jiṇṇañca disvā dukhitañca byādhitaṃ, |
Seeing an old person, and one suffering from disease, |
Matañca disvā gatamāyusaṅkhayaṃ; |
and a corpse come to the end of life, |
Tato ahaṃ nikkhamitūna pabbajiṃ, |
I went forth, becoming a wanderer, |
Pahāya kāmāni manoramānī”ti. |
and giving up the pleasures of the senses. |
… Māṇavo thero …. |
|
1.74. Suyāmanattheragāthā |
1.74. Suyāmana |
“Kāmacchando ca byāpādo, |
Sensual desire, ill will, |
Thinamiddhañca bhikkhuno; |
dullness and drowsiness, |
Uddhaccaṃ vicikicchā ca, |
restlessness, and doubt |
Sabbasova na vijjatī”ti. |
are not found in a monk at all. |
… Suyāmano thero …. |
|
1.75. Susāradattheragāthā |
1.75. Susārada |
“Sādhu suvihitāna dassanaṃ, |
Good is the sight of those who’ve practiced well: |
Kaṅkhā chijjati buddhi vaḍḍhati; |
doubt is cut off and intelligence grows— |
Bālampi karonti paṇḍitaṃ, |
even a fool grows wise! |
Tasmā sādhu sataṃ samāgamo”ti. |
That’s why it’s good to meet good people. |
… Susārado thero …. |
|
1.76. Piyañjahattheragāthā |
1.76. Piyañjaha |
“Uppatantesu nipate, |
Settle down when others spring up; |
nipatantesu uppate; |
spring up when others settle down. |
Vase avasamānesu, |
Remain when others have departed; |
ramamānesu no rame”ti. |
don’t delight when others delight. |
… Piyañjaho thero …. |
|
1.77. Hatthārohaputtattheragāthā |
1.77. Hatthārohaputta |
“Idaṃ pure cittamacāri cārikaṃ, |
In the past my mind wandered |
Yenicchakaṃ yatthakāmaṃ yathāsukhaṃ; |
how it wished, where it liked, as it pleased. |
Tadajjahaṃ niggahessāmi yoniso, |
Now I’ll carefully guide it, |
Hatthippabhinnaṃ viya aṅkusaggaho”ti. |
as a trainer with a hook guides a rutting elephant. |
… Hatthārohaputto thero …. |
|
1.78. Meṇḍasirattheragāthā |
1.78. Meṇḍasira |
“Anekajātisaṃsāraṃ, |
Transmigrating through countless rebirths, |
sandhāvissaṃ anibbisaṃ; |
I’ve journeyed without reward. |
Tassa me dukkhajātassa, |
I’ve suffered, but now |
dukkhakkhandho aparaddho”ti. |
the mass of suffering has fallen away. |
… Meṇḍasiro thero …. |
|
1.79. Rakkhitattheragāthā |
1.79. Rakkhita |
“Sabbo rāgo pahīno me, |
All my lust is given up, |
sabbo doso samūhato; |
all my hate is eradicated, |
Sabbo me vigato moho, |
all my delusion is gone: |
sītibhūtosmi nibbuto”ti. |
I’m cooled, Nirvana'd. |
… Rakkhito thero …. |
|
1.80. Uggattheragāthā |
1.80. Ugga |
“Yaṃ mayā pakataṃ kammaṃ, |
Whatever actions I have performed, |
appaṃ vā yadi vā bahuṃ; |
whether trivial or important, |
Sabbametaṃ parikkhīṇaṃ, |
are all completely exhausted: |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Uggo thero …. |
|
1.81. Samitiguttattheragāthā |
1.81. Samitigutta |
“Yaṃ mayā pakataṃ pāpaṃ, |
Whatever bad things I’ve done |
pubbe aññāsu jātisu; |
in previous lives, |
Idheva taṃ vedanīyaṃ, |
are to be experienced right here, |
vatthu aññaṃ na vijjatī”ti. |
not in any other place. |
… Samitigutto thero …. |
|
1.82. Kassapattheragāthā |
1.82. Kassapa |
“Yena yena subhikkhāni, |
Go, child, to any place |
sivāni abhayāni ca; |
where there’s plenty of food, |
Tena puttaka gacchassu, |
where it’s safe and free of peril— |
mā sokāpahato bhavā”ti. |
may you not be overcome by sorrow! |
… Kassapo thero …. |
|
1.83. Sīhattheragāthā |
1.83. Sīha |
“Sīhappamatto vihara, |
Meditate diligently, Sīha, |
rattindivamatandito; |
tireless all day and night. |
Bhāvehi kusalaṃ dhammaṃ, |
Develop skillful qualities, |
jaha sīghaṃ samussayan”ti. |
and quickly discard this bag of bones. |
… Sīho thero …. |
|
1.84. Nītattheragāthā |
1.84. Nīta |
“Sabbarattiṃ supitvāna, |
Sleeping all night, |
divā saṅgaṇike rato; |
happily socializing by day, |
Kudāssu nāma dummedho, |
when will the fool |
dukkhassantaṃ karissatī”ti. |
make an end of suffering? |
… Nīto thero …. |
|
1.85. Sunāgattheragāthā |
1.85. Sunāga |
“Cittanimittassa kovido, |
Skilled in the patterns of the mind, |
Pavivekarasaṃ vijāniya; |
understanding the sweetness of seclusion, |
Jhāyaṃ nipako patissato, |
practicing jhāna, alert, rememberful: |
Adhigaccheyya sukhaṃ nirāmisan”ti. |
such a person would realize spiritual happiness. |
… Sunāgo thero …. |
|
1.86. Nāgitattheragāthā |
1.86. Nāgita |
“Ito bahiddhā puthu aññavādinaṃ, |
Elsewhere there are many other doctrines; |
Maggo na nibbānagamo yathā ayaṃ; |
those paths don’t lead to quenching like this one does. |
Itissu saṃghaṃ bhagavānusāsati, |
For the Buddha himself instructs the Saṅgha; |
Satthā sayaṃ pāṇitaleva dassayan”ti. |
the Teacher shows the palms of his hands. |
… Nāgito thero …. |
|
1.87. Paviṭṭhattheragāthā |
1.87. Paviṭṭha |
“Khandhā diṭṭhā yathābhūtaṃ, |
The aggregates are seen as they truly are; |
bhavā sabbe padālitā; |
all rebirths are shattered; |
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṃsāro, |
transmigration is finished; |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Paviṭṭho thero …. |
|
1.88. Ajjunattheragāthā |
1.88. Ajjuna |
“Asakkhiṃ vata attānaṃ, |
I was able to lift myself up |
uddhātuṃ udakā thalaṃ; |
from the water to the shore. |
Vuyhamāno mahogheva, |
While being swept away by the great flood, |
saccāni paṭivijjhahan”ti. |
I penetrated the truths. |
… Ajjuno thero …. |
|
1.89. (Paṭhama) Devasabhattheragāthā |
1.89. Devasabha (1st) |
“Uttiṇṇā paṅkapalipā, |
I’ve crossed the bogs, |
pātālā parivajjitā; |
I’ve avoided the cliffs, |
Mutto oghā ca ganthā ca, |
I’m freed from floods and ties, |
sabbe mānā visaṃhatā”ti. |
and I've wiped out all conceit. |
… Devasabho thero …. |
|
1.90. Sāmidattattheragāthā |
1.90. Sāmidatta |
“Pañcakkhandhā pariññātā, |
The five aggregates are fully understood; |
tiṭṭhanti chinnamūlakā; |
they remain, but their root is cut. |
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṃsāro, |
Transmigration is finished, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Sāmidatto thero …. |
|
1.91. Paripuṇṇakattheragāthā |
1.91. Paripuṇṇaka |
“Na tathā mataṃ satarasaṃ, |
What I consumed today is considered better |
Sudhannaṃ yaṃ mayajja paribhuttaṃ; |
than delicious grain of a hundred flavors— |
Aparimitadassinā gotamena, |
the Dhamma taught by the Buddha, |
Buddhena desito dhammo”ti. |
Gotama of infinite vision. |
… Paripuṇṇako thero …. |
|
1.92. Vijayattheragāthā |
1.92. Vijaya |
“Yassāsavā parikkhīṇā, |
One whose defilements have ended; |
āhāre ca anissito; |
who’s not attached to food; |
Suññato animitto ca, |
whose resort is the liberation |
vimokkho yassa gocaro; |
of the signless and the empty: |
Ākāseva sakuntānaṃ, |
their track is hard to trace, |
padaṃ tassa durannayan”ti. |
like birds in the sky. |
… Vijayo thero …. |
|
1.93. Erakattheragāthā |
1.93. Eraka |
“Dukkhā kāmā eraka, |
Sensual pleasures are suffering, Eraka! |
Na sukhā kāmā eraka; |
Sensual pleasures aren’t happiness, Eraka! |
Yo kāme kāmayati, |
One who enjoys sensual pleasures |
Dukkhaṃ so kāmayati eraka; |
enjoys suffering, Eraka! |
Yo kāme na kāmayati, |
One who doesn’t enjoy sensual pleasures |
Dukkhaṃ so na kāmayati erakā”ti. |
doesn’t enjoy suffering, Eraka! |
… Erako thero …. |
|
1.94. Mettajittheragāthā |
1.94. Mettaji |
“Namo hi tassa bhagavato, |
Homage to that Blessed One, |
sakyaputtassa sirīmato; |
the glorious Sakyan! |
Tenāyaṃ aggappattena, |
Having reached the best, |
aggadhammo sudesito”ti. |
he beautifully taught the best teaching. |
… Mettaji thero …. |
|
1.95. Cakkhupālattheragāthā |
1.95. Cakkhupāla |
“Andhohaṃ hatanettosmi, |
I’m blind, my eyes are ruined, |
kantāraddhānapakkhando; |
I’m traveling a desolate road. |
Sayamānopi gacchissaṃ, |
Even if I have to crawl I’ll keep going— |
na sahāyena pāpenā”ti. |
though not with wicked companions. |
… Cakkhupālo thero …. |
|
1.96. Khaṇḍasumanattheragāthā |
1.96. Khaṇḍasumana |
“Ekapupphaṃ cajitvāna, |
I offered a single flower |
asīti vassakoṭiyo; |
and then amused myself in heavens |
Saggesu paricāretvā, |
for 800 million years; |
sesakenamhi nibbuto”ti. |
with what’s left over I’ve become quenched. |
… Khaṇḍasumano thero …. |
|
1.97. Tissattheragāthā |
1.97. Tissa (2nd) |
“Hitvā satapalaṃ kaṃsaṃ, |
Giving up a valuable bronze bowl, |
Sovaṇṇaṃ satarājikaṃ; |
and a precious golden one, too, |
Aggahiṃ mattikāpattaṃ, |
I took a bowl made of clay: |
Idaṃ dutiyābhisecanan”ti. |
this is my second initiation. |
… Tisso thero …. |
|
1.98. Abhayattheragāthā |
1.98. Abhaya |
“Rūpaṃ disvā sati muṭṭhā, |
When you see a sight, rememberfulness is lost |
Piyaṃ nimittaṃ manasikaroto; |
as attention latches on a pleasant feature. |
Sārattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, |
Tañca ajjhosa tiṭṭhati; |
you keep clinging to it. |
Tassa vaḍḍhanti āsavā, |
Your defilements grow, |
Bhavamūlopagāmino”ti. |
leading to the root of rebirth. |
… Abhayo thero …. |
|
1.99. Uttiyattheragāthā |
1.99. Uttiya (3rd) |
“Saddaṃ sutvā sati muṭṭhā, |
When you hear a sound, rememberfulness is lost |
Piyaṃ nimittaṃ manasikaroto; |
as attention latches on a pleasant feature. |
Sārattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, |
Tañca ajjhosa tiṭṭhati; |
you keep clinging to it. |
Tassa vaḍḍhanti āsavā, |
Your defilements grow, |
Saṃsāraṃ upagāmino”ti. |
leading to transmigration. |
… Uttiyo thero …. |
|
1.100. (Dutiya) Devasabhattheragāthā |
1.100. Devasabha (2nd) |
“Sammappadhānasampanno, |
Accomplished in the four right efforts, |
Satipaṭṭhānagocaro; |
rememberfulness meditation is your territory; |
Vimuttikusumasañchanno, |
festooned with the flowers of liberation, |
Parinibbissatyanāsavo”ti. |
you’ll realize quenching without defilements. |
… Devasabho thero …. |
|
1.101. Belaṭṭhānikattheragāthā |
1.101. Belaṭṭhānika |
“Hitvā gihittaṃ anavositatto, |
He’s given up the household life, but he has no purpose. |
Mukhanaṅgalī odariko kusīto; |
Living for his belly, lazy, he uses his snout as a plow, |
Mahāvarāhova nivāpapuṭṭho, |
like a great hog stuffed with grain. |
Punappunaṃ gabbhamupeti mando”ti. |
That idiot is reborn again and again. |
… Belaṭṭhāniko thero …. |
|
1.102. Setucchattheragāthā |
1.102. Setuccha |
“Mānena vañcitāse, |
Deceived by conceit, |
Saṅkhāresu saṅkilissamānāse; |
defiled among conditions, |
Lābhālābhena mathitā, |
oppressed by gain and loss, |
Samādhiṃ nādhigacchantī”ti. |
they don’t reach undistractible-lucidity. |
… Setuccho thero …. |
|
1.103. Bandhurattheragāthā |
1.103. Bandhura |
“Nāhaṃ etena atthiko, |
I don’t need this— |
Sukhito dhammarasena tappito; |
I’m happy and satisfied with the sweet teaching. |
Pitvā rasaggamuttamaṃ, |
I’ve drunk the best, the supreme nectar: |
Na ca kāhāmi visena santhavan”ti. |
I won’t go near poison. |
… Bandhuro thero …. |
|
1.104. Khitakattheragāthā |
1.104. Khitaka |
“Lahuko vata me kāyo, |
Hey! My body is light, |
Phuṭṭho ca pītisukhena vipulena; |
full of so much rapture and happiness. |
Tūlamiva eritaṃ mālutena, |
My body feels like it’s floating, |
Pilavatīva me kāyo”ti. |
like cotton in the wind. |
… Khitako thero …. |
|
1.105. Malitavambhattheragāthā |
1.105. Malitavambha |
“Ukkaṇṭhitopi na vase, |
Dissatisfied, one should not stay; |
ramamānopi pakkame; |
and even if happy, one should depart. |
Na tvevānatthasaṃhitaṃ, |
One who sees clearly wouldn’t stay |
vase vāsaṃ vicakkhaṇo”ti. |
in a place that was not conducive to the goal. |
… Malitavambho thero …. |
|
1.106. Suhemantattheragāthā |
1.106. Suhemanta |
“Sataliṅgassa atthassa, |
Though the meaning has a hundred facets, |
satalakkhaṇadhārino; |
and bears a hundred characteristics, |
Ekaṅgadassī dummedho, |
the fool sees only one factor, |
satadassī ca paṇḍito”ti. |
while the sage sees a hundred. |
… Suhemanto thero …. |
|
1.107. Dhammasavattheragāthā |
1.107. Dhammasava |
“Pabbajiṃ tulayitvāna, |
After investigating, I went forth |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
from the lay life to homelessness. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Dhammasavo thero …. |
|
1.108. Dhammasavapituttheragāthā |
1.108. Dhammasavapitu |
“Sa vīsavassasatiko, |
At 120 years old |
pabbajiṃ anagāriyaṃ; |
I went forth to homelessness. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Dhammasavapitu thero …. |
|
1.109. Saṃgharakkhitattheragāthā |
1.109. Saṃgharakkhita |
“Na nūnāyaṃ paramahitānukampino, |
Even on retreat he doesn’t heed the counsel |
Rahogato anuvigaṇeti sāsanaṃ; |
of the one with supreme compassion for his welfare. |
Tathāhayaṃ viharati pākatindriyo, |
He lives with unrestrained faculties, |
Migī yathā taruṇajātikā vane”ti. |
like a young deer in the woods. |
… Saṃgharakkhito thero …. |
|
1.110. Usabhattheragāthā |
1.110. Usabha (1st) |
“Nagā nagaggesu susaṃvirūḷhā, |
The trees on the mountain-tops have grown tall, |
Udaggameghena navena sittā; |
freshly sprinkled by towering clouds. |
Vivekakāmassa araññasaññino, |
For Usabha, who loves seclusion, and who thinks only of wilderness, |
Janeti bhiyyo usabhassa kalyatan”ti. |
goodness flourishes more and more. |
… Usabho thero …. |
|
1.111. Jentattheragāthā |
1.111. Jenta |
“Duppabbajjaṃ ve duradhivāsā gehā, |
Going forth is hard; living at home is hard; |
Dhammo gambhīro duradhigamā bhogā; |
Dhamma is profound; money is hard to come by. |
Kicchā vutti no itarītareneva, |
Getting by is difficult for we who accept whatever comes, |
Yuttaṃ cintetuṃ satatamaniccatan”ti. |
so we should always think about impermanence. |
… Jento thero …. |
|
1.112. Vacchagottattheragāthā |
1.112. Vacchagotta |
“Tevijjohaṃ mahājhāyī, |
I am a master of the three knowledges, I’m a great meditator, |
cetosamathakovido; |
an expert in serenity of heart. |
Sadattho me anuppatto, |
I’ve realized my own true goal |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Vacchagotto thero …. |
|
1.113. Vanavacchattheragāthā |
1.113. Vanavaccha (2nd) |
“Acchodikā puthusilā, |
The water’s clear and the rocks are broad, |
gonaṅgulamigāyutā; |
monkeys and deer are all around; |
Ambusevālasañchannā, |
festooned with dewy moss, |
te selā ramayanti man”ti. |
these rocky crags delight me! |
… Vanavaccho thero …. |
|
1.114. Adhimuttattheragāthā |
1.114. Adhimutta (1st) |
“Kāyaduṭṭhullagaruno, |
Your body is uncomfortably heavy, |
hiyyamānamhi jīvite; |
and life is running out; |
Sarīrasukhagiddhassa, |
greedy for physical pleasure, |
kuto samaṇasādhutā”ti. |
how can you find happiness as an ascetic? |
… Adhimutto thero …. |
|
1.115. Mahānāmattheragāthā |
1.115. Mahānāma |
“Esāvahiyyase pabbatena, |
By Mount Nesādaka, |
Bahukuṭajasallakikena; |
with its famous covering |
Nesādakena girinā, |
of abundant shrubs and trees, |
Yasassinā paricchadenā”ti. |
you’re found deficient. |
… Mahānāmo thero …. |
|
1.116 Pārāpariyattheragāthā |
1.116. Pārāpariya (1st) |
“Chaphassāyatane hitvā, |
I’ve given up the six spheres of sense-contact, |
guttadvāro susaṃvuto; |
my sense-doors are guarded and well restrained; |
Aghamūlaṃ vamitvāna, |
I’ve ejected the root of misery |
patto me āsavakkhayo”ti. |
and attained the ending of defilements. |
… Pārāpariyo thero …. |
|
1.117. Yasattheragāthā |
1.117. Yasa |
“Suvilitto suvasano, |
I’m well-anointed and well-dressed, |
sabbābharaṇabhūsito; |
adorned with all my jewellery. |
Tisso vijjā ajjhagamiṃ, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Yaso thero …. |
|
1.118. Kimilattheragāthā |
1.118. Kimbila (1st) |
“Abhisattova nipatati, |
Old age falls like a curse; |
Vayo rūpaṃ aññamiva tatheva santaṃ; |
it’s the same body, but it seems like someone else’s. |
Tasseva sato avippavasato, |
I remember myself as if I were someone else, |
Aññasseva sarāmi attānan”ti. |
but I’m still the same, I haven’t been away. |
… Kimilo thero …. |
|
1.119. Vajjiputtattheragāthā |
1.119. Vajjiputta (2nd) |
“Rukkhamūlagahanaṃ pasakkiya, |
You’ve left for the jungle, the root of a tree, |
Nibbānaṃ hadayasmiṃ opiya; |
with quenching in your heart. |
Jhāya gotama mā ca pamādo, |
Practice jhāna, Gotama, don’t be negligent! |
Kiṃ te biḷibiḷikā karissatī”ti. |
What is this hullabaloo to you? |
… Vajjiputto thero …. |
|
1.120. Isidattattheragāthā |
1.120. Isidatta |
“Pañcakkhandhā pariññātā, |
The five aggregates are fully understood, |
tiṭṭhanti chinnamūlakā; |
they remain, but their root is cut. |
Dukkhakkhayo anuppatto, |
I have reached the end of suffering |
patto me āsavakkhayo”ti. |
and attained the ending of defilements. |
… Isidatto thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
dukanipāta |
the book of the twos |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
2.1. Uttarattheragāthā |
2.1. Uttara (1st) |
“Natthi koci bhavo nicco, |
No life is permanent, |
saṅkhārā vāpi sassatā; |
and no conditions last forever. |
Uppajjanti ca te khandhā, |
The aggregates are reborn |
cavanti aparāparaṃ. |
and pass away, again and again. |
Etamādīnavaṃ ñatvā, |
Knowing this danger, |
bhavenamhi anatthiko; |
I don’t need another life. |
Nissaṭo sabbakāmehi, |
I’ve escaped all sensual pleasures, |
patto me āsavakkhayo”ti. |
and attained the ending of defilements. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā uttaro thero gāthāyo abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that these verses were recited by the senior venerable Uttara. |
2.2. Piṇḍolabhāradvājattheragāthā |
2.2. Piṇḍolabhāradvāja |
“Nayidaṃ anayena jīvitaṃ, |
You can’t live by fasting, |
Nāhāro hadayassa santiko; |
but food doesn’t lead to peace of heart. |
Āhāraṭṭhitiko samussayo, |
Seeing how this bag of bones is sustained by food, |
Iti disvāna carāmi esanaṃ. |
I wander, seeking. |
Paṅkoti hi naṃ pavedayuṃ, |
They know it’s just a swamp, |
Yāyaṃ vandanapūjanā kulesu; |
this homage and veneration in respectable families. |
Sukhumaṃ sallaṃ durubbahaṃ, |
Honor is a subtle dart, hard to extract, |
Sakkāro kāpurisena dujjaho”ti. |
and hard for a sinner to give up. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā piṇḍolabhāradvājo thero gāthāyo abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that these verses were recited by the senior venerable Piṇḍolabhāradvāja. |
2.3. Valliyattheragāthā |
2.3. Valliya (2nd) |
“Makkaṭo pañcadvārāyaṃ, |
A monkey went up to the little hut |
kuṭikāyaṃ pasakkiya; |
with five doors. |
Dvārena anupariyeti, |
He circles around, knocking |
ghaṭṭayanto muhuṃ muhuṃ. |
on each door, again and again. |
Tiṭṭha makkaṭa mā dhāvi, |
Stand still monkey, don’t run! |
na hi te taṃ yathā pure; |
Things are different now; |
Niggahītosi paññāya, |
you’ve been caught by wisdom— |
neva dūraṃ gamissatī”ti. |
you won’t go far. |
… Valliyo thero …. |
|
2.4. Gaṅgātīriyattheragāthā |
2.4. Gaṅgātīriya |
“Tiṇṇaṃ me tālapattānaṃ, |
My hut on the bank of the Ganges |
gaṅgātīre kuṭī katā; |
is made from three palm leaves. |
Chavasittova me patto, |
My alms-bowl is a funeral pot, |
paṃsukūlañca cīvaraṃ. |
my robe is cast-off rags. |
Dvinnaṃ antaravassānaṃ, |
In my first two rainy seasons |
ekā vācā me bhāsitā; |
I spoke only one word. |
Tatiye antaravassamhi, |
In my third rainy season |
tamokhandho padālito”ti. |
the mass of darkness was shattered. |
… Gaṅgātīriyo thero …. |
|
2.5. Ajinattheragāthā |
2.5. Ajina |
“Api ce hoti tevijjo, |
Even a master of the three knowledges, |
maccuhāyī anāsavo; |
who has conquered death, and is without defilements, |
Appaññātoti naṃ bālā, |
is looked down on for being unknown |
avajānanti ajānatā. |
by ignorant fools. |
Yo ca kho annapānassa, |
But any person here |
lābhī hotidha puggalo; |
who gets food and drink |
Pāpadhammopi ce hoti, |
is honored by them, |
so nesaṃ hoti sakkato”ti. |
even if they are of bad character. |
… Ajino thero …. |
|
2.6 Meḷajinattheragāthā |
2.6. Meḷajina |
“Yadāhaṃ dhammamassosiṃ, |
When I heard the Teacher |
bhāsamānassa satthuno; |
speaking Dhamma, |
Na kaṅkhamabhijānāmi, |
I wasn’t aware of any doubt |
sabbaññūaparājite. |
in the all-knowing, unconquered one, |
Satthavāhe mahāvīre, |
the caravan leader, the great hero, |
sārathīnaṃ varuttame; |
the most excellent of charioteers. |
Magge paṭipadāyaṃ vā, |
I have no doubt |
kaṅkhā mayhaṃ na vijjatī”ti. |
in the path or practice. |
… Meḷajino thero …. |
|
2.7. Rādhattheragāthā |
2.7. Rādha |
“Yathā agāraṃ ducchannaṃ, |
Just as rain seeps into |
vuṭṭhī samativijjhati; |
a poorly roofed house, |
Evaṃ abhāvitaṃ cittaṃ, |
lust seeps into |
rāgo samativijjhati. |
an undeveloped mind. |
Yathā agāraṃ succhannaṃ, |
Just as rain doesn’t seep into |
Vuṭṭhī na samativijjhati; |
a well roofed house, |
Evaṃ subhāvitaṃ cittaṃ, |
lust doesn’t seep into |
Rāgo na samativijjhatī”ti. |
a well-developed mind. |
… Rādho thero …. |
|
2.8. Surādhattheragāthā |
2.8. Surādha |
“Khīṇā hi mayhaṃ jāti, |
Rebirth is ended for me; |
vusitaṃ jinasāsanaṃ; |
the victor’s instruction is fulfilled; |
Pahīno jālasaṅkhāto, |
what they call a “net” is given up; |
bhavanetti samūhatā. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated. |
Yassatthāya pabbajito, |
I’ve reached the goal |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
for the sake of which I went forth |
So me attho anuppatto, |
from the lay life to homelessness: |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhayo”ti. |
the ending of all fetters. |
… Surādho thero …. |
|
2.9. Gotamattheragāthā |
2.9. Gotama (1st) |
“Sukhaṃ supanti munayo, |
Sages sleep happily |
ye itthīsu na bajjhare; |
when they’re not bound to women. |
Sadā ve rakkhitabbāsu, |
For the truth is hard to find among them |
yāsu saccaṃ sudullabhaṃ. |
and one must always be guarded. |
Vadhaṃ carimha te kāma, |
Sensual pleasure, you’ve been slain! |
anaṇā dāni te mayaṃ; |
We’re not in your debt any more. |
Gacchāma dāni nibbānaṃ, |
Now we go to quenching, |
yattha gantvā na socatī”ti. |
where there is no sorrow. |
… Gotamo thero …. |
|
2.10. Vasabhattheragāthā |
2.10. Vasabha |
“Pubbe hanati attānaṃ, |
First one kills oneself, |
pacchā hanati so pare; |
then one kills others. |
Suhataṃ hanti attānaṃ, |
One kills oneself, really dead, |
vītaṃseneva pakkhimā. |
like one who kills birds using a dead bird as a decoy. |
Na brāhmaṇo bahivaṇṇo, |
A holy man’s color is not on the outside; |
anto vaṇṇo hi brāhmaṇo; |
a holy man is colored on the inside. |
Yasmiṃ pāpāni kammāni, |
Whoever harbors bad deeds |
sa ve kaṇho sujampatī”ti. |
is truly a dark one, Sujampati. |
… Vasabho thero …. |
|
Vaggo paṭhamo. |
|
2.11. Mahācundattheragāthā |
“Sussūsā sutavaddhanī, |
2.11. Mahācunda |
sutaṃ paññāya vaddhanaṃ; |
It’s from wishing to learn that learning grows; |
Paññāya atthaṃ jānāti, |
when you’re learned, wisdom grows; |
ñāto attho sukhāvaho. |
by wisdom, you know the goal; |
Sevetha pantāni senāsanāni, |
knowing the goal brings happiness. |
Careyya saṃyojanavippamokkhaṃ; |
You should frequent remote lodgings |
Sace ratiṃ nādhigaccheyya tattha, |
and practice to be released from fetters. |
Saṃghe vase rakkhitatto satimā”ti. |
If you don’t find enjoyment there, |
… Mahācundo thero …. |
live in the Saṅgha, self-guarded and rememberful. |
2.12. Jotidāsattheragāthā |
2.12. Jotidāsa |
“Ye kho te veṭhamissena, |
People who act harshly— |
nānattena ca kammunā; |
attacking people, |
Manusse uparundhanti, |
tying them up, |
pharusūpakkamā janā; |
hurting them in all kinds of ways— |
Tepi tattheva kīranti, |
they’re treated in the same way; |
na hi kammaṃ panassati. |
their deeds don’t vanish. |
Yaṃ karoti naro kammaṃ, |
Whatever deeds a person does, |
Kalyāṇaṃ yadi pāpakaṃ; |
whether good or bad, |
Tassa tasseva dāyādo, |
they are the heir to each |
Yaṃ yaṃ kammaṃ pakubbatī”ti. |
and every deed they do. |
… Jotidāso thero …. |
|
2.13. Heraññakānittheragāthā |
2.13. Heraññakāni |
“Accayanti ahorattā, |
The days and nights rush by, |
jīvitaṃ uparujjhati; |
and then life is cut short. |
Āyu khīyati maccānaṃ, |
The life of mortals wastes away, |
kunnadīnaṃva odakaṃ. |
like the water in tiny streams. |
Atha pāpāni kammāni, |
But while doing bad deeds |
karaṃ bālo na bujjhati; |
the fool doesn’t realize— |
Pacchāssa kaṭukaṃ hoti, |
it’ll be bitter later on; |
vipāko hissa pāpako”ti. |
for the result will be bad for them. |
… Heraññakānitthero …. |
|
2.14 Somamittattheragāthā |
2.14. Somamitta |
“Parittaṃ dārumāruyha, |
If you’re lost in the middle of a great sea, |
yathā sīde mahaṇṇave; |
and you clamber up on a little log, you’ll sink. |
Evaṃ kusītamāgamma, |
So too, a person who lives well |
sādhujīvīpi sīdati; |
sinks by relying on a lazy person. |
Tasmā taṃ parivajjeyya, |
Hence you should avoid such |
kusītaṃ hīnavīriyaṃ. |
a lazy person who lacks energy. |
Pavivittehi ariyehi, |
Dwell with the noble ones |
pahitattehi jhāyibhi; |
who are secluded and determined |
Niccaṃ āraddhavīriyehi, |
and always energetic; |
paṇḍitehi sahāvase”ti. |
the astute who practice jhāna. |
… Somamitto thero …. |
|
2.15. Sabbamittattheragāthā |
2.15. Sabbamitta |
“Jano janamhi sambaddho, |
People are attached to people; |
janamevassito jano; |
people depend on people; |
Jano janena heṭhīyati, |
people are hurt by people; |
heṭheti ca jano janaṃ. |
and people hurt people. |
Ko hi tassa janenattho, |
So what’s the point of people, |
janena janitena vā; |
or those born of people? |
Janaṃ ohāya gacchaṃ taṃ, |
Go, abandon these people, |
heṭhayitvā bahuṃ janan”ti. |
who’ve hurt so many people. |
… Sabbamitto thero …. |
|
2.16. Mahākāḷattheragāthā |
2.16. Mahākāḷa |
“Kāḷī itthī brahatī dhaṅkarūpā, |
There’s a big black woman who looks like a crow. |
Satthiñca bhetvā aparañca satthiṃ; |
She broke off thigh-bones, first one then another; |
Bāhañca bhetvā aparañca bāhaṃ, |
she broke off arm-bones, first one then another; |
Sīsañca bhetvā dadhithālakaṃva; |
she broke off a skull like a curd-bowl, and then |
Esā nisinnā abhisandahitvā. |
arranged them and sat nearby. |
Yo ve avidvā upadhiṃ karoti, |
When an ignorant person builds up attachments, |
Punappunaṃ dukkhamupeti mando; |
that idiot returns to suffering again and again. |
Tasmā pajānaṃ upadhiṃ na kayirā, |
So let one who understands not build up attachments: |
Māhaṃ puna bhinnasiro sayissan”ti. |
may I never again lie with a broken skull! |
… Mahākāḷo thero …. |
|
2.17. Tissattheragāthā |
2.17. Tissa (3rd) |
“Bahū sapatte labhati, |
A shaven one wrapped in the outer robe |
muṇḍo saṅghāṭipāruto; |
gets many enemies |
Lābhī annassa pānassa, |
when they receive food and drink, |
vatthassa sayanassa ca. |
clothes and lodgings. |
Etamādīnavaṃ ñatvā, |
Knowing this danger, |
sakkāresu mahabbhayaṃ; |
this great fear in honors, |
Appalābho anavassuto, |
a mendicant should go forth rememberfully, |
sato bhikkhu paribbaje”ti. |
with few possessions, not full of desire. |
… Tisso thero …. |
|
2.18 Kimilattheragāthā |
2.18. Kimbila (2nd) |
“Pācīnavaṃsadāyamhi, |
In Pācīnavaṃsa grove |
sakyaputtā sahāyakā; |
the companions of the Sakyans, |
Pahāyānappake bhoge, |
having given up great wealth, |
uñchāpattāgate ratā. |
are happy with the scraps in their bowls. |
Āraddhavīriyā pahitattā, |
Energetic, resolute, |
Niccaṃ daḷhaparakkamā; |
always staunchly vigorous; |
Ramanti dhammaratiyā, |
having given up mundane delights, |
Hitvāna lokiyaṃ ratin”ti. |
they enjoy the delights of the Dhamma. |
… Kimilo thero …. |
|
2.19. Nandattheragāthā |
2.19. Nanda |
“Ayoniso manasikārā, |
Because of focusing on the wrong things, |
maṇḍanaṃ anuyuñjisaṃ; |
I was addicted to ornamentation. |
Uddhato capalo cāsiṃ, |
I was vain, fickle, |
kāmarāgena aṭṭito. |
racked by desire for pleasures of the senses. |
Upāyakusalenāhaṃ, |
But with the help of the Buddha, |
buddhenādiccabandhunā; |
the Kinsman of the Sun, so skilled in means, |
Yoniso paṭipajjitvā, |
I practiced properly and extracted |
bhave cittaṃ udabbahin”ti. |
attachment to continued existence from my mind. |
… Nando thero …. |
|
2.20. Sirimattheragāthā |
2.20. Sirima |
“Pare ca naṃ pasaṃsanti, |
If others praise one |
attā ce asamāhito; |
who has no undistractible-lucidity, |
Moghaṃ pare pasaṃsanti, |
they praise in vain, |
attā hi asamāhito. |
as one has no undistractible-lucidity. |
Pare ca naṃ garahanti, |
If others rebuke one |
attā ce susamāhito; |
who does have undistractible-lucidity, |
Moghaṃ pare garahanti, |
they rebuke in vain, |
attā hi susamāhito”ti. |
as one does have undistractible-lucidity. |
… Sirimā thero …. |
|
2.21. Uttarattheragāthā |
2.21. Uttara (2nd) |
“Khandhā mayā pariññātā, |
I’ve fully understood the aggregates; |
taṇhā me susamūhatā; |
I’ve eradicated craving; |
Bhāvitā mama bojjhaṅgā, |
I’ve developed the factors of awakening, |
patto me āsavakkhayo. |
I’ve attained the ending of defilements. |
Sohaṃ khandhe pariññāya, |
Having fully understood the aggregates, |
abbahitvāna jāliniṃ; |
having plucked out the weaver of the web, |
Bhāvayitvāna bojjhaṅge, |
having developed the factors of awakening, |
nibbāyissaṃ anāsavo”ti. |
I’ll be quenched without defilements. |
… Uttaro thero …. |
|
2.22. Bhaddajittheragāthā |
2.22. Bhaddaji |
“Panādo nāma so rājā, |
There was a king named Panāda |
yassa yūpo suvaṇṇayo; |
who had a sacrificial post all golden. |
Tiriyaṃ soḷasubbedho, |
Its height was sixteen times its width, |
ubbhamāhu sahassadhā. |
and the top was a thousand-fold. |
Sahassakaṇḍo satageṇḍu, |
It had a thousand panels and a hundred ball-caps, |
dhajālu haritāmayo; |
all adorned with banners, and made of gold. |
Anaccuṃ tattha gandhabbā, |
There danced the fairies, |
chasahassāni sattadhā”ti. |
numbering seven times six thousand. |
… Bhaddajitthero …. |
|
2.23. Sobhitattheragāthā |
2.23. Sobhita |
“Satimā paññavā bhikkhu, |
As a monk, rememberful and wise, |
āraddhabalavīriyo; |
empowered and full of energy, |
Pañca kappasatānāhaṃ, |
I recollected five hundred eons |
ekarattiṃ anussariṃ. |
in a single night. |
Cattāro satipaṭṭhāne, |
Developing the four kinds of rememberfulness meditation, |
satta aṭṭha ca bhāvayaṃ; |
the seven factors of awakening and the eightfold path, |
Pañca kappasatānāhaṃ, |
I recollected five hundred eons |
ekarattiṃ anussarin”ti. |
in a single night. |
… Sobhito thero …. |
|
2.24. Valliyattheragāthā |
2.24. Valliya (3rd) |
“Yaṃ kiccaṃ daḷhavīriyena, |
The duty of one whose energy is strong; |
yaṃ kiccaṃ boddhumicchatā; |
the duty of one who longs to wake up: |
Karissaṃ nāvarajjhissaṃ, |
that I’ll do, I won’t fail— |
passa vīriyaṃ parakkamaṃ. |
see my energy and vigor! |
Tvañca me maggamakkhāhi, |
Teach me the path, |
añjasaṃ amatogadhaṃ; |
the direct route that culminates in the deathless. |
Ahaṃ monena monissaṃ, |
I’ll know it with wisdom, |
gaṅgāsotova sāgaran”ti. |
as the Ganges knows the ocean. |
… Valliyo thero …. |
|
2.25. Vītasokattheragāthā |
2.25. Vītasoka |
“Kese me olikhissanti, |
The barber approached |
kappako upasaṅkami; |
to shave my head. |
Tato ādāsamādāya, |
I picked up a mirror |
sarīraṃ paccavekkhisaṃ. |
and examined my body. |
Tuccho kāyo adissittha, |
My body appeared hollow; |
andhakāro tamo byagā; |
I once was blind, but the darkness left me. |
Sabbe coḷā samucchinnā, |
My fancy hairdo has been cut off: |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Vītasoko thero …. |
|
2.26. Puṇṇamāsattheragāthā |
2.26. Puṇṇamāsa (2nd) |
“Pañca nīvaraṇe hitvā, |
I gave up the five hindrances |
yogakkhemassa pattiyā; |
for the sake of finding sanctuary. |
Dhammādāsaṃ gahetvāna, |
I took Dhamma as a mirror |
ñāṇadassanamattano. |
for knowing and seeing myself. |
Paccavekkhiṃ imaṃ kāyaṃ, |
I examined this body, |
sabbaṃ santarabāhiraṃ; |
all of it, inside and out. |
Ajjhattañca bahiddhā ca, |
Internally and externally |
tuccho kāyo adissathā”ti. |
my body appeared hollow. |
… Puṇṇamāso thero …. |
|
2.27. Nandakattheragāthā |
2.27. Nandaka (1st) |
“Yathāpi bhaddo ājañño, |
Though a fine thoroughbred may stumble, |
khalitvā patitiṭṭhati; |
it soon stands firm again. |
Bhiyyo laddhāna saṃvegaṃ, |
It gains even more urgency, |
adīno vahate dhuraṃ. |
and draws its load undeterred. |
Evaṃ dassanasampannaṃ, |
Even so is one accomplished in vision, |
sammāsambuddhasāvakaṃ; |
a disciple of the Buddha. |
Ājānīyaṃ maṃ dhāretha, |
Remember me as a thoroughbred, |
puttaṃ buddhassa orasan”ti. |
the Buddha’s rightful son. |
… Nandako thero …. |
|
2.28. Bharatattheragāthā |
2.28. Bharata |
“Ehi nandaka gacchāma, |
Come, Nandaka, let’s go |
upajjhāyassa santikaṃ; |
to visit our preceptor. |
Sīhanādaṃ nadissāma, |
We’ll roar our lion’s roar |
buddhaseṭṭhassa sammukhā. |
before the best of Buddhas. |
Yāya no anukampāya, |
The sage gave us the going forth |
amhe pabbājayī muni; |
out of compassion, so we could realize |
So no attho anuppatto, |
the ending of all fetters— |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhayo”ti. |
now we have reached that goal. |
… Bharato thero …. |
|
2.29. Bhāradvājattheragāthā |
2.29. Bhāradvāja |
“Nadanti evaṃ sappaññā, |
This is how the wise roar: |
sīhāva girigabbhare; |
like lions in mountain caves, |
Vīrā vijitasaṅgāmā, |
heroes, triumphant in battle, |
jetvā māraṃ savāhiniṃ. |
having vanquished Māra and his mount. |
Satthā ca pariciṇṇo me, |
I’ve served the teacher; |
dhammo saṃgho ca pūjito; |
I’ve honored the Dhamma and the Saṅgha; |
Ahañca vitto sumano, |
I’m happy and joyful, |
puttaṃ disvā anāsavan”ti. |
because I’ve seen my son free of defilements. |
… Bhāradvājo thero …. |
|
2.30. Kaṇhadinnattheragāthā |
2.30. Kaṇhadinna |
“Upāsitā sappurisā, |
I regularly sat close by good people |
sutā dhammā abhiṇhaso; |
and learnt the teaching. |
Sutvāna paṭipajjissaṃ, |
What I learned, I practiced, |
añjasaṃ amatogadhaṃ. |
the direct route that culminates in the deathless. |
Bhavarāgahatassa me sato, |
I’ve slain the desire to be reborn, |
Bhavarāgo puna me na vijjati; |
it won’t be found in me again. |
Na cāhu na ca me bhavissati, |
It was not, and it won’t be in me, |
Na ca me etarahi vijjatī”ti. |
and it isn’t found in me now. |
… Kaṇhadinno thero …. |
|
2.31. Migasirattheragāthā |
2.31. Migasira |
“Yato ahaṃ pabbajito, |
When I had gone forth |
sammāsambuddhasāsane; |
in the teaching of the Buddha, |
Vimuccamāno uggacchiṃ, |
while letting go, I rose up; |
kāmadhātuṃ upaccagaṃ. |
escaping the sensual realm. |
Brahmuno pekkhamānassa, |
Then, as the supreme one looked on, |
tato cittaṃ vimucci me; |
my mind was freed. |
Akuppā me vimuttīti, |
My freedom is unshakable |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhayā”ti. |
with the ending of all fetters. |
… Migasiro thero …. |
|
2.32 Sivakattheragāthā |
“Aniccāni gahakāni, |
2.32. Sivaka |
tattha tattha punappunaṃ; |
Houses are impermanent— |
Gahakāraṃ gavesanto, |
on and on, life after life. |
dukkhā jāti punappunaṃ. |
I’ve been searching for the house-builder— |
Gahakāraka diṭṭhosi, |
painful is birth again and again. |
puna gehaṃ na kāhasi; |
I’ve seen you, house-builder! |
Sabbā te phāsukā bhaggā, |
You won’t build a house again. |
thūṇikā ca vidālitā; |
All your rafters are broken, |
Vimariyādikataṃ cittaṃ, |
your ridgepole is shattered. |
idheva vidhamissatī”ti. |
My mind is released from limits: |
… Sivako thero …. |
in this very life it will dissipate. |
2.33 Upavāṇattheragāthā |
2.33. Upavāṇa |
“Arahaṃ sugato loke, |
The perfected one, the Holy One in the world, |
vātehābādhiko muni; |
the sage is afflicted by winds. |
Sace uṇhodakaṃ atthi, |
If there’s hot water, |
munino dehi brāhmaṇa. |
give it to the sage, brahmin. |
Pūjito pūjaneyyānaṃ, |
I wish to bring it to the one |
sakkareyyāna sakkato; |
who is esteemed by the estimable, |
Apacitopaceyyānaṃ, |
honored by the honorable, |
tassa icchāmi hātave”ti. |
and venerated by the venerable. |
… Upavāṇo thero …. |
|
2.34. Isidinnattheragāthā |
2.34. Isidinna |
“Diṭṭhā mayā dhammadharā upāsakā, |
I’ve seen lay disciples who have memorized discourses, |
Kāmā aniccā iti bhāsamānā; |
saying, “Sensual pleasures are impermanent”. |
Sārattarattā maṇikuṇḍalesu, |
But they’re obsessed with jewels and earrings, |
Puttesu dāresu ca te apekkhā. |
concerned for their partners and children. |
Addhā na jānanti yatodha dhammaṃ, |
To be honest, they don’t know Dhamma, |
Kāmā aniccā iti cāpi āhu; |
even though they say “Sensual pleasures are impermanent”. |
Rāgañca tesaṃ na balatthi chettuṃ, |
They don’t have the power to cut their lust, |
Tasmā sitā puttadāraṃ dhanañcā”ti. |
which is why they cling to children, wives, and wealth. |
… Isidinno thero …. |
|
2.35. Sambulakaccānattheragāthā |
2.35. Sambulakaccāna |
“Devo ca vassati, devo ca gaḷagaḷāyati, |
The sky rains, the sky thunders down, |
Ekako cāhaṃ bherave bile viharāmi; |
I’m staying alone in a frightful hole. |
Tassa mayhaṃ ekakassa bherave bile viharato, |
But while I’m staying alone in that frightful hole, |
Natthi bhayaṃ vā chambhitattaṃ vā lomahaṃso vā. |
I’ve no fear, no dread, no goosebumps. |
Dhammatā mamesā yassa me, |
This is my normal state |
Ekakassa bherave bile; |
while staying alone in a frightful hole: |
Viharato natthi bhayaṃ vā, |
I’ve no fear, |
Chambhitattaṃ vā lomahaṃso vā”ti. |
no dread, no goosebumps. |
… Sambulakaccāno thero …. |
|
2.36 Nitakattheragāthā |
2.36. Nitaka |
“Kassa selūpamaṃ cittaṃ, |
Whose mind is like a rock, |
ṭhitaṃ nānupakampati; |
steady, never trembling— |
Virattaṃ rajanīyesu, |
free of desire for desirable things, |
kuppanīye na kuppati; |
not getting annoyed when things are annoying? |
Yassevaṃ bhāvitaṃ cittaṃ, |
From where will suffering strike one |
kuto taṃ dukkhamessati. |
whose mind is developed like this? |
Mama selūpamaṃ cittaṃ, |
My mind is like a rock, |
ṭhitaṃ nānupakampati; |
steady, never trembling— |
Virattaṃ rajanīyesu, |
free of desire for desirable things, |
kuppanīye na kuppati; |
not getting annoyed when things are annoying. |
Mamevaṃ bhāvitaṃ cittaṃ, |
From where will suffering strike me |
kuto maṃ dukkhamessatī”ti. |
whose mind is developed like this? |
… Nitako thero …. |
|
2.37 Soṇapoṭiriyattheragāthā |
2.37. Soṇapoṭiriya |
“Na tāva supituṃ hoti, |
Night, with her garland of stars, |
ratti nakkhattamālinī; |
is not only for sleeping. |
Paṭijaggitumevesā, |
For those who know, |
ratti hoti vijānatā”. |
this night is really for waking. |
“Hatthikkhandhāvapatitaṃ, |
Were I to fall from the back of an elephant, |
kuñjaro ce anukkame; |
trampled by the tuskers that follow, |
Saṅgāme me mataṃ seyyo, |
better for me to die in battle, |
yañce jīve parājito”ti. |
than to live on in defeat. |
… Soṇo poṭiriyo thero …. |
|
2.38. Nisabhattheragāthā |
2.38. Nisabha |
“Pañca kāmaguṇe hitvā, |
One who has left the home life out of faith, |
Piyarūpe manorame; |
giving up the five kinds of sensual stimulation, |
Saddhāya gharā nikkhamma, |
so pleasing and delightful— |
Dukkhassantakaro bhave. |
let them make an end to suffering! |
Nābhinandāmi maraṇaṃ, |
I don’t long for death; |
nābhinandāmi jīvitaṃ; |
I don’t long for life; |
Kālañca paṭikaṅkhāmi, |
I await my time, |
sampajāno patissato”ti. |
aware and rememberful. |
… Nisabho thero …. |
|
2.39. Usabhattheragāthā |
2.39. Usabha (2nd) |
“Ambapallavasaṅkāsaṃ, |
Arranging a robe over my shoulder, |
aṃse katvāna cīvaraṃ; |
the color of young mango sprouts, |
Nisinno hatthigīvāyaṃ, |
I entered the village for alms |
gāmaṃ piṇḍāya pāvisiṃ. |
sitting on an elephant’s neck! |
Hatthikkhandhato oruyha, |
But when I dismounted from the elephant, |
saṃvegaṃ alabhiṃ tadā; |
I was struck with a sense of urgency. |
Sohaṃ ditto tadā santo, |
I burned with shame, but then I found peace, |
patto me āsavakkhayo”ti. |
and attained the ending of defilements. |
… Usabho thero …. |
|
2.40. Kappaṭakurattheragāthā |
2.40. Kappaṭakura |
“Ayamiti kappaṭo kappaṭakuro, |
This fellow, “Rag-rice”, he sure is a rag! |
Acchāya atibharitāya; |
Into the vase of the deathless, polished and overflowing, |
Amataghaṭikāyaṃ dhammakaṭamatto, |
sufficient teaching has been poured; |
Katapadaṃ jhānāni ocetuṃ. |
the path to build up jhānas has been laid out. |
Mā kho tvaṃ kappaṭa pacālesi, |
Don’t nod off, Rag— |
Mā tvaṃ upakaṇṇamhi tāḷessaṃ; |
I’ll smack your ear! |
Na hi tvaṃ kappaṭa mattamaññāsi, |
Nodding off in the middle of the Saṅgha? |
Saṃghamajjhamhi pacalāyamāno”ti. |
You know no bounds. |
… Kappaṭakuro thero …. |
|
2.41. Kumārakassapattheragāthā |
2.41. Kassapa the Prince |
“Aho buddhā aho dhammā, |
Oh, the Buddhas! Oh, the Dhammas! |
aho no satthu sampadā; |
Oh, the accomplishments of the Teacher! |
Yattha etādisaṃ dhammaṃ, |
Here a disciple may realize |
sāvako sacchikāhiti. |
such a teaching for themselves. |
Asaṅkheyyesu kappesu, |
Through countless eons |
sakkāyādhigatā ahū; |
they obtained individual identities. |
Tesamayaṃ pacchimako, |
This is their last, |
carimoyaṃ samussayo; |
their very final body |
Jātimaraṇasaṃsāro, |
in the transmigration through births and deaths; |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Kumārakassapo thero …. |
|
2.42. Dhammapālattheragāthā |
2.42. Dhammapāla |
“Yo have daharo bhikkhu, |
The young monk |
yuñjati buddhasāsane; |
who is devoted to the teaching of the Buddha, |
Jāgaro sa hi suttesu, |
wakeful while others sleep— |
amoghaṃ tassa jīvitaṃ. |
his life is not in vain. |
Tasmā saddhañca sīlañca, |
So let the wise devote themselves |
pasādaṃ dhammadassanaṃ; |
to faith, ethical behavior, |
Anuyuñjetha medhāvī, |
confidence, and insight into the teaching, |
saraṃ buddhāna sāsanan”ti. |
remembering the instructions of the Buddhas. |
… Dhammapālo thero …. |
|
2.43. Brahmālittheragāthā |
2.43. Brahmāli |
“Kassindriyāni samathaṅgatāni, |
Whose faculties have become serene, |
Assā yathā sārathinā sudantā; |
like horses tamed by a charioteer? |
Pahīnamānassa anāsavassa, |
Who has abandoned conceit and defilements, |
Devāpi kassa pihayanti tādinoti. |
becoming such that even the gods envy them? |
Mayhindriyāni samathaṅgatāni, |
My faculties have become serene, |
Assā yathā sārathinā sudantā; |
like horses tamed by a charioteer. |
Pahīnamānassa anāsavassa, |
I have abandoned conceit and defilements, |
Devāpi mayhaṃ pihayanti tādino”ti. |
becoming such that even the gods envy me. |
… Brahmāli thero …. |
|
2.44. Mogharājattheragāthā |
2.44. Mogharāja |
“Chavipāpaka cittabhaddaka, |
“Your skin is nasty but your heart is good; |
Mogharāja satataṃ samāhito; |
Mogharāja, you’re always undistractified-&-lucidified in samādhi. |
Hemantikasītakālarattiyo, |
But in the nights of winter, so dark and cold, |
Bhikkhu tvaṃsi kathaṃ karissasi”. |
how will you get by, monk?” |
“Sampannasassā magadhā, |
“I’ve heard that all the Magadhans |
kevalā iti me sutaṃ; |
have an abundance of grain. |
Palālacchannako seyyaṃ, |
I’ll make my bed under a thatched roof, |
yathaññe sukhajīvino”ti. |
just like those who live in comfort.” |
… Mogharājā thero …. |
|
2.45. Visākhapañcālaputtattheragāthā |
2.45. Visākhapañcālaputta |
“Na ukkhipe no ca parikkhipe pare, |
One should not suspend others from the Saṅgha, nor raise objections against them; |
Na okkhipe pāragataṃ na eraye; |
and neither disparage nor raise one’s voice against one who has crossed to the further shore. |
Na cattavaṇṇaṃ parisāsu byāhare, |
One should not praise oneself among the assemblies, |
Anuddhato sammitabhāṇi subbato. |
but be stable, measured in speech, and true to your vows. |
Susukhumanipuṇatthadassinā, |
For one who sees the goal, so very subtle and fine, |
Matikusalena nivātavuttinā; |
who is skilled in thought and humble in manner, |
Saṃsevitavuddhasīlinā, |
who has cultivated mature ethics— |
Nibbānaṃ na hi tena dullabhan”ti. |
it’s not hard to gain Nirvana. |
… Visākho pañcālaputto thero …. |
|
2.46. Cūḷakattheragāthā |
2.46. Cūḷaka |
“Nadanti morā susikhā supekhuṇā, |
The peacocks cry out with their fair crests and tails, |
Sunīlagīvā sumukhā sugajjino; |
their lovely blue necks and fair faces, their beautiful song and their call. |
Susaddalā cāpi mahāmahī ayaṃ, |
This broad earth is lush with grass and dew, |
Subyāpitambu suvalāhakaṃ nabhaṃ. |
and the sky is full of beautiful clouds. |
Sukallarūpo sumanassa jhāyataṃ, |
One practicing jhāna is happy in mind, and their appearance is uplifting; |
Sunikkamo sādhu subuddhasāsane; |
going forth in the teaching of the Buddha is easy for a good person. |
Susukkasukkaṃ nipuṇaṃ sududdasaṃ, |
You should realize that supreme, unchanging state, |
Phusāhi taṃ uttamamaccutaṃ padan”ti. |
so very pure, subtle, and hard to see. |
… Cūḷako thero …. |
|
2.47. Anūpamattheragāthā |
2.47. Anūpama |
“Nandamānāgataṃ cittaṃ, |
The conceited mind, addicted to pleasure, |
sūlamāropamānakaṃ; |
impales itself on its own stake. |
Tena teneva vajasi, |
It always goes where |
yena sūlaṃ kaliṅgaraṃ. |
there’s a stake, a chopping block. |
Tāhaṃ cittakaliṃ brūmi, |
I declare you the demon mind! |
taṃ brūmi cittadubbhakaṃ; |
I declare you the insidious mind! |
Satthā te dullabho laddho, |
You’ve found the teacher so hard to find— |
mānatthe maṃ niyojayī”ti. |
don’t lead me away from the goal. |
… Anūpamo thero …. |
|
2.48. Vajjitattheragāthā |
2.48. Vajjita |
“Saṃsaraṃ dīghamaddhānaṃ, |
Transmigrating for such a long time, |
gatīsu parivattisaṃ; |
I’ve proceeded through various states of rebirth, |
Apassaṃ ariyasaccāni, |
not seeing the noble truths, |
andhabhūto puthujjano. |
a blind, unenlightened person. |
Tassa me appamattassa, |
But when I became heedful, |
saṃsārā vinaḷīkatā; |
transmigration was unbound. |
Sabbā gatī samucchinnā, |
All states of rebirth are cut off; |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Vajjito thero …. |
|
2.49. Sandhitattheragāthā |
2.49. Sandhita |
“Assatthe haritobhāse, |
Beneath the Bodhi Tree, |
saṃvirūḷhamhi pādape; |
bright green and growing, |
Ekaṃ buddhagataṃ saññaṃ, |
being rememberful, my perception |
alabhitthaṃ patissato. |
became one with the Buddha. |
Ekatiṃse ito kappe, |
It’s been thirty one eons |
yaṃ saññamalabhiṃ tadā; |
since I gained that perception; |
Tassā saññāya vāhasā, |
and it’s due to that perception |
patto me āsavakkhayo”ti. |
that I’ve attained the ending of defilements. |
… Sandhito thero …. |
|
3.1 Aṅgaṇikabhāradvājattheragāthā |
3.1. Aṅgaṇikabhāradvāja |
“Ayoni suddhimanvesaṃ, |
Seeking purity the wrong way, |
aggiṃ paricariṃ vane; |
I served the sacred fire in a grove. |
Suddhimaggaṃ ajānanto, |
Not knowing the path to purity, |
akāsiṃ amaraṃ tapaṃ. |
I mortified my flesh in search of immortality. |
Taṃ sukhena sukhaṃ laddhaṃ, |
I’ve gained this happiness by means of happiness: |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ; |
see the excellence of the teaching! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Brahmabandhu pure āsiṃ, |
In the past I was related to Brahmā, |
idāni khomhi brāhmaṇo; |
but now I really am a brahmin! |
Tevijjo nhātako camhi, |
I am master of the three knowledges, I’m a bathed initiate, |
sottiyo camhi vedagū”ti. |
I’m a scholar and a knowledge master. |
… Aṅgaṇikabhāradvājo thero …. |
|
3.2. Paccayattheragāthā |
3.2. Paccaya |
“Pañcāhāhaṃ pabbajito, |
I went forth five days ago, |
sekho appattamānaso; |
a trainee, my heart’s desire unfulfilled. |
Vihāraṃ me paviṭṭhassa, |
I entered my dwelling |
cetaso paṇidhī ahu. |
and resolved in my heart: |
Nāsissaṃ na pivissāmi, |
I won’t eat; I won’t drink; |
vihārato na nikkhame; |
I won’t leave my dwelling; |
Napi passaṃ nipātessaṃ, |
nor will I lie down on my side— |
taṇhāsalle anūhate. |
not until the dart of craving is pulled out. |
Tassa mevaṃ viharato, |
See my energy and vigor |
passa vīriyaparakkamaṃ; |
as I meditate like this! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Paccayo thero …. |
|
3.3 Bākulattheragāthā |
3.3. Bākula |
“Yo pubbe karaṇīyāni, |
Whoever wishes to do afterwards |
pacchā so kātumicchati; |
what they should have done before |
Sukhā so dhaṃsate ṭhānā, |
has lost the causes for happiness, |
pacchā ca manutappati. |
and afterwards they’re tormented by regrets. |
Yañhi kayirā tañhi vade, |
You should only say what you would do; |
yaṃ na kayirā na taṃ vade; |
you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do. |
Akarontaṃ bhāsamānaṃ, |
The wise will recognize |
parijānanti paṇḍitā. |
one who talks without doing. |
Susukhaṃ vata nibbānaṃ, |
Oh! Nirvana is so very blissful, |
sammāsambuddhadesitaṃ; |
as taught by the fully awakened Buddha: |
Asokaṃ virajaṃ khemaṃ, |
sorrowless, stainless, secure, |
yattha dukkhaṃ nirujjhatī”ti. |
where suffering all ceases. |
… Bākulo thero …. |
|
3.4. Dhaniyattheragāthā |
3.4. Dhaniya |
“Sukhañce jīvituṃ icche, |
If you wish to live in happiness, |
sāmaññasmiṃ apekkhavā; |
longing for the ascetic life, |
Saṃghikaṃ nātimaññeyya, |
don’t look down on the Saṅgha’s robes, |
cīvaraṃ pānabhojanaṃ. |
or its food and drinks. |
Sukhañce jīvituṃ icche, |
If you wish to live in happiness, |
sāmaññasmiṃ apekkhavā; |
longing for the ascetic life, |
Ahi mūsikasobbhaṃva, |
stay in the Saṅgha’s lodgings |
sevetha sayanāsanaṃ. |
like a snake making use of a mouse’s hole. |
Sukhañce jīvituṃ icche, |
If you wish to live in happiness, |
sāmaññasmiṃ apekkhavā; |
longing for the ascetic life, |
Itarītarena tusseyya, |
develop this one quality: |
ekadhammañca bhāvaye”ti. |
be content with whatever is offered. |
… Dhaniyo thero …. |
|
3.5. Mātaṅgaputtattheragāthā |
3.5. Mātaṅgaputta |
“Atisītaṃ atiuṇhaṃ, |
“It’s too cold, too hot, |
atisāyamidaṃ ahu; |
too late,” they say. |
Iti vissaṭṭhakammante, |
When the young neglect their work like this, |
khaṇā accenti māṇave. |
opportunities pass them by. |
Yo ca sītañca uṇhañca, |
But one who considers hot and cold |
tiṇā bhiyyo na maññati; |
as nothing more than blades of grass— |
Karaṃ purisakiccāni, |
he does his manly duty, |
so sukhā na vihāyati. |
and his happiness never fails. |
Dabbaṃ kusaṃ poṭakilaṃ, |
With my chest I’ll thrust aside |
usīraṃ muñjapabbajaṃ; |
the grasses, vines, and creepers, |
Urasā panudissāmi, |
and foster seclusion. |
vivekamanubrūhayan”ti. |
|
… Mātaṅgaputto thero …. |
|
3.6. Khujjasobhitattheragāthā |
3.6. Khujjasobhita |
“Ye cittakathī bahussutā, |
“One of those monks who live in Pāṭaliputta— |
Samaṇā pāṭaliputtavāsino; |
such brilliant speakers, and very learned— |
Tesaññataroyamāyuvā, |
stands at the door: |
Dvāre tiṭṭhati khujjasobhito”. |
the old man, Khujjasobhita. |
“Ye cittakathī bahussutā, |
One of those monks who live in Pāṭaliputta— |
Samaṇā pāṭaliputtavāsino; |
such brilliant speakers, and very learned— |
Tesaññataroyamāyuvā, |
stands at the door: |
Dvāre tiṭṭhati māluterito”. |
an old man, trembling in the wind.” |
“Suyuddhena suyiṭṭhena, |
“By war well fought, by sacrifice well made, |
saṅgāmavijayena ca; |
by victory in battle; |
Brahmacariyānuciṇṇena, |
by living the spiritual life: |
evāyaṃ sukhamedhatī”ti. |
that’s how one prospers in happiness.” |
… Khujjasobhito thero …. |
|
3.7. Vāraṇattheragāthā |
3.7. Vāraṇa |
“Yodha koci manussesu, |
Anyone among men |
parapāṇāni hiṃsati; |
who harms other creatures: |
Asmā lokā paramhā ca, |
that person will fall |
ubhayā dhaṃsate naro. |
both from this world and the next. |
Yo ca mettena cittena, |
But someone with a mind of love, |
sabbapāṇānukampati; |
compassionate for all creatures: |
Bahuñhi so pasavati, |
a person like that |
puññaṃ tādisako naro. |
makes much merit. |
Subhāsitassa sikkhetha, |
One should train in following good advice, |
samaṇūpāsanassa ca; |
in attending closely to ascetics, |
Ekāsanassa ca raho, |
in sitting alone in hidden places, |
cittavūpasamassa cā”ti. |
and in calming the mind. |
… Vāraṇo thero …. |
|
3.8 Vassikattheragāthā |
3.8. Vassika |
“Ekopi saddho medhāvī, |
I was the only one in my family |
assaddhānīdha ñātinaṃ; |
who had faith and wisdom. |
Dhammaṭṭho sīlasampanno, |
It’s good for my relatives that I’m |
hoti atthāya bandhunaṃ. |
firm in Dhamma, and my conduct is virtuous. |
Niggayha anukampāya, |
I rebuked my family out of compassion, |
coditā ñātayo mayā; |
telling them off out of love |
Ñātibandhavapemena, |
for my family and relatives. |
kāraṃ katvāna bhikkhusu. |
They performed a service for the monks |
Te abbhatītā kālaṅkatā, |
and then they passed away, |
pattā te tidivaṃ sukhaṃ; |
finding happiness in the heaven of the Thirty-three. |
Bhātaro mayhaṃ mātā ca, |
There, my brothers and mother |
modanti kāmakāmino”ti. |
enjoy all the pleasures they desire. |
… Vassiko thero …. |
|
3.9. Yasojattheragāthā |
3.9. Yasoja |
“Kālapabbaṅgasaṅkāso, |
“With knobbly knees, |
kiso dhamanisanthato; |
thin and veiny, |
Mattaññū annapānamhi, |
eating and drinking but little— |
adīnamānaso naro”. |
this person’s spirit is undaunted.” |
“Phuṭṭho ḍaṃsehi makasehi, |
“Pestered by flies and mosquitoes |
araññasmiṃ brahāvane; |
in the wilds, the formidable forest, |
Nāgo saṅgāmasīseva, |
one should rememberfully endure, |
sato tatrādhivāsaye. |
like an elephant at the head of the battle. |
Yathā brahmā tathā eko, |
A monk alone is like the supreme Brahmā; |
yathā devo tathā duve; |
a pair of monks are like gods; |
Yathā gāmo tathā tayo, |
three are like a village; |
kolāhalaṃ tatuttarin”ti. |
and more than that is a rabble.” |
… Yasojo thero …. |
|
3.10. Sāṭimattiyattheragāthā |
3.10. Sāṭimattiya |
“Ahu tuyhaṃ pure saddhā, |
In the past you had faith, |
sā te ajja na vijjati; |
today you have none. |
Yaṃ tuyhaṃ tuyhamevetaṃ, |
What’s yours is yours alone— |
natthi duccaritaṃ mama. |
I’ve done nothing wrong. |
Aniccā hi calā saddhā, |
Faith is impermanent, fickle: |
evaṃ diṭṭhā hi sā mayā; |
or so I have seen. |
Rajjantipi virajjanti, |
Passions wax and wane: |
tattha kiṃ jiyyate muni. |
why would a sage waste away on that account? |
Paccati munino bhattaṃ, |
The meal of a sage is cooked |
Thokaṃ thokaṃ kule kule; |
bit by bit in this family or that. |
Piṇḍikāya carissāmi, |
I’ll walk for alms, |
Atthi jaṅghabalaṃ mamā”ti. |
for my legs are strong. |
… Sāṭimattiyo thero …. |
|
3.11. Upālittheragāthā |
3.11. Upāli |
“Saddhāya abhinikkhamma, |
One newly gone forth, |
navapabbajito navo; |
who has left their home out of faith, |
Mitte bhajeyya kalyāṇe, |
should associate with spiritual friends, |
suddhājīve atandite. |
who are tireless and pure of livelihood. |
Saddhāya abhinikkhamma, |
One newly gone forth, |
navapabbajito navo; |
who has left their home out of faith, |
Saṃghasmiṃ viharaṃ bhikkhu, |
a mendicant staying in the Saṅgha, |
sikkhetha vinayaṃ budho. |
being wise, would train in monastic discipline. |
Saddhāya abhinikkhamma, |
One newly gone forth, |
navapabbajito navo; |
who has left their home out of faith, |
Kappākappesu kusalo, |
skilled in what is appropriate and what is not, |
careyya apurakkhato”ti. |
would wander undistracted. |
… Upālitthero …. |
|
3.12. Uttarapālattheragāthā |
3.12. Uttarapāla |
“Paṇḍitaṃ vata maṃ santaṃ, |
I was, indeed, an astute scholar, |
alamatthavicintakaṃ; |
competent to think on the meaning. |
Pañca kāmaguṇā loke, |
The five kinds of sensual stimulation in the world, |
sammohā pātayiṃsu maṃ. |
so delusory, were my downfall. |
Pakkhando māravisaye, |
Leaping into Māra’s domain, |
daḷhasallasamappito; |
I was struck by a powerful dart. |
Asakkhiṃ maccurājassa, |
But I was able to free myself |
ahaṃ pāsā pamuccituṃ. |
from the trap laid by the King of Death. |
Sabbe kāmā pahīnā me, |
I have given up all sensual pleasures; |
bhavā sabbe padālitā; |
all rebirths are shattered; |
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṃsāro, |
transmigration is finished; |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Uttarapālo thero …. |
|
3.13. Abhibhūtattheragāthā |
3.13. Abhibhūta |
“Suṇātha ñātayo sabbe, |
Listen up, all my relatives, |
yāvantettha samāgatā; |
those who have gathered here: |
Dhammaṃ vo desayissāmi, |
I’ll teach you Dhamma! |
dukkhā jāti punappunaṃ. |
Painful is birth again and again. |
Ārambhatha nikkamatha, |
Rouse yourselves, try harder! |
Yuñjatha buddhasāsane; |
Devote yourselves to the instructions of the Buddha! |
Dhunātha maccuno senaṃ, |
Crush the army of death, |
Naḷāgāraṃva kuñjaro. |
as an elephant a hut of reeds. |
Yo imasmiṃ dhammavinaye, |
Anyone who meditates diligently |
appamatto vihassati; |
in this teaching and training, |
Pahāya jātisaṃsāraṃ, |
giving up transmigration, |
dukkhassantaṃ karissatī”ti. |
will make an end to suffering. |
… Abhibhūto thero …. |
|
3.14. Gotamattheragāthā |
3.14. Gotama (2nd) |
“Saṃsaraṃ hi nirayaṃ agacchissaṃ, |
Transmigrating, I went to hell, |
Petalokamagamaṃ punappunaṃ; |
and to the ghost realm time and again. |
Dukkhamamhipi tiracchānayoniyaṃ, |
Many times I dwelt long |
Nekadhā hi vusitaṃ ciraṃ mayā. |
in the animal realm, so full of pain. |
Mānusopi ca bhavobhirādhito, |
I was also reborn as a human, |
Saggakāyamagamaṃ sakiṃ sakiṃ; |
and from time to time I went to heaven. |
Rūpadhātusu arūpadhātusu, |
I’ve stayed in realms of form and formlessness, |
Nevasaññisu asaññisuṭṭhitaṃ. |
among the neither-percipient-nor-non-percipient, and the non-percipient. |
Sambhavā suviditā asārakā, |
I know well these states of existence are worthless— |
Saṅkhatā pacalitā saderitā; |
conditioned, unstable, always in motion. |
Taṃ viditvā mahamattasambhavaṃ, |
When I understood this self-made chain, |
Santimeva satimā samajjhagan”ti. |
rememberful, I found peace. |
… Gotamo thero …. |
|
3.15. Hāritattheragāthā |
3.15. Hārita (2nd) |
“Yo pubbe karaṇīyāni, |
Whoever wishes to do afterwards |
pacchā so kātumicchati; |
what they should have done before |
Sukhā so dhaṃsate ṭhānā, |
has lost the causes for happiness, |
pacchā ca manutappati. |
and afterwards they’re tormented by regrets. |
Yañhi kayirā tañhi vade, |
You should only say what you would do; |
yaṃ na kayirā na taṃ vade; |
you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do. |
Akarontaṃ bhāsamānaṃ, |
The wise will recognize |
parijānanti paṇḍitā. |
one who talks without doing. |
Susukhaṃ vata nibbānaṃ, |
Oh! Nirvana is so very blissful, |
sammāsambuddhadesitaṃ; |
as taught by the fully awakened Buddha: |
Asokaṃ virajaṃ khemaṃ, |
sorrowless, stainless, secure, |
yattha dukkhaṃ nirujjhatī”ti. |
where suffering all ceases. |
… Hārito thero …. |
|
3.16. Vimalattheragāthā |
3.16. Vimala (2nd) |
“Pāpamitte vivajjetvā, |
Shunning bad friends, |
bhajeyyuttamapuggalaṃ; |
associate with the best of people. |
Ovāde cassa tiṭṭheyya, |
Stick to the advice he gave you, |
patthento acalaṃ sukhaṃ. |
aspiring to unshakable happiness. |
Parittaṃ dārumāruyha, |
If you’re lost in the middle of a great sea, |
yathā sīde mahaṇṇave; |
and you clamber up on a little log, you’ll sink. |
Evaṃ kusītamāgamma, |
So too, a person who lives well |
sādhujīvīpi sīdati; |
sinks by relying on a lazy person. |
Tasmā taṃ parivajjeyya, |
Hence you should avoid such |
kusītaṃ hīnavīriyaṃ. |
a lazy person who lacks energy. |
Pavivittehi ariyehi, |
Dwell with the noble ones |
pahitattehi jhāyibhi; |
who are secluded and determined |
Niccaṃ āraddhavīriyehi, |
and always energetic; |
paṇḍitehi sahāvase”ti. |
the astute who practice jhāna. |
… Vimalo thero …. |
|
4.1. Nāgasamālattheragāthā |
4.1. Nāgasamāla |
“Alaṅkatā suvasanā, |
Adorned with jewelry and all dressed up, |
mālinī candanussadā; |
with garlands, and sandalwood makeup piled on, |
Majjhe mahāpathe nārī, |
along the main street is a lady— |
tūriye naccati naṭṭakī. |
a dancer dancing as the music plays. |
Piṇḍikāya paviṭṭhohaṃ, |
I entered for alms, |
gacchanto naṃ udikkhisaṃ; |
and while walking along I glanced at her, |
Alaṅkataṃ suvasanaṃ, |
adorned with jewelry and all dressed up, |
maccupāsaṃva oḍḍitaṃ. |
like a snare of death laid down. |
Tato me manasīkāro, |
Then the realization |
yoniso udapajjatha; |
came upon me— |
Ādīnavo pāturahu, |
the danger became clear, |
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha. |
and I grew firmly disillusioned. |
Tato cittaṃ vimucci me, |
Then my mind was freed— |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ; |
see the excellence of the teaching! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Nāgasamālo thero …. |
|
4.2. Bhaguttheragāthā |
4.2. Bhagu |
“Ahaṃ middhena pakato, |
Overwhelmed by drowsiness, |
vihārā upanikkhamiṃ; |
I left my dwelling. |
Caṅkamaṃ abhiruhanto, |
Stepping up to the path for walking meditation, |
tattheva papatiṃ chamā. |
I fell to the ground right there. |
Gattāni parimajjitvā, |
I rubbed my limbs, and again |
punapāruyha caṅkamaṃ; |
I stepped up on the path for walking meditation. |
Caṅkame caṅkamiṃ sohaṃ, |
I walked meditation up and down the path, |
ajjhattaṃ susamāhito. |
undistractible-&-lucid inside myself. |
Tato me manasīkāro, |
Then the realization |
yoniso udapajjatha; |
came upon me— |
Ādīnavo pāturahu, |
the danger became clear, |
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha. |
and I grew firmly disillusioned. |
Tato cittaṃ vimucci me, |
Then my mind was freed— |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ; |
see the excellence of the teaching! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Bhagutthero …. |
|
4.3. Sabhiyattheragāthā |
4.3. Sabhiya |
“Pare ca na vijānanti, |
Others don’t understand |
mayamettha yamāmase; |
that our lives must have limits. |
Ye ca tattha vijānanti, |
Those who do understand this |
tato sammanti medhagā. |
settle their quarrels right away. |
Yadā ca avijānantā, |
And when those who don’t understand |
iriyantyamarā viya; |
behave as though they were immortal, |
Vijānanti ca ye dhammaṃ, |
those who understand the Dhamma |
āturesu anāturā. |
are like the healthy among the sick. |
Yaṃ kiñci sithilaṃ kammaṃ, |
Any lax act, |
saṃkiliṭṭhañca yaṃ vataṃ; |
any corrupt observance, |
Saṅkassaraṃ brahmacariyaṃ, |
or suspicious spiritual life, |
na taṃ hoti mahapphalaṃ. |
is not very fruitful. |
Yassa sabrahmacārīsu, |
Whoever has no respect |
gāravo nūpalabbhati; |
for their spiritual companions |
Ārakā hoti saddhammā, |
is as far from true Dhamma |
nabhaṃ puthaviyā yathā”ti. |
as the sky from the earth. |
… Sabhiyo thero …. |
|
4.4. Nandakattheragāthā |
4.4. Nandaka (2nd) |
“Dhiratthu pūre duggandhe, |
Damn you mortal frame, you stink! |
mārapakkhe avassute; |
You’re on Māra’s side, you ooze! |
Navasotāni te kāye, |
O body, you have nine streams |
yāni sandanti sabbadā. |
that are flowing all the time. |
Mā purāṇaṃ amaññittho, |
Don’t think much of mortal frames; |
māsādesi tathāgate; |
don’t disparage the Realized Ones. |
Saggepi te na rajjanti, |
They’re not even aroused by heaven, |
kimaṅgaṃ pana mānuse. |
let alone by humans. |
Ye ca kho bālā dummedhā, |
But those who are stupid fools, |
dummantī mohapārutā; |
with bad advisors, shrouded in delusion, |
Tādisā tattha rajjanti, |
that kind of person is aroused by bodies, |
mārakhittamhi bandhane. |
when Māra has laid down the snare. |
Yesaṃ rāgo ca doso ca, |
Those whose greed, hate, and ignorance |
avijjā ca virājitā; |
has faded away; |
Tādī tattha na rajjanti, |
such people are not aroused by bodies, |
chinnasuttā abandhanā”ti. |
they’ve cut the strings, they’re no longer bound. |
… Nandako thero …. |
|
4.5. Jambukattheragāthā |
4.5. Jambuka |
“Pañcapaññāsavassāni, |
For fifty-five years |
rajojallamadhārayiṃ; |
I wore dust and dirt. |
Bhuñjanto māsikaṃ bhattaṃ, |
Eating one meal a month, |
kesamassuṃ alocayiṃ. |
I tore out my hair and beard. |
Ekapādena aṭṭhāsiṃ, |
I stood on one foot; |
āsanaṃ parivajjayiṃ; |
I rejected seats; |
Sukkhagūthāni ca khādiṃ, |
I ate dried-out dung; |
uddesañca na sādiyiṃ. |
I didn’t accept food set aside for me. |
Etādisaṃ karitvāna, |
I did many deeds of this kind, |
bahuṃ duggatigāminaṃ; |
which lead to a bad destination. |
Vuyhamāno mahoghena, |
Swept away by a great flood, |
buddhaṃ saraṇamāgamaṃ. |
I went to the Buddha for refuge. |
Saraṇagamanaṃ passa, |
See the going for refuge! |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ; |
See the excellence of the teaching! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Jambuko thero …. |
|
4.6. Senakattheragāthā |
4.6. Senaka |
“Svāgataṃ vata me āsi, |
It was so welcome for me |
gayāyaṃ gayaphagguyā; |
during the Gayā spring festival |
Yaṃ addasāsiṃ sambuddhaṃ, |
to see the Awakened One |
desentaṃ dhammamuttamaṃ. |
teaching the supreme Dhamma. |
Mahappabhaṃ gaṇācariyaṃ, |
He was glorious, the teacher of a community, |
aggapattaṃ vināyakaṃ; |
a leader who had realized the highest. |
Sadevakassa lokassa, |
In all the world with its gods, |
jinaṃ atuladassanaṃ. |
he was the victor of unequaled vision. |
Mahānāgaṃ mahāvīraṃ, |
A great giant, a great hero, |
mahājutimanāsavaṃ; |
a great light free of defilement. |
Sabbāsavaparikkhīṇaṃ, |
With the utter ending of all defilements, |
satthāramakutobhayaṃ. |
the teacher fears nothing from any quarter. |
Cirasaṃkiliṭṭhaṃ vata maṃ, |
For a long time, sadly, I was corrupted, |
diṭṭhisandānabandhitaṃ; |
fettered by the bond of wrong view. |
Vimocayi so bhagavā, |
That Blessed One, Senaka, |
sabbaganthehi senakan”ti. |
released me from all ties. |
… Senako thero …. |
|
4.7. Sambhūtattheragāthā |
4.7. Sambhūta |
“Yo dandhakāle tarati, |
Hurrying when it’s time to dawdle; |
taraṇīye ca dandhaye; |
dawdling when it’s time to hurry; |
Ayoni saṃvidhānena, |
being so disorganized |
bālo dukkhaṃ nigacchati. |
a fool falls into suffering. |
Tassatthā parihāyanti, |
Their good fortune wastes away |
kāḷapakkheva candimā; |
like the moon in the waning fortnight. |
Āyasakyañca pappoti, |
They become disgraced |
mittehi ca virujjhati. |
and alienated from their friends. |
Yo dandhakāle dandheti, |
Dawdling when it’s time to dawdle; |
taraṇīye ca tāraye; |
hurrying when it’s time to hurry; |
Yoniso saṃvidhānena, |
being so well organized, |
sukhaṃ pappoti paṇḍito. |
an astute person comes into happiness. |
Tassatthā paripūrenti, |
Their good fortune flourishes |
sukkapakkheva candimā; |
like the moon in the waxing fortnight. |
Yaso kittiñca pappoti, |
They become famous and respected, |
mittehi na virujjhatī”ti. |
not alienated from their friends. |
… Sambhūto thero …. |
|
4.8. Rāhulattheragāthā |
4.8. Rāhula |
“Ubhayeneva sampanno, |
I am known as “Fortunate Rāhula”, |
rāhulabhaddoti maṃ vidū; |
because I’m accomplished in both ways: |
Yañcamhi putto buddhassa, |
I am the son of the Buddha, |
yañca dhammesu cakkhumā. |
and I have the vision of the teachings. |
Yañca me āsavā khīṇā, |
Since my defilements have ended, |
yañca natthi punabbhavo; |
since there are no more future lives— |
Arahā dakkhiṇeyyomhi, |
I’m perfected, worthy of offerings, |
tevijjo amataddaso. |
master of the three knowledges, seer of the deathless. |
Kāmandhā jālapacchannā, |
Blinded by sensual pleasures, trapped in a net, |
taṇhāchādanachāditā; |
they are smothered over by craving; |
Pamattabandhunā baddhā, |
bound by the Kinsman of the Negligent, |
macchāva kumināmukhe. |
like a fish caught in a funnel-net trap. |
Taṃ kāmaṃ ahamujjhitvā, |
Having thrown off those sensual pleasures, |
chetvā mārassa bandhanaṃ; |
having cut Māra’s bond, |
Samūlaṃ taṇhamabbuyha, |
and having plucked out craving, root and all: |
sītibhūtosmi nibbuto”ti. |
I’m cooled, Nirvana'd. |
… Rāhulo thero …. |
|
4.9. Candanattheragāthā |
4.9. Candana |
“Jātarūpena sañchannā, |
Covered over with gold, |
dāsīgaṇapurakkhatā; |
surrounded by all her maids, |
Aṅkena puttamādāya, |
with my son upon her hip, |
bhariyā maṃ upāgami. |
my wife came to me. |
Tañca disvāna āyantiṃ, |
I saw her coming, |
sakaputtassa mātaraṃ; |
the mother of my son, |
Alaṅkataṃ suvasanaṃ, |
adorned with jewelry and all dressed up, |
maccupāsaṃva oḍḍitaṃ. |
like a snare of death laid down. |
Tato me manasīkāro, |
Then the realization |
yoniso udapajjatha; |
came upon me— |
Ādīnavo pāturahu, |
the danger became clear, |
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha. |
and I was firmly disillusioned. |
Tato cittaṃ vimucci me, |
Then my mind was freed— |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ; |
see the excellence of the teaching! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Candano thero …. |
|
4.10. Dhammikattheragāthā |
4.10. Dhammika |
“Dhammo have rakkhati dhammacāriṃ, |
“Dhamma surely protects one who practices Dhamma; |
Dhammo suciṇṇo sukhamāvahati; |
the teaching brings happiness when practiced well. |
Esānisaṃso dhamme suciṇṇe, |
This is the benefit of practicing Dhamma: |
Na duggatiṃ gacchati dhammacārī. |
one doesn’t go to a bad destination. |
Na hi dhammo adhammo ca, |
It’s not the case that Dhamma and what is not Dhamma |
ubho samavipākino; |
lead to the same results. |
Adhammo nirayaṃ neti, |
What is not Dhamma leads to hell, |
dhammo pāpeti suggatiṃ. |
while Dhamma takes you to a good place. |
Tasmā hi dhammesu kareyya chandaṃ, |
So you should rouse enthusiasm for the teachings; |
Iti modamāno sugatena tādinā; |
such rejoicing is owing to the Holy One, the poised. |
Dhamme ṭhitā sugatavarassa sāvakā, |
The disciples of the best of Holy Ones are firm in the teaching; |
Nīyanti dhīrā saraṇavaraggagāmino”. |
those wise ones are led on, headed to the very best of refuges.” |
“Vipphoṭito gaṇḍamūlo, |
“The boil has been burst from its root, |
Taṇhājālo samūhato; |
the net of craving is eradicated. |
So khīṇasaṃsāro na catthi kiñcanaṃ, |
He has ended transmigration, he has nothing, |
Cando yathā dosinā puṇṇamāsiyan”ti. |
he’s like the full moon on a bright night.” |
… Dhammiko thero …. |
|
4.11. Sappakattheragāthā |
4.11. Sappaka |
“Yadā balākā sucipaṇḍaracchadā, |
When the crane with its beautiful white wings, |
Kāḷassa meghassa bhayena tajjitā; |
startled by fear of the dark thundercloud, |
Palehiti ālayamālayesinī, |
flees, seeking shelter— |
Tadā nadī ajakaraṇī rameti maṃ. |
then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me. |
Yadā balākā suvisuddhapaṇḍarā, |
When the crane, so pure and white, |
Kāḷassa meghassa bhayena tajjitā; |
startled by fear of the dark thundercloud, |
Pariyesati leṇamaleṇadassinī, |
seeks a cave to shelter in, but can’t see one— |
Tadā nadī ajakaraṇī rameti maṃ. |
then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me. |
Kaṃ nu tattha na ramenti, |
Who wouldn’t be delighted |
jambuyo ubhato tahiṃ; |
by the rose-apple trees |
Sobhenti āpagākūlaṃ, |
that adorn both banks of the river, |
mama leṇassa pacchato. |
there, behind my cave? |
Tāmatamadasaṃghasuppahīnā, |
Rid of snakes, that death-mad swarm, |
Bhekā mandavatī panādayanti; |
the lazy frogs croak: |
‘Nājja girinadīhi vippavāsasamayo, |
“Today isn’t the time to stray from mountain streams; |
Khemā ajakaraṇī sivā surammā’”ti. |
Ajakaraṇī is safe, pleasant, and delightful.” |
… Sappako thero …. |
|
4.12. Muditattheragāthā |
4.12. Mudita |
“Pabbajiṃ jīvikatthohaṃ, |
I went forth to save my life. |
laddhāna upasampadaṃ; |
But I embraced faith |
Tato saddhaṃ paṭilabhiṃ, |
after receiving full ordination. |
daḷhavīriyo parakkamiṃ. |
I strove, strong in effort: |
Kāmaṃ bhijjatuyaṃ kāyo, |
gladly, let this body be broken! |
maṃsapesī visīyaruṃ; |
Let this lump of meat be dissolved! |
Ubho jaṇṇukasandhīhi, |
Let both my legs fall off |
jaṅghāyo papatantu me. |
at the knees! |
Nāsissaṃ na pivissāmi, |
I won’t eat, I won’t drink, |
vihārā ca na nikkhame; |
I won’t leave my dwelling, |
Napi passaṃ nipātessaṃ, |
nor will I lie down on my side, |
taṇhāsalle anūhate. |
until the dart of craving is drawn out. |
Tassa mevaṃ viharato, |
As I meditate like this, |
passa vīriyaparakkamaṃ; |
see my energy and vigor! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Mudito thero …. |
|
Catukkanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
pañcakanipāta |
the book of the fives |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
5.1. Rājadattattheragāthā |
5.1. Rājadatta |
“Bhikkhu sivathikaṃ gantvā, |
I, a monk, went to a charnel ground |
Addasa itthimujjhitaṃ; |
and saw a woman’s body abandoned there, |
Apaviddhaṃ susānasmiṃ, |
discarded in a cemetery, |
Khajjantiṃ kimihī phuṭaṃ. |
full of worms that devoured. |
Yañhi eke jigucchanti, |
Some men were disgusted, |
mataṃ disvāna pāpakaṃ; |
seeing her dead and rotten; |
Kāmarāgo pāturahu, |
but sexual desire arose in me, |
andhova savatī ahuṃ. |
I was as if blind to her oozing body. |
Oraṃ odanapākamhā, |
Quicker than the cooking of rice |
tamhā ṭhānā apakkamiṃ; |
I left that place! |
Satimā sampajānohaṃ, |
rememberful and aware, |
ekamantaṃ upāvisiṃ. |
I retired to a discreet place. |
Tato me manasīkāro, |
Then the realization |
yoniso udapajjatha; |
came upon me— |
Ādīnavo pāturahu, |
the danger became clear, |
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha. |
and I was firmly disillusioned. |
Tato cittaṃ vimucci me, |
Then my mind was freed— |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ; |
see the excellence of the teaching! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Rājadatto thero …. |
|
5.2. Subhūtattheragāthā |
5.2. Subhūta |
“Ayoge yuñjamattānaṃ, |
When a person, wishing for a certain outcome, |
puriso kiccamicchako; |
applies themselves in a misguided endeavor; |
Carañce nādhigaccheyya, |
not achieving what they worked for, |
‘taṃ me dubbhagalakkhaṇaṃ’. |
they say: “That’s a sign of my bad luck.” |
Abbūḷhaṃ aghagataṃ vijitaṃ, |
When a misfortune is extracted and beaten, |
Ekañce ossajeyya kalīva siyā; |
to surrender it in part would be like losing at dice; |
Sabbānipi ce ossajeyya andhova siyā, |
but to surrender it all you’d have to be blind, |
Samavisamassa adassanato. |
not seeing the even and the uneven. |
Yañhi kayirā tañhi vade, |
You should only say what you would do; |
yaṃ na kayirā na taṃ vade; |
you shouldn’t say what you wouldn’t do. |
Akarontaṃ bhāsamānaṃ, |
The wise will recognize |
parijānanti paṇḍitā. |
one who talks without doing. |
Yathāpi ruciraṃ pupphaṃ, |
Just like a glorious flower |
vaṇṇavantaṃ agandhakaṃ; |
that’s colorful but lacks fragrance; |
Evaṃ subhāsitā vācā, |
well-spoken speech is fruitless |
aphalā hoti akubbato. |
for one who does not act on it. |
Yathāpi ruciraṃ pupphaṃ, |
Just like a glorious flower |
Vaṇṇavantaṃ sugandhakaṃ; |
that's both colorful and fragrant, |
Evaṃ subhāsitā vācā, |
well-spoken speech is fruitful |
Saphalā hoti kubbato”ti. |
for one who acts on it. |
… Subhūto thero …. |
|
5.3. Girimānandattheragāthā |
5.3. Girimānanda |
“Vassati devo yathā sugītaṃ, |
The sky rains down, like a beautiful song; |
Channā me kuṭikā sukhā nivātā; |
my little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind; |
Tassaṃ viharāmi vūpasanto, |
I meditate there, peaceful: |
Atha ce patthayasī pavassa deva. |
so rain, sky, as you please. |
Vassati devo yathā sugītaṃ, |
The sky rains down, like a beautiful song; |
Channā me kuṭikā sukhā nivātā; |
my little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind; |
Tassaṃ viharāmi santacitto, |
I meditate there, my mind at peace: |
Atha ce patthayasī pavassa deva. |
so rain, sky, as you please. |
Vassati devo, |
The sky rains down, like a beautiful song; |
… pe … |
my little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind; |
tassaṃ viharāmi vītarāgo, |
I meditate there, free of lust: |
… pe … |
so rain, sky, as you please. |
Vassati devo, |
The sky rains down, like a beautiful song; |
… pe … |
my little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind; |
tassaṃ viharāmi vītadoso, |
I meditate there, free of hate: |
… pe … |
so rain, sky, as you please. |
Vassati devo, |
The sky rains down, like a beautiful song; |
… pe … |
my little hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind; |
tassaṃ viharāmi vītamoho, |
I meditate there, free of delusion: |
Atha ce patthayasī pavassa devā”ti. |
so rain, sky, as you please. |
… Girimānando thero …. |
|
5.4. Sumanattheragāthā |
5.4. Sumana (1st) |
“Yaṃ patthayāno dhammesu, |
My mentor helped me to learn, |
upajjhāyo anuggahi; |
hoping I would practice those teachings. |
Amataṃ abhikaṅkhantaṃ, |
Aspiring to the deathless, |
kataṃ kattabbakaṃ mayā. |
I’ve done what had to be done. |
Anuppatto sacchikato, |
I’ve realized the Dhamma, |
sayaṃ dhammo anītiho; |
witnessing it for myself, not based on hearsay. |
Visuddhañāṇo nikkaṅkho, |
With purified knowledge, free of doubt, |
byākaromi tavantike. |
I declare it in your presence. |
Pubbenivāsaṃ jānāmi, |
I know my past lives, |
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṃ; |
my clairvoyance is purified, |
Sadattho me anuppatto, |
I’ve realized my own true goal, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Appamattassa me sikkhā, |
Being diligent in the training, |
sussutā tava sāsane; |
I learned your teachings well. |
Sabbe me āsavā khīṇā, |
All my defilements are ended; |
natthi dāni punabbhavo. |
now there are no more future lives. |
Anusāsi maṃ ariyavatā, |
You advised me in noble observances; |
Anukampi anuggahi; |
compassionate, you helped teach me. |
Amogho tuyhamovādo, |
Your instruction was not in vain— |
Antevāsimhi sikkhito”ti. |
I, your pupil, am fully trained. |
… Sumano thero …. |
|
5.5. Vaḍḍhattheragāthā |
5.5. Vaḍḍha |
“Sādhū hi kira me mātā, |
Actually, it turned out to be a good thing, |
Patodaṃ upadaṃsayi; |
how my mother spurred me on. |
Yassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
When I heard her words, |
Anusiṭṭho janettiyā; |
advised by my mother, |
Āraddhavīriyo pahitatto, |
energetic and resolute, |
Patto sambodhimuttamaṃ. |
I realized supreme awakening. |
Arahā dakkhiṇeyyomhi, |
I’m perfected, worthy of offerings, |
tevijjo amataddaso; |
master of the three knowledges, seer of the deathless. |
Jetvā namucino senaṃ, |
I’ve conquered the army of Namuci, |
viharāmi anāsavo. |
and live without defilements. |
Ajjhattañca bahiddhā ca, |
Those defilements that were found in me, |
ye me vijjiṃsu āsavā; |
internally and externally, |
Sabbe asesā ucchinnā, |
are all cut off without remainder, |
na ca uppajjare puna. |
and will not arise again. |
Visāradā kho bhaginī, |
My self-assured sister |
etamatthaṃ abhāsayi; |
said this to me: |
‘Apihā nūna mayipi, |
“Now neither you nor I |
vanatho te na vijjati’. |
have any entanglements.” |
Pariyantakataṃ dukkhaṃ, |
Suffering is at an end; |
antimoyaṃ samussayo; |
this bag of bones is my last |
Jātimaraṇasaṃsāro, |
in the transmigration through births and deaths; |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Vaḍḍho thero …. |
|
5.6. Nadīkassapattheragāthā |
5.6. Nadīkassapa |
“Atthāya vata me buddho, |
It was truly for my benefit |
nadiṃ nerañjaraṃ agā; |
that the Buddha went to the river Nerañjara. |
Yassāhaṃ dhammaṃ sutvāna, |
When I heard his teaching, |
micchādiṭṭhiṃ vivajjayiṃ. |
I shunned wrong view. |
Yajiṃ uccāvace yaññe, |
I used to perform a diverse spectrum of sacrifices; |
aggihuttaṃ juhiṃ ahaṃ; |
I served the sacred flame, |
‘Esā suddhī’ti maññanto, |
imagining, “This is purity.” |
andhabhūto puthujjano. |
I was a blind, ordinary person. |
Diṭṭhigahanapakkhando, |
Caught in the thicket of wrong view, |
parāmāsena mohito; |
deluded by misapprehension. |
Asuddhiṃ maññisaṃ suddhiṃ, |
Thinking impurity was purity, |
andhabhūto aviddasu. |
I was blind and ignorant. |
Micchādiṭṭhi pahīnā me, |
I’ve abandoned wrong view; |
bhavā sabbe padālitā; |
all rebirths are shattered. |
Juhāmi dakkhiṇeyyaggiṃ, |
I serve the truly worthy flame: |
namassāmi tathāgataṃ. |
I bow to the Realized One. |
Mohā sabbe pahīnā me, |
I’ve given up all delusion; |
bhavataṇhā padālitā; |
craving for rebirth is shattered; |
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṃsāro, |
transmigration through births is finished; |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Nadīkassapo thero …. |
|
5.7. Gayākassapattheragāthā |
5.7. Gayākassapa |
“Pāto majjhanhikaṃ sāyaṃ, |
Three times a day— |
tikkhattuṃ divasassahaṃ; |
morning, midday, and evening— |
Otariṃ udakaṃ sohaṃ, |
I plunged into the water at Gayā |
gayāya gayaphagguyā. |
for the Gayā spring festival. |
‘Yaṃ mayā pakataṃ pāpaṃ, |
“Whatever bad things I’ve done |
pubbe aññāsu jātisu; |
in previous lives, |
Taṃ dānīdha pavāhemi’, |
I’ll now wash away right here”— |
evaṃdiṭṭhi pure ahuṃ. |
such was the view I used to hold. |
Sutvā subhāsitaṃ vācaṃ, |
Having heard the wonderful words, |
dhammatthasahitaṃ padaṃ; |
a passage meaningful and principled, |
Tathaṃ yāthāvakaṃ atthaṃ, |
I properly reflected |
yoniso paccavekkhisaṃ. |
on the true, essential goal. |
Ninhātasabbapāpomhi, |
I’ve washed away all bad things; |
nimmalo payato suci; |
I’m stainless, clean, pristine; |
Suddho suddhassa dāyādo, |
the pure heir of the pure one, |
putto buddhassa oraso. |
a true-born child of the Buddha. |
Ogayhaṭṭhaṅgikaṃ sotaṃ, |
When I plunged into the eightfold stream, |
sabbapāpaṃ pavāhayiṃ; |
all bad things were washed away. |
Tisso vijjā ajjhagamiṃ, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Gayākassapo thero …. |
|
5.8. Vakkalittheragāthā |
5.8. Vakkali |
“Vātarogābhinīto tvaṃ, |
“Struck by a wind ailment |
viharaṃ kānane vane; |
while dwelling in a forest grove, |
Paviṭṭhagocare lūkhe, |
you’ve entered a tough place for gathering alms— |
kathaṃ bhikkhu karissasi”. |
how will you get by, monk?” |
“Pītisukhena vipulena, |
“Pervading this bag of bones |
pharamāno samussayaṃ; |
with abundant rapture and happiness, |
Lūkhampi abhisambhonto, |
putting up with what’s tough, |
viharissāmi kānane. |
I’ll dwell in the forest. |
Bhāvento satipaṭṭhāne, |
Developing rememberfulness meditation, |
indriyāni balāni ca; |
the faculties and the powers, |
Bojjhaṅgāni ca bhāvento, |
developing the factors of awakening, |
viharissāmi kānane. |
I’ll dwell in the forest. |
Āraddhavīriye pahitatte, |
Having seen those who are energetic, resolute, |
Niccaṃ daḷhaparakkame; |
always staunchly vigorous, |
Samagge sahite disvā, |
harmonious and united, |
Viharissāmi kānane. |
I’ll dwell in the forest. |
Anussaranto sambuddhaṃ, |
Recollecting the Buddha— |
aggaṃ dantaṃ samāhitaṃ; |
the best, the tamed, the undistractible-&-lucid— |
Atandito rattindivaṃ, |
tireless all day and night |
viharissāmi kānane”ti. |
I’ll dwell in the forest.” |
… Vakkalitthero …. |
|
5.9. Vijitasenattheragāthā |
5.9. Vijitasena |
“Olaggessāmi te citta, |
I’ll cage you, mind, |
āṇidvāreva hatthinaṃ; |
like an elephant in a stockade. |
Na taṃ pāpe niyojessaṃ, |
Born of the flesh, that net of the senses, |
kāmajāla sarīraja. |
I won’t urge you to do bad. |
Tvaṃ olaggo na gacchasi, |
Caged, you won’t go anywhere, |
Dvāravivaraṃ gajova alabhanto; |
like an elephant who can’t find an open gate. |
Na ca cittakali punappunaṃ, |
Demon-mind, you won’t wander again and again, |
Pasakka pāparato carissasi. |
bullying, in love with wickedness. |
Yathā kuñjaraṃ adantaṃ, |
Just as a strong trainer with a hook |
Navaggahamaṅkusaggaho; |
takes a wild, newly captured elephant |
Balavā āvatteti akāmaṃ, |
and wins it over against its will, |
Evaṃ āvattayissaṃ taṃ. |
so I’ll win you over. |
Yathā varahayadamakusalo, |
Just as a fine charioteer, skilled in the taming |
Sārathi pavaro dameti ājaññaṃ; |
of fine horses, tames a thoroughbred, |
Evaṃ damayissaṃ taṃ, |
so I’ll tame you, |
Patiṭṭhito pañcasu balesu. |
firmly established in the five powers. |
Satiyā taṃ nibandhissaṃ, |
I’ll bind you with rememberfulness; |
Payutto te damessāmi; |
devout, I shall tame you; |
Vīriyadhuraniggahito, |
kept in check by harnessed energy, |
Na yito dūraṃ gamissase cittā”ti. |
mind, you won’t go far from here. |
… Vijitaseno thero …. |
|
5.10. Yasadattattheragāthā |
5.10. Yasadatta |
“Upārambhacitto dummedho, |
With fault-finding mind, the dullard |
suṇāti jinasāsanaṃ; |
listens to the victor’s instruction. |
Ārakā hoti saddhammā, |
They’re as far from the true teaching |
nabhaso pathavī yathā. |
as the earth is from the sky. |
Upārambhacitto dummedho, |
With fault-finding mind, the dullard |
suṇāti jinasāsanaṃ; |
listens to the victor’s instruction. |
Parihāyati saddhammā, |
They fall away from the true teaching, |
kāḷapakkheva candimā. |
like the moon in the waning fortnight. |
Upārambhacitto dummedho, |
With fault-finding mind, the dullard |
suṇāti jinasāsanaṃ; |
listens to the victor’s instruction. |
Parisussati saddhamme, |
They wither away in the true teaching, |
maccho appodake yathā. |
like a fish in too little water. |
Upārambhacitto dummedho, |
With fault-finding mind, the dullard |
suṇāti jinasāsanaṃ; |
listens to the victor’s instruction. |
Na virūhati saddhamme, |
They don’t thrive in the true teaching, |
khette bījaṃva pūtikaṃ. |
like a rotten seed in a field. |
Yo ca tuṭṭhena cittena, |
But one with contented mind |
suṇāti jinasāsanaṃ; |
who listens to the victor’s instruction— |
Khepetvā āsave sabbe, |
having wiped out all defilements; |
sacchikatvā akuppataṃ; |
having witnessed the unshakable; |
Pappuyya paramaṃ santiṃ, |
having arrived at ultimate peace— |
parinibbātināsavo”ti. |
they are quenched without defilements. |
… Yasadatto thero …. |
|
5.11. Soṇakuṭikaṇṇattheragāthā |
5.11. Soṇakuṭikaṇṇa |
“Upasampadā ca me laddhā, |
I’ve received ordination; |
vimutto camhi anāsavo; |
I am liberated, without defilements; |
So ca me bhagavā diṭṭho, |
I’ve seen the Blessed One myself, |
vihāre ca sahāvasiṃ. |
and even stayed together with him. |
Bahudeva rattiṃ bhagavā, |
The Blessed One, the teacher, |
abbhokāsetināmayi; |
spent much of the night in the open; |
Vihārakusalo satthā, |
then he, who is so skilled in meditation, |
vihāraṃ pāvisī tadā. |
entered his dwelling. |
Santharitvāna saṅghāṭiṃ, |
Spreading his outer robe, |
seyyaṃ kappesi gotamo; |
Gotama made his bed, |
Sīho selaguhāyaṃva, |
like a lion in a rocky cave, |
pahīnabhayabheravo. |
with fear and dread given up. |
Tato kalyāṇavākkaraṇo, |
Then, with lovely enunciation, |
sammāsambuddhasāvako; |
Soṇa, a disciple of the Buddha, |
Soṇo abhāsi saddhammaṃ, |
recited the true teaching |
buddhaseṭṭhassa sammukhā. |
before the best of Buddhas. |
Pañcakkhandhe pariññāya, |
When he has completely understood the five aggregates, |
Bhāvayitvāna añjasaṃ; |
developed the direct route, |
Pappuyya paramaṃ santiṃ, |
and arrived at ultimate peace, |
Parinibbissatyanāsavo”ti. |
he will realize quenching without defilements. |
… Soṇo kuṭikaṇṇatthero …. |
|
5.12. Kosiyattheragāthā |
5.12. Kosiya |
“Yo ve garūnaṃ vacanaññu dhīro, |
Whatever wise one, understanding their teacher’s words, |
Vase ca tamhi janayetha pemaṃ; |
stays with them, their fondness growing; |
So bhattimā nāma ca hoti paṇḍito, |
that astute person is indeed devoted— |
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assa. |
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished. |
Yaṃ āpadā uppatitā uḷārā, |
When extreme stresses arise, |
Nakkhambhayante paṭisaṅkhayantaṃ; |
one who does not tremble, but reflects instead, |
So thāmavā nāma ca hoti paṇḍito, |
that astute person is indeed strong— |
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assa. |
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished. |
Yo ve samuddova ṭhito anejo, |
Steady as the ocean, imperturbable, |
Gambhīrapañño nipuṇatthadassī; |
their wisdom is deep, they see the subtle goal; |
Asaṃhāriyo nāma ca hoti paṇḍito, |
that astute person is indeed immovable— |
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assa. |
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished. |
Bahussuto dhammadharo ca hoti, |
They’re very learned, and have memorized the teaching, |
Dhammassa hoti anudhammacārī; |
living in line with the teachings— |
So tādiso nāma ca hoti paṇḍito, |
that astute person is indeed such— |
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assa. |
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished. |
Atthañca yo jānāti bhāsitassa, |
They know the meaning of what is said, |
Atthañca ñatvāna tathā karoti; |
and act accordingly; |
Atthantaro nāma sa hoti paṇḍito, |
that astute person is indeed a master of meaning— |
Ñatvā ca dhammesu visesi assā”ti. |
knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished. |
… Kosiyo thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
chakkanipāta |
the book of the sixes |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
6.1 Uruveḷakassapattheragāthā |
6.1. Uruveḷakassapa |
“Disvāna pāṭihīrāni, |
Seeing the demonstrations |
gotamassa yasassino; |
of the renowned Gotama |
Na tāvāhaṃ paṇipatiṃ, |
was not enough for me to bow to him— |
issāmānena vañcito. |
I was blinded by jealousy and conceit. |
Mama saṅkappamaññāya, |
Knowing my thoughts, |
codesi narasārathi; |
the trainer of men scolded me. |
Tato me āsi saṃvego, |
I was struck with a sense of urgency, |
abbhuto lomahaṃsano. |
so astonishing and hair-raising! |
Pubbe jaṭilabhūtassa, |
Rejecting the petty powers |
yā me siddhi parittikā; |
I had before as a matted-hair ascetic, |
Tāhaṃ tadā nirākatvā, |
I then went forth |
pabbajiṃ jinasāsane. |
in the victor’s instruction. |
Pubbe yaññena santuṭṭho, |
I used to be content with sacrifice, |
kāmadhātupurakkhato; |
the realm of sensual pleasures was my priority. |
Pacchā rāgañca dosañca, |
But later I eradicated desire, |
mohañcāpi samūhaniṃ. |
and hatred and also delusion. |
Pubbenivāsaṃ jānāmi, |
I know my past lives; |
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṃ; |
my clairvoyance is clarified; |
Iddhimā paracittaññū, |
I have psychic powers, and know the minds of others; |
dibbasotañca pāpuṇiṃ. |
I have attained clairaudience. |
Yassa catthāya pabbajito, |
I’ve attained the goal |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
for the sake of which I went forth |
So me attho anuppatto, |
from the lay life to homelessness— |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhayo”ti. |
the ending of all fetters. |
… Uruveḷakassapo thero …. |
|
6.2. Tekicchakārittheragāthā |
6.2. Tekicchakāri |
“Atihitā vīhi, |
“The rice has been harvested |
khalagatā sālī; |
and gathered on the threshing-floor— |
Na ca labhe piṇḍaṃ, |
but I don’t get any alms-food! |
kathamahaṃ kassaṃ”. |
How will I get by?” |
“Buddhamappameyyaṃ anussara pasanno, |
“In faith, recollect the immeasurable Buddha! |
Pītiyā phuṭasarīro hohisi satatamudaggo. |
Your body soaked with rapture, you’ll always be full of joy. |
Dhammamappameyyaṃ anussara pasanno, |
In faith, recollect the immeasurable teaching! |
Pītiyā phuṭasarīro hohisi satatamudaggo. |
Your body soaked with rapture, you’ll always be full of joy. |
Saṃghamappameyyaṃ anussara pasanno, |
In faith, recollect the immeasurable Saṅgha! |
Pītiyā phuṭasarīro hohisi satatamudaggo”. |
Your body soaked with rapture, you’ll always be full of joy.” |
“Abbhokāse viharasi, |
“You stay in the open, |
Sītā hemantikā imā ratyo; |
though these winter nights are cold. |
Mā sītena pareto vihaññittho, |
Don’t perish, overcome with cold; |
Pavisa tvaṃ vihāraṃ phusitaggaḷaṃ”. |
enter your dwelling, with latch shut fast.” |
“Phusissaṃ catasso appamaññāyo, |
“I’ll realize the four immeasurable states, |
Tāhi ca sukhito viharissaṃ; |
and meditate happily in them. |
Nāhaṃ sītena vihaññissaṃ, |
I won’t perish, overcome with cold; |
Aniñjito viharanto”ti. |
I’ll dwell unperturbed.” |
… Tekicchakārī thero …. |
|
6.3. Mahānāgattheragāthā |
6.3. Mahānāga |
“Yassa sabrahmacārīsu, |
Whoever has no respect |
gāravo nūpalabbhati; |
for their spiritual companions |
Parihāyati saddhammā, |
falls away from the true teaching, |
maccho appodake yathā. |
like a fish in too little water. |
Yassa sabrahmacārīsu, |
Whoever has no respect |
gāravo nūpalabbhati; |
for their spiritual companions |
Na virūhati saddhamme, |
doesn’t thrive in the true teaching, |
khette bījaṃva pūtikaṃ. |
like a rotten seed in a field. |
Yassa sabrahmacārīsu, |
Whoever has no respect |
gāravo nūpalabbhati; |
for their spiritual companions |
Ārakā hoti nibbānā, |
is far from quenching, |
dhammarājassa sāsane. |
in the teaching of the Dhamma king. |
Yassa sabrahmacārīsu, |
Whoever does have respect |
gāravo upalabbhati; |
for their spiritual companions |
Na vihāyati saddhammā, |
doesn’t fall away from the true teaching, |
maccho bavhodake yathā. |
like a fish in plenty of water. |
Yassa sabrahmacārīsu, |
Whoever does have respect |
gāravo upalabbhati; |
for their spiritual companions |
So virūhati saddhamme, |
thrives in the true teaching, |
khette bījaṃva bhaddakaṃ. |
like a quality seed in a field. |
Yassa sabrahmacārīsu, |
Whoever does have respect |
gāravo upalabbhati; |
for their spiritual companions |
Santike hoti nibbānaṃ, |
is close to quenching |
dhammarājassa sāsane”ti. |
in the teaching of the Dhamma king. |
… Mahānāgo thero …. |
|
6.4. Kullattheragāthā |
6.4. Kulla |
“Kullo sivathikaṃ gantvā, |
I, Kulla, went to a charnel ground |
addasa itthimujjhitaṃ; |
and saw a woman’s body abandoned there, |
Apaviddhaṃ susānasmiṃ, |
discarded in a cemetery, |
khajjantiṃ kimihī phuṭaṃ. |
full of worms that devoured. |
Āturaṃ asuciṃ pūtiṃ, |
“See this bag of bones, Kulla— |
passa kulla samussayaṃ; |
diseased, filthy, rotten, |
Uggharantaṃ paggharantaṃ, |
oozing and trickling, |
bālānaṃ abhinanditaṃ. |
a fool’s delight.” |
Dhammādāsaṃ gahetvāna, |
Taking the teaching as a mirror |
ñāṇadassanapattiyā; |
for realizing knowledge and vision, |
Paccavekkhiṃ imaṃ kāyaṃ, |
I examined this body, |
tucchaṃ santarabāhiraṃ. |
hollow, inside and out. |
Yathā idaṃ tathā etaṃ, |
As this is, so is that; |
yathā etaṃ tathā idaṃ; |
as that is, so is this. |
Yathā adho tathā uddhaṃ, |
As below, so above; |
yathā uddhaṃ tathā adho. |
as above, so below. |
Yathā divā tathā rattiṃ, |
As by day, so by night; |
yathā rattiṃ tathā divā; |
as by night, so by day. |
Yathā pure tathā pacchā, |
As before, so after; |
yathā pacchā tathā pure. |
as after, so before. |
Pañcaṅgikena turiyena, |
Even the music of a five-piece band |
Na ratī hoti tādisī; |
can never give such pleasure |
Yathā ekaggacittassa, |
as when, with unified mind, |
Sammā dhammaṃ vipassato”ti. |
you rightly discern the Dhamma. |
… Kullo thero …. |
|
6.5. Mālukyaputtattheragāthā |
6.5. Māluṅkyaputta (1st) |
“Manujassa pamattacārino, |
When a person lives heedlessly, |
Taṇhā vaḍḍhati māluvā viya; |
craving grows in them like a parasitic creeper. |
So plavatī hurā huraṃ, |
They jump from life to life, like a monkey |
Phalamicchaṃva vanasmi vānaro. |
greedy for fruit in a forest grove. |
Yaṃ esā sahate jammī, |
Whoever is beaten by this wretched craving, |
taṇhā loke visattikā; |
this attachment to the world, |
Sokā tassa pavaḍḍhanti, |
their sorrow grows, |
abhivaṭṭhaṃva bīraṇaṃ. |
like grass in the rain. |
Yo cetaṃ sahate jammiṃ, |
But whoever prevails over this wretched craving, |
taṇhaṃ loke duraccayaṃ; |
so hard to get over in the world, |
Sokā tamhā papatanti, |
their sorrows fall from them, |
udabindūva pokkharā. |
like a drop from a lotus-leaf. |
Taṃ vo vadāmi bhaddaṃ vo, |
I say this to you, good people, |
yāvantettha samāgatā; |
all those who have gathered here: |
Taṇhāya mūlaṃ khaṇatha, |
dig up the root of craving, |
usīratthova bīraṇaṃ; |
as you’d dig up the grass in search of roots. |
Mā vo naḷaṃva sotova, |
Don’t let Māra break you again and again, |
māro bhañji punappunaṃ. |
like a stream breaking a reed. |
Karotha buddhavacanaṃ, |
Act on the Buddha’s words, |
khaṇo vo mā upaccagā; |
don’t let the moment pass you by. |
Khaṇātītā hi socanti, |
For if you miss your moment |
nirayamhi samappitā. |
you’ll grieve when you’re sent to hell. |
Pamādo rajo pamādo, |
Negligence is a toxin; |
pamādānupatito rajo; |
negligence is included as a toxin. |
Appamādena vijjāya, |
Through diligence and knowledge, |
abbahe sallamattano”ti. |
pluck out the dart from yourself. |
… Mālukyaputto thero …. |
|
6.6. Sappadāsattheragāthā |
6.6. Sappadāsa |
“Paṇṇavīsativassāni, |
In the twenty-five years |
yato pabbajito ahaṃ; |
since I went forth, |
Accharāsaṅghātamattampi, |
I have not found peace of mind, |
cetosantimanajjhagaṃ. |
even as long as a finger-snap. |
Aladdhā cittassekaggaṃ, |
Since I couldn’t get my mind unified, |
kāmarāgena aṭṭito; |
I was racked by desire for pleasures of the senses. |
Bāhā paggayha kandanto, |
Wailing, with outstretched arms, |
vihārā upanikkhamiṃ. |
I left my dwelling. |
Satthaṃ vā āharissāmi, |
Shall I … or shall I slit my wrists? |
Ko attho jīvitena me; |
What’s the point of living? |
Kathaṃ hi sikkhaṃ paccakkhaṃ, |
For how on earth can one such as me die |
Kālaṃ kubbetha mādiso. |
after rejecting the training? |
Tadāhaṃ khuramādāya, |
Then I picked up a razor, |
mañcakamhi upāvisiṃ; |
I sat on a cot: |
Parinīto khuro āsi, |
the razor was ready |
dhamaniṃ chettumattano. |
to slice my vein. |
Tato me manasīkāro, |
Then the realization |
yoniso udapajjatha; |
came upon me— |
Ādīnavo pāturahu, |
the danger became clear, |
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha. |
and I was firmly disillusioned. |
Tato cittaṃ vimucci me, |
Then my mind was freed— |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ; |
see the excellence of the teaching! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Sappadāso thero …. |
|
6.7. Kātiyānattheragāthā |
6.7. Kātiyāna |
“Uṭṭhehi nisīda kātiyāna, |
Get up, Kātiyāna, and sit! |
Mā niddābahulo ahu jāgarassu; |
Don’t sleep too much, be wakeful. |
Mā taṃ alasaṃ pamattabandhu, |
Don’t be lazy and let the kinsman of the heedless, |
Kūṭeneva jinātu maccurājā. |
the King of Death, catch you in his trap. |
Seyyathāpi mahāsamuddavego, |
Like a wave in the mighty ocean, |
Evaṃ jātijarātivattate taṃ; |
birth and old age sweep you under. |
So karohi sudīpamattano tvaṃ, |
Make a safe island of yourself, |
Na hi tāṇaṃ tava vijjateva aññaṃ. |
for you have no other shelter. |
Satthā hi vijesi maggametaṃ, |
The teacher has mastered this path, |
Saṅgā jātijarābhayā atītaṃ; |
which transcends ties, and the fear of birth and old age. |
Pubbāpararattamappamatto, |
Be diligent all the time |
Anuyuñjassu daḷhaṃ karohi yogaṃ. |
and dedicate yourself to practice. |
Purimāni pamuñca bandhanāni, |
Free yourself from your former bonds! |
Saṅghāṭikhuramuṇḍabhikkhabhojī; |
Wearing your outer robe, with shaven head, eating almsfood, |
Mā khiḍḍāratiñca mā niddaṃ, |
don’t delight in play or sleep, |
Anuyuñjittha jhāya kātiyāna. |
dedicate yourself to jhāna, Kātiyāna. |
Jhāyāhi jināhi kātiyāna, |
Meditate and conquer, Kātiyāna, |
Yogakkhemapathesu kovidosi; |
you’re an expert in the path to sanctuary. |
Pappuyya anuttaraṃ visuddhiṃ, |
Attaining unexcelled purity, |
Parinibbāhisi vārināva joti. |
you’ll be quenched, as a flame by water. |
Pajjotakaro parittaraṃso, |
A lamp of feeble flame |
Vātena vinamyate latāva; |
is bent down by the wind, like a creeper; |
Evampi tuvaṃ anādiyāno, |
just so, kinsman of Indra, |
Māraṃ indasagotta niddhunāhi; |
shake off Māra, without grasping. |
So vedayitāsu vītarāgo, |
Free of lust for feelings, |
Kālaṃ kaṅkha idheva sītibhūto”ti. |
await your time here, cooled. |
… Kātiyāno thero …. |
|
6.8. Migajālattheragāthā |
6.8. Migajāla |
“Sudesito cakkhumatā, |
It was well-taught by the seer, |
buddhenādiccabandhunā; |
the Buddha, Kinsman of the Sun, |
Sabbasaṃyojanātīto, |
who has transcended all fetters, |
sabbavaṭṭavināsano. |
and destroyed all rolling-on. |
Niyyāniko uttaraṇo, |
Emancipating, it leads across, |
taṇhāmūlavisosano; |
drying up the root of craving, |
Visamūlaṃ āghātanaṃ, |
and, having cut off the root of poison, the slaughter-house, |
chetvā pāpeti nibbutiṃ. |
it leads to quenching. |
Aññāṇamūlabhedāya, |
By breaking the root of unknowing, |
kammayantavighāṭano; |
it smashes the mechanism of deeds, |
Viññāṇānaṃ pariggahe, |
and drops the thunderbolt of knowledge |
ñāṇavajiranipātano. |
on the taking up of consciousnesses. |
Vedanānaṃ viññāpano, |
It informs us of our feelings, |
upādānappamocano; |
releasing us from grasping, |
Bhavaṃ aṅgārakāsuṃva, |
contemplating with understanding |
ñāṇena anupassano. |
all states of existence as a pit of burning coals. |
Mahāraso sugambhīro, |
It’s very sweet and very deep, |
jarāmaccunivāraṇo; |
holding birth and death at bay; |
Ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo, |
it is the noble eightfold path— |
dukkhūpasamano sivo. |
the stilling of suffering, bliss. |
Kammaṃ kammanti ñatvāna, |
Knowing deed as deed |
vipākañca vipākato; |
and result as result; |
Paṭiccuppannadhammānaṃ, |
seeing dependently originated phenomena |
yathāvālokadassano; |
as if they were in a clear light; |
Mahākhemaṅgamo santo, |
leading to the great sanctuary and peace, |
pariyosānabhaddako”ti. |
it’s excellent at the end. |
… Migajālo thero …. |
|
6.9 Purohitaputtajentattheragāthā |
6.9. Jenta, the High Priest’s Son |
“Jātimadena mattohaṃ, |
I was drunk with the pride of birth |
bhogaissariyena ca; |
and wealth and authority. |
Saṇṭhānavaṇṇarūpena, |
I wandered about intoxicated |
madamatto acārihaṃ. |
with my own gorgeous body. |
Nāttano samakaṃ kañci, |
No-one was my equal or my better— |
atirekaṃ ca maññisaṃ; |
or so I thought. |
Atimānahato bālo, |
I was such an arrogant fool, |
patthaddho ussitaddhajo. |
stuck up, waving my own flag. |
Mātaraṃ pitarañcāpi, |
I never paid homage to anyone: |
aññepi garusammate; |
not even my mother or father, |
Na kañci abhivādesiṃ, |
nor others esteemed as respectable. |
mānatthaddho anādaro. |
I was stiff with pride, lacking regard for others. |
Disvā vināyakaṃ aggaṃ, |
When I saw the foremost leader, |
sārathīnaṃ varuttamaṃ; |
the most excellent of charioteers, |
Tapantamiva ādiccaṃ, |
shining like the sun, |
bhikkhusaṃghapurakkhataṃ. |
at the fore of the mendicant Saṅgha, |
Mānaṃ madañca chaḍḍetvā, |
I discarded conceit and intoxication, |
vippasannena cetasā; |
and, with a clear and confident heart, |
Sirasā abhivādesiṃ, |
I bowed down with my head |
sabbasattānamuttamaṃ. |
to the most excellent of all beings. |
Atimāno ca omāno, |
The conceit of superiority and the conceit of inferiority |
pahīnā susamūhatā; |
have been given up and eradicated. |
Asmimāno samucchinno, |
The conceit “I am” is cut off, |
sabbe mānavidhā hatā”ti. |
and every kind of conceit is destroyed. |
… Jento purohitaputto thero …. |
|
6.10. Sumanattheragāthā |
6.10. Sumana (2nd) |
“Yadā navo pabbajito, |
I was only seven years old |
jātiyā sattavassiko; |
and had just gone forth |
Iddhiyā abhibhotvāna, |
when I overcame the mighty serpent king |
pannagindaṃ mahiddhikaṃ. |
with my psychic powers. |
Upajjhāyassa udakaṃ, |
I brought water for my mentor |
anotattā mahāsarā; |
from the great lake Anotatta. |
Āharāmi tato disvā, |
When he saw me, |
maṃ satthā etadabravi”. |
my teacher declared: |
“Sāriputta imaṃ passa, |
“Sāriputta, see this |
āgacchantaṃ kumārakaṃ; |
young boy coming, |
Udakakumbhamādāya, |
carrying a water pot, |
ajjhattaṃ susamāhitaṃ. |
undistractible-&-lucid inside himself. |
Pāsādikena vattena, |
His conduct inspires confidence, |
kalyāṇairiyāpatho; |
he is of lovely deportment: |
Sāmaṇeronuruddhassa, |
he is Anuruddha’s novice, |
iddhiyā ca visārado. |
assured in psychic powers. |
Ājānīyena ājañño, |
Made a thoroughbred by a thoroughbred, |
sādhunā sādhukārito; |
made good by the good, |
Vinīto anuruddhena, |
educated and trained by Anuruddha, |
katakiccena sikkhito. |
who has completed his task. |
So patvā paramaṃ santiṃ, |
Having attained ultimate peace |
sacchikatvā akuppataṃ; |
and witnessed the unshakable, |
Sāmaṇero sa sumano, |
that novice Sumana has the wish: |
mā maṃ jaññāti icchatī”ti. |
‘May no-one find me out!’” |
… Sumano thero …. |
|
6.11. Nhātakamunittheragāthā |
6.11. Nhātakamuni |
“Vātarogābhinīto tvaṃ, |
“Struck by a wind ailment |
viharaṃ kānane vane; |
while dwelling in a forest grove, |
Paviddhagocare lūkhe, |
you’ve entered a tough place for gathering alms— |
kathaṃ bhikkhu karissasi”. |
how will you get by, monk?” |
“Pītisukhena vipulena, |
“Pervading this bag of bones |
pharitvāna samussayaṃ; |
with abundant rapture and happiness, |
Lūkhampi abhisambhonto, |
putting up with what’s tough, |
viharissāmi kānane. |
I’ll dwell in the forest. |
Bhāvento satta bojjhaṅge, |
Developing the seven awakening factors, |
indriyāni balāni ca; |
the faculties and the powers, |
Jhānasokhummasampanno, |
endowed with subtle jhānas, |
viharissaṃ anāsavo. |
I’ll dwell without defilements. |
Vippamuttaṃ kilesehi, |
Freed from corruptions, |
suddhacittaṃ anāvilaṃ; |
my pure mind is unclouded. |
Abhiṇhaṃ paccavekkhanto, |
Frequently reviewing this, |
viharissaṃ anāsavo. |
I’ll meditate without defilements. |
Ajjhattañca bahiddhā ca, |
Those defilements that were found in me, |
ye me vijjiṃsu āsavā; |
internally and externally, |
Sabbe asesā ucchinnā, |
are all cut off without remainder, |
na ca uppajjare puna. |
and will not arise again. |
Pañcakkhandhā pariññātā, |
The five aggregates are fully understood, |
tiṭṭhanti chinnamūlakā; |
they remain, but their root is cut. |
Dukkhakkhayo anuppatto, |
I have reached the ending of suffering, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives.” |
… Nhātakamunitthero …. |
|
6.12. Brahmadattattheragāthā |
6.12. Brahmadatta |
“Akkodhassa kuto kodho, |
For one free of anger, tamed, living in balance, |
dantassa samajīvino; |
freed by right knowledge, |
Sammadaññāvimuttassa, |
at peace, poised: |
upasantassa tādino. |
where would anger come from? |
Tasseva tena pāpiyo, |
When you get angry at an angry person |
yo kuddhaṃ paṭikujjhati; |
you just make things worse for yourself. |
Kuddhaṃ appaṭikujjhanto, |
When you don’t get angry at an angry person |
saṅgāmaṃ jeti dujjayaṃ. |
you win a battle hard to win. |
Ubhinnamatthaṃ carati, |
When you know that the other is angry, |
attano ca parassa ca; |
you act for the good of both |
Paraṃ saṅkupitaṃ ñatvā, |
yourself and the other |
yo sato upasammati. |
if you’re rememberful and stay calm. |
Ubhinnaṃ tikicchantaṃ taṃ, |
People unfamiliar with the teaching |
attano ca parassa ca; |
consider one who heals both |
Janā maññanti bāloti, |
oneself and the other |
ye dhammassa akovidā. |
to be a fool. |
Uppajje te sace kodho, |
If anger arises in you, |
āvajja kakacūpamaṃ; |
reflect on the simile of the saw; |
Uppajje ce rase taṇhā, |
if craving for flavors arises in you, |
puttamaṃsūpamaṃ sara. |
remember the simile of the child’s flesh. |
Sace dhāvati cittaṃ te, |
If your mind runs off |
kāmesu ca bhavesu ca; |
to sensual pleasures and future lives, |
Khippaṃ niggaṇha satiyā, |
quickly curb it with rememberfulness, |
kiṭṭhādaṃ viya duppasun”ti. |
as one would curb a greedy cow eating corn. |
… Brahmadatto thero …. |
|
6.13 Sirimaṇḍattheragāthā |
6.13. Sirimaṇḍa |
“Channamativassati, |
The rain saturates things that are covered up; |
vivaṭaṃ nātivassati; |
it doesn’t saturate things that are open. |
Tasmā channaṃ vivaretha, |
Therefore you should open up a covered thing, |
evaṃ taṃ nātivassati. |
so the rain will not saturate it. |
Maccunābbhahato loko, |
The world is beaten down by death |
jarāya parivārito; |
and surrounded by old age. |
Taṇhāsallena otiṇṇo, |
The dart of craving has laid it low, |
icchādhūpāyito sadā. |
and it’s always fuming with desire. |
Maccunābbhahato loko, |
The world is beaten down by death, |
parikkhitto jarāya ca; |
caged by old age, |
Haññati niccamattāṇo, |
beaten constantly without respite, |
pattadaṇḍova takkaro. |
like a thief being flogged. |
Āgacchantaggikhandhāva, |
Three things are coming, like a wall of flame: |
maccu byādhi jarā tayo; |
death, disease, and old age. |
Paccuggantuṃ balaṃ natthi, |
No power can stand before them, |
javo natthi palāyituṃ. |
and no speed’s enough to flee. |
Amoghaṃ divasaṃ kayirā, |
Don’t waste your day, |
appena bahukena vā; |
a little or a lot. |
Yaṃ yaṃ vijahate rattiṃ, |
Every night that passes |
tadūnaṃ tassa jīvitaṃ. |
shortens your life by that much. |
Carato tiṭṭhato vāpi, |
Walking or standing, |
āsīnasayanassa vā; |
sitting or lying down: |
Upeti carimā ratti, |
your final night draws near; |
na te kālo pamajjitun”ti. |
you have no time to be careless. |
… Sirimaṇḍo thero …. |
|
6.14. Sabbakāmittheragāthā |
6.14. Sabbakāmi |
“Dvipādakoyaṃ asuci, |
This two-legged body is dirty and stinking, |
duggandho parihīrati; |
full of different carcasses, |
Nānākuṇapaparipūro, |
and oozing all over the place— |
vissavanto tato tato. |
but still it is cherished! |
Migaṃ nilīnaṃ kūṭena, |
Like a lurking deer by a trick, |
baḷiseneva ambujaṃ; |
like a fish by a hook, |
Vānaraṃ viya lepena, |
like a monkey by tar— |
bādhayanti puthujjanaṃ. |
they trap an ordinary person. |
Rūpā saddā rasā gandhā, |
Sights, sounds, tastes, smells, |
phoṭṭhabbā ca manoramā; |
and touches so delightful: |
Pañca kāmaguṇā ete, |
these five kinds of sensual stimulation |
itthirūpasmi dissare. |
are seen in a woman’s body. |
Ye etā upasevanti, |
Those ordinary people, their minds full of lust, |
rattacittā puthujjanā; |
who pursue those women: |
Vaḍḍhenti kaṭasiṃ ghoraṃ, |
they swell the horrors of the charnel ground, |
ācinanti punabbhavaṃ. |
piling up future lives. |
Yo cetā parivajjeti, |
The one who avoids them, |
sappasseva padā siro; |
like a snake’s head with a foot, |
Somaṃ visattikaṃ loke, |
rememberful, he transcends |
sato samativattati. |
attachment to the world. |
Kāmesvādīnavaṃ disvā, |
Seeing the danger in sensual pleasures, |
nekkhammaṃ daṭṭhu khemato; |
seeing renunciation as a sanctuary, |
Nissaṭo sabbakāmehi, |
I’ve escaped all sensual pleasures, |
patto me āsavakkhayo”ti. |
and attained the ending of defilements. |
… Sabbakāmitthero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
sattakanipāta |
the book of the sevens |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
7.1. Sundarasamuddattheragāthā |
7.1. Sundarasamudda |
“Alaṅkatā suvasanā, |
Adorned with jewelry and all dressed up, |
māladhārī vibhūsitā; |
with her garland and her makeup on, |
Alattakakatāpādā, |
and her feet so brightly rouged: |
pādukāruyha vesikā. |
the courtesan was wearing sandals. |
Pādukā oruhitvāna, |
Stepping off her sandals in front of me, |
purato pañjalīkatā; |
her palms joined in greeting, |
Sā maṃ saṇhena mudunā, |
smiling, she spoke to me |
mhitapubbaṃ abhāsatha. |
so softly and so sweet: |
Yuvāsi tvaṃ pabbajito, |
“You’re too young to go forth— |
tiṭṭhāhi mama sāsane; |
come, stay in my teaching! |
Bhuñja mānusake kāme, |
Enjoy human sensual pleasures, |
ahaṃ vittaṃ dadāmi te; |
I’ll give you riches. |
Saccaṃ te paṭijānāmi, |
I promise this is the truth— |
aggiṃ vā te harāmahaṃ. |
I swear it by the Sacred Flame. |
Yadā jiṇṇā bhavissāma, |
And when we’ve grown old together, |
ubho daṇḍaparāyanā; |
both of us leaning on staffs, |
Ubhopi pabbajissāma, |
we shall both go forth, |
ubhayattha kaṭaggaho. |
and win on both counts.” |
Tañca disvāna yācantiṃ, |
I saw the courtesan seducing me, |
vesikaṃ pañjalīkataṃ; |
her palms joined in greeting, |
Alaṅkataṃ suvasanaṃ, |
adorned with jewelry and all dressed up, |
maccupāsaṃva oḍḍitaṃ. |
like a snare of death laid down. |
Tato me manasīkāro, |
Then the realization |
… pe … |
came upon me—the danger became clear |
nibbidā samatiṭṭhatha. |
and I grew firmly disillusioned. |
Tato cittaṃ vimucci me, |
Then my mind was freed— |
… pe … |
see the excellence of the Dhamma! I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Sundarasamuddo thero …. |
|
7.2 Lakuṇḍakabhaddiyattheragāthā |
7.2. Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya |
“Pare ambāṭakārāme, |
Bhaddiya has plucked out craving, root and all, |
vanasaṇḍamhi bhaddiyo; |
and in a jungle thicket |
Samūlaṃ taṇhamabbuyha, |
on the far side of the Wild Mango Monastery, |
tattha bhaddova jhāyati. |
he practices jhāna; he is truly well-favoured. |
Ramanteke mudiṅgehi, |
Some delight in clay drums, |
vīṇāhi paṇavehi ca; |
in arched harps, and in cymbals. |
Ahañca rukkhamūlasmiṃ, |
But here, at the foot of a tree, |
rato buddhassa sāsane. |
I delight in the Buddha’s teaching. |
Buddho ce me varaṃ dajjā, |
If the Buddha were to grant me one wish, |
so ca labbhetha me varo; |
and I were to get what I wished for, |
Gaṇhehaṃ sabbalokassa, |
I’d choose for the whole world |
niccaṃ kāyagataṃ satiṃ. |
constant rememberfulness of the body. |
Ye maṃ rūpena pāmiṃsu, |
Those who’ve judged me on appearance, |
ye ca ghosena anvagū; |
and those swayed by my voice, |
Chandarāgavasūpetā, |
are full of desire and greed; |
na maṃ jānanti te janā. |
they don’t know me. |
Ajjhattañca na jānāti, |
Not knowing what’s inside, |
bahiddhā ca na passati; |
nor seeing what’s outside, |
Samantāvaraṇo bālo, |
the fool shut in on every side, |
sa ve ghosena vuyhati. |
gets carried away by a voice. |
Ajjhattañca na jānāti, |
Not knowing what’s inside, |
bahiddhā ca vipassati; |
but seeing what’s outside, |
Bahiddhā phaladassāvī, |
seeing the fruit outside, |
sopi ghosena vuyhati. |
they’re also carried away by a voice. |
Ajjhattañca pajānāti, |
Understanding what’s inside, |
bahiddhā ca vipassati; |
and seeing what’s outside, |
Anāvaraṇadassāvī, |
seeing without obstacles, |
na so ghosena vuyhatī”ti. |
they don’t get carried away by a voice. |
… Lakuṇḍakabhaddiyo thero …. |
|
7.3. Bhaddattheragāthā |
7.3. Bhadda |
“Ekaputto ahaṃ āsiṃ, |
I was an only child, |
piyo mātu piyo pitu; |
loved by my mother and father. |
Bahūhi vatacariyāhi, |
They had me by practicing |
laddho āyācanāhi ca. |
many prayers and observances. |
Te ca maṃ anukampāya, |
Out of compassion for me |
atthakāmā hitesino; |
wishing me well and wanting the best for me, |
Ubho pitā ca mātā ca, |
my mother and father |
buddhassa upanāmayuṃ. |
took me to see the Buddha. |
‘Kicchā laddho ayaṃ putto, |
“We had this son with difficulty; |
sukhumālo sukhedhito; |
he is delicate and dainty. |
Imaṃ dadāma te nātha, |
We offer him to you, Lord, |
jinassa paricārakaṃ’. |
to attend upon the victor.” |
Satthā ca maṃ paṭiggayha, |
The teacher, having accepted me, |
ānandaṃ etadabravi; |
declared to Ānanda: |
‘Pabbājehi imaṃ khippaṃ, |
“Quickly give him the going-forth— |
hessatyājāniyo ayaṃ’. |
this one will be a thoroughbred!” |
Pabbājetvāna maṃ satthā, |
After he, the teacher, had sent me forth, |
vihāraṃ pāvisī jino; |
the victor entered his dwelling. |
Anoggatasmiṃ sūriyasmiṃ, |
Before the sun set |
tato cittaṃ vimucci me. |
my mind was freed. |
Tato satthā nirākatvā, |
The teacher didn’t neglect me; |
paṭisallānavuṭṭhito; |
when he came out from seclusion, |
‘Ehi bhaddā’ti maṃ āha, |
he said: “Come Bhadda!” |
sā me āsūpasampadā. |
That was my ordination. |
Jātiyā sattavassena, |
At seven years old |
laddhā me upasampadā; |
I received ordination. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges; |
aho dhammasudhammatā”ti. |
oh, the excellence of the teaching! |
… Bhaddo thero …. |
|
7.4. Sopākattheragāthā |
7.4. Sopāka (2nd) |
“Disvā pāsādachāyāyaṃ, |
I saw the supreme person |
caṅkamantaṃ naruttamaṃ; |
walking meditation in the shade of the terrace, |
Tattha naṃ upasaṅkamma, |
so I approached, |
vandissaṃ purisuttamaṃ. |
and bowed to the supreme among men. |
Ekaṃsaṃ cīvaraṃ katvā, |
Arranging my robe over one shoulder |
saṃharitvāna pāṇayo; |
and clasping my hands together, |
Anucaṅkamissaṃ virajaṃ, |
I walked meditation alongside that stainless one, |
sabbasattānamuttamaṃ. |
supreme among all beings. |
Tato pañhe apucchi maṃ, |
The wise one, expert in questions, |
pañhānaṃ kovido vidū; |
questioned me. |
Acchambhī ca abhīto ca, |
Brave and fearless, |
byākāsiṃ satthuno ahaṃ. |
I answered the teacher. |
Vissajjitesu pañhesu, |
When all his questions were answered, |
anumodi tathāgato; |
the Realized One congratulated me. |
Bhikkhusaṃghaṃ viloketvā, |
Looking around the mendicant Saṅgha, |
imamatthaṃ abhāsatha. |
he said the following: |
‘Lābhā aṅgānaṃ magadhānaṃ, |
“It is a blessing for the people of Aṅga and Magadha |
Yesāyaṃ paribhuñjati; |
that this person enjoys their |
Cīvaraṃ piṇḍapātañca, |
robe and almsfood, |
Paccayaṃ sayanāsanaṃ; |
requisites and lodgings, |
Paccuṭṭhānañca sāmīciṃ, |
their respect and service— |
Tesaṃ lābhāti cābravi. |
it’s a blessing for them,” he declared. |
Ajjatagge maṃ sopāka, |
“Sopāka, from this day on |
dassanāyopasaṅkama; |
you are invited to come and see me. |
Esā ceva te sopāka, |
And Sopāka, let this |
bhavatu upasampadā’. |
be your ordination.” |
Jātiyā sattavassohaṃ, |
At seven years old |
laddhāna upasampadaṃ; |
I received ordination. |
Dhāremi antimaṃ dehaṃ, |
I bear my final body— |
aho dhammasudhammatā”ti. |
oh, the excellence of the teaching! |
… Sopāko thero …. |
|
7.5. Sarabhaṅgattheragāthā |
7.5. Sarabhaṅga |
“Sare hatthehi bhañjitvā, |
I broke the reeds off with my hands, |
katvāna kuṭimacchisaṃ; |
made a hut, and stayed there. |
Tena me sarabhaṅgoti, |
That’s how I became known |
nāmaṃ sammutiyā ahu. |
as “Reed-breaker”. |
Na mayhaṃ kappate ajja, |
But now it’s not appropriate |
sare hatthehi bhañjituṃ; |
for me to break reeds with my hands. |
Sikkhāpadā no paññattā, |
The training rules have been laid down for us |
gotamena yasassinā. |
by Gotama the renowned. |
Sakalaṃ samattaṃ rogaṃ, |
Previously, I, Sarabhaṅga, |
Sarabhaṅgo nāddasaṃ pubbe; |
didn’t see the disease in its entirety. |
Soyaṃ rogo diṭṭho, |
But now I have seen the disease, |
Vacanakarenātidevassa. |
as I’ve practiced what was taught by he who is beyond the gods. |
Yeneva maggena gato vipassī, |
Gotama traveled by that straight road; |
Yeneva maggena sikhī ca vessabhū; |
the same path traveled by Vipassī, |
Kakusandhakoṇāgamano ca kassapo, |
by Sikhī, Vessabhū, |
Tenañjasena agamāsi gotamo. |
Kakusandha, Koṇāgamana, and Kassapa. |
Vītataṇhā anādānā, |
These seven Buddhas have plunged into the ending, |
satta buddhā khayogadhā; |
free of craving, without grasping, |
Yehāyaṃ desito dhammo, |
having become Dhamma, poised. |
dhammabhūtehi tādibhi. |
They have taught this Dhamma |
Cattāri ariyasaccāni, |
out of compassion for living creatures— |
anukampāya pāṇinaṃ; |
suffering, origin, path, |
Dukkhaṃ samudayo maggo, |
and cessation, the ending of suffering. |
nirodho dukkhasaṅkhayo. |
In these four noble truths, |
Yasmiṃ nivattate dukkhaṃ, |
the endless suffering of transmigration |
saṃsārasmiṃ anantakaṃ; |
finally comes to an end. |
Bhedā imassa kāyassa, |
When the body breaks up, |
jīvitassa ca saṅkhayā; |
and life comes to an end, |
Añño punabbhavo natthi, |
there are no future lives; |
suvimuttomhi sabbadhī”ti. |
I’m well-freed in every way. |
… Sarabhaṅgo thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
aṭṭhakanipāta |
the book of the eights |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
8.1. Mahākaccāyanattheragāthā |
8.1. Mahākaccāyana |
“Kammaṃ bahukaṃ na kāraye, |
Don’t get involved in lots of work, |
Parivajjeyya janaṃ na uyyame; |
avoid people, and don’t try to acquire things. |
So ussukko rasānugiddho, |
If you’re eager and greedy for flavors, |
Atthaṃ riñcati yo sukhādhivāho. |
you’ll miss the goal that brings such happiness. |
Paṅkoti hi naṃ avedayuṃ, |
They know it really is a bog, |
Yāyaṃ vandanapūjanā kulesu; |
this homage and veneration in respectable families. |
Sukhumaṃ sallaṃ durubbahaṃ, |
Honor is a subtle dart, hard to extract, |
Sakkāro kāpurisena dujjaho. |
and hard for a sinner to give up. |
Na parassupanidhāya, |
The deeds of a mortal aren’t bad |
kammaṃ maccassa pāpakaṃ; |
because of what others do. |
Attanā taṃ na seveyya, |
You yourself should not do bad, |
kammabandhū hi mātiyā. |
for mortals have deeds as their kin. |
Na pare vacanā coro, |
You’re not a bandit because of what someone says, |
na pare vacanā muni; |
you’re not a sage because of what someone says; |
Attā ca naṃ yathāvedi, |
but as you know yourself, |
devāpi naṃ tathā vidū. |
so the gods will know you. |
Pare ca na vijānanti, |
Others don’t understand |
mayamettha yamāmase; |
that our lives must have limits. |
Ye ca tattha vijānanti, |
The clever ones who know this |
tato sammanti medhagā. |
settle their quarrels right away. |
Jīvate vāpi sappañño, |
A wise person lives on |
api vittaparikkhayo; |
even after loss of wealth; |
Paññāya ca alābhena, |
but without gaining wisdom, |
vittavāpi na jīvati. |
even a rich person doesn’t really live. |
Sabbaṃ suṇāti sotena, |
All is heard with the ear, |
sabbaṃ passati cakkhunā; |
all is seen with the eye; |
Na ca diṭṭhaṃ sutaṃ dhīro, |
the wise ought not forsake |
sabbaṃ ujjhitumarahati. |
all that is seen and heard. |
Cakkhumāssa yathā andho, |
Though you have eyes, be as if blind; |
sotavā badhiro yathā; |
though you have ears, be as if deaf; |
Paññavāssa yathā mūgo, |
though you have wisdom, be as if stupid; |
balavā dubbaloriva; |
though you have strength, be as if feeble. |
Atha atthe samuppanne, |
And when issues come up |
sayetha matasāyikan”ti. |
lie as still as a corpse. |
… Mahākaccāyano thero …. |
|
8.2. Sirimittattheragāthā |
8.2. Sirimitta |
“Akkodhanonupanāhī, |
Free of anger and hostility, |
amāyo rittapesuṇo; |
free of deceit, and rid of slander; |
Sa ve tādisako bhikkhu, |
that’s how such a mendicant |
evaṃ pecca na socati. |
doesn’t grieve after passing away. |
Akkodhanonupanāhī, |
Free of anger and hostility, |
amāyo rittapesuṇo; |
free of deceit, and rid of slander; |
Guttadvāro sadā bhikkhu, |
that’s how a mendicant with sense doors always guarded |
evaṃ pecca na socati. |
doesn’t grieve after passing away. |
Akkodhanonupanāhī, |
Free of anger and hostility, |
amāyo rittapesuṇo; |
free of deceit, and rid of slander; |
Kalyāṇasīlo so bhikkhu, |
that’s how a mendicant of good virtue |
evaṃ pecca na socati. |
doesn’t grieve after passing away. |
Akkodhanonupanāhī, |
Free of anger and hostility, |
amāyo rittapesuṇo; |
free of deceit, and rid of slander; |
Kalyāṇamitto so bhikkhu, |
that’s how a mendicant with good friends |
evaṃ pecca na socati. |
doesn’t grieve after passing away. |
Akkodhanonupanāhī, |
Free of anger and hostility, |
amāyo rittapesuṇo; |
free of deceit, and rid of slander; |
Kalyāṇapañño so bhikkhu, |
that’s how a mendicant of good wisdom, |
evaṃ pecca na socati. |
doesn’t grieve after passing away. |
Yassa saddhā tathāgate, |
Whoever has faith in the Realized One, |
acalā suppatiṭṭhitā; |
unwavering and well grounded; |
Sīlañca yassa kalyāṇaṃ, |
whose ethical conduct is good, |
ariyakantaṃ pasaṃsitaṃ. |
praised and loved by the noble ones; |
Saṃghe pasādo yassatthi, |
who has confidence in the Saṅgha, |
ujubhūtañca dassanaṃ; |
and correct view: |
‘Adaliddo’ti taṃ āhu, |
they’re said to be prosperous; |
amoghaṃ tassa jīvitaṃ. |
their life is not in vain. |
Tasmā saddhañca sīlañca, |
So let the wise devote themselves |
pasādaṃ dhammadassanaṃ; |
to faith, ethical behavior, |
Anuyuñjetha medhāvī, |
confidence, and insight into the teaching, |
saraṃ buddhāna sāsanan”ti. |
remembering the instructions of the Buddhas. |
… Sirimitto thero …. |
|
8.3. Mahāpanthakattheragāthā |
8.3. Mahāpanthaka |
“Yadā paṭhamamaddakkhiṃ, |
When I first saw the Teacher |
satthāramakutobhayaṃ; |
who fears nothing from any quarter, |
Tato me ahu saṃvego, |
I was struck with a sense of urgency, |
passitvā purisuttamaṃ. |
seeing the supreme among men. |
Siriṃ hatthehi pādehi, |
Anyone who, having found such a Teacher, |
yo paṇāmeyya āgataṃ; |
would lose them again, |
Etādisaṃ so satthāraṃ, |
is like someone who, when Lucky Luck comes to them, |
ārādhetvā virādhaye. |
would drive her away with their hands and feet. |
Tadāhaṃ puttadārañca, |
Then I left behind my children and wives, |
dhanadhaññañca chaḍḍayiṃ; |
my riches and my grain; |
Kesamassūni chedetvā, |
I had my hair and beard cut off, |
pabbajiṃ anagāriyaṃ. |
and went forth to homelessness. |
Sikkhāsājīvasampanno, |
Endowed with the monastic training and livelihood, |
indriyesu susaṃvuto; |
my sense faculties well-restrained, |
Namassamāno sambuddhaṃ, |
paying homage to the Buddha, |
vihāsiṃ aparājito. |
I meditated undefeated. |
Tato me paṇidhī āsi, |
Then a wish occurred to me, |
cetaso abhipatthito; |
my heart’s truest wish: |
Na nisīde muhuttampi, |
I wouldn’t sit down, not even for a moment, |
taṇhāsalle anūhate. |
until the dart of craving was drawn out. |
Tassa mevaṃ viharato, |
As I meditate like this, |
passa vīriyaparakkamaṃ; |
see my energy and vigor! |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Pubbenivāsaṃ jānāmi, |
I know my past lives, |
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṃ; |
my clairvoyance is clarified; |
Arahā dakkhiṇeyyomhi, |
I’m perfected, worthy of offerings, |
vippamutto nirūpadhi. |
liberated, without attachments. |
Tato ratyā vivasāne, |
Then, at the end of the night, |
sūriyuggamanaṃ pati; |
as the rising of the sun drew near, |
Sabbaṃ taṇhaṃ visosetvā, |
all craving was dried up, |
pallaṅkena upāvisin”ti. |
so I sat down cross-legged. |
… Mahāpanthako thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
navakanipāta |
the book of the nines |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
9.1. Bhūtattheragāthā |
9.1. Bhūta |
“Yadā dukkhaṃ jarāmaraṇanti paṇḍito, |
“Old age and death are suffering; |
Aviddasū yattha sitā puthujjanā; |
yet an ignorant ordinary person is bound to them.” |
Dukkhaṃ pariññāya satova jhāyati, |
When an astute person fully understands this, and they are rememberful, practicing jhāna: |
Tato ratiṃ paramataraṃ na vindati. |
there is no greater pleasure than this. |
Yadā dukkhassāvahaniṃ visattikaṃ, |
When clinging, the carrier of suffering, |
Papañcasaṅghātadukhādhivāhiniṃ; |
and craving, the carrier of this painful mass of proliferation, |
Taṇhaṃ pahantvāna satova jhāyati, |
are destroyed, and one is rememberful, practicing jhāna: |
Tato ratiṃ paramataraṃ na vindati. |
there is no greater pleasure than this. |
Yadā sivaṃ dvecaturaṅgagāminaṃ, |
When the eightfold way, so full of grace, |
Magguttamaṃ sabbakilesasodhanaṃ; |
the supreme path, cleanser of all corruptions, |
Paññāya passitva satova jhāyati, |
is seen with wisdom; and one is rememberful, practicing jhāna: |
Tato ratiṃ paramataraṃ na vindati. |
there is no greater pleasure than this. |
Yadā asokaṃ virajaṃ asaṅkhataṃ, |
When one develops that peaceful state, |
Santaṃ padaṃ sabbakilesasodhanaṃ; |
sorrowless, stainless, unconditioned, |
Bhāveti saṃyojanabandhanacchidaṃ, |
cleanser of all corruptions, cutter of fetters and bonds: |
Tato ratiṃ paramataraṃ na vindati. |
there is no greater pleasure than this. |
Yadā nabhe gajjati meghadundubhi, |
When the thunder-cloud rumbles in the sky, |
Dhārākulā vihagapathe samantato; |
while the rain pours on the path of birds everywhere, |
Bhikkhū ca pabbhāragatova jhāyati, |
and a monk has gone to a mountain cave, practicing jhāna: |
Tato ratiṃ paramataraṃ na vindati. |
there is no greater pleasure than this. |
Yadā nadīnaṃ kusumākulānaṃ, |
When sitting on a riverbank covered in flowers, |
Vicitta-vāneyya-vaṭaṃsakānaṃ; |
garlanded with brightly colored forest plants, |
Tīre nisinno sumanova jhāyati, |
one is truly happy, practicing jhāna: |
Tato ratiṃ paramataraṃ na vindati. |
there is no greater pleasure than this. |
Yadā nisīthe rahitamhi kānane, |
When it is midnight in a lonely forest, |
Deve gaḷantamhi nadanti dāṭhino; |
and the sky rains, and the lions roar, |
Bhikkhū ca pabbhāragatova jhāyati, |
and a monk has gone to a mountain cave, practicing jhāna: |
Tato ratiṃ paramataraṃ na vindati. |
there is no greater pleasure than this. |
Yadā vitakke uparundhiyattano, |
When one’s own thoughts have stopped, |
Nagantare nagavivaraṃ samassito; |
between two mountains, sheltered inside a cleft, |
Vītaddaro vītakhilova jhāyati, |
without stress or heartlessness, practicing jhāna: |
Tato ratiṃ paramataraṃ na vindati. |
there is no greater pleasure than this. |
Yadā sukhī malakhilasokanāsano, |
When one is happy, destroyer of stains, heartlessness, and sorrow, |
Niraggaḷo nibbanatho visallo; |
free of obstructions, entanglements, and thorns, |
Sabbāsave byantikatova jhāyati, |
and with all defilements annihilated, practicing jhāna: |
Tato ratiṃ paramataraṃ na vindatī”ti. |
there is no greater pleasure than this. |
… Bhūto thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
dasakanipāta |
the book of the tens |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
10.1. Kāḷudāyittheragāthā |
10.1. Kāḷudāyin |
“Aṅgārino dāni dumā bhadante, |
“The trees are now crimson, venerable sir, |
Phalesino chadanaṃ vippahāya; |
they’ve shed their foliage, and are ready to fruit. |
Te accimantova pabhāsayanti, |
They’re splendid, as if aflame; |
Samayo mahāvīra bhāgī rasānaṃ. |
great hero, this season is full of flavor. |
Dumāni phullāni manoramāni, |
The blossoming trees are delightful, |
Samantato sabbadisā pavanti; |
wafting their scent all around, in all directions. |
Pattaṃ pahāya phalamāsasānā, |
They’ve shed their leaves and wish to fruit, |
Kālo ito pakkamanāya vīra. |
hero, it is time to depart from here. |
Nevātisītaṃ na panātiuṇhaṃ, |
It is neither too hot nor too cold, |
Sukhā utu addhaniyā bhadante; |
venerable sir, it’s a pleasant season for traveling. |
Passantu taṃ sākiyā koḷiyā ca, |
Let the Sākiyas and Koḷiyas see you, |
Pacchāmukhaṃ rohiniyaṃ tarantaṃ. |
heading west across the Rohiṇī river. |
Āsāya kasate khettaṃ, |
In hope, the field is plowed; |
bījaṃ āsāya vappati; |
the seed is sown in hope; |
Āsāya vāṇijā yanti, |
in hope, merchants travel the seas, |
samuddaṃ dhanahārakā; |
carrying rich cargoes. |
Yāya āsāya tiṭṭhāmi, |
The hope that I stand for: |
sā me āsā samijjhatu. |
may it succeed! |
Punappunaṃ ceva vapanti bījaṃ, |
Again and again, they sow the seed; |
Punappunaṃ vassati devarājā; |
again and again, the lord god sends rain; |
Punappunaṃ khettaṃ kasanti kassakā, |
again and again, farmers plow the field; |
Punappunaṃ dhaññamupeti raṭṭhaṃ. |
again and again, grain is produced for the nation. |
Punappunaṃ yācanakā caranti, |
Again and again, the beggars wander, |
Punappunaṃ dānapatī dadanti; |
again and again, the donors give. |
Punappunaṃ dānapatī daditvā, |
Again and again, when the donors have given, |
Punappunaṃ saggamupenti ṭhānaṃ. |
again and again, they take their place in heaven. |
Vīro have sattayugaṃ puneti, |
A hero of vast wisdom purifies seven generations |
Yasmiṃ kule jāyati bhūripañño; |
of the family in which they’re born. |
Maññāmahaṃ sakkati devadevo, |
Sakya, I believe you’re the king of kings, |
Tayā hi jāto muni saccanāmo. |
since you fathered the one who is truly called a sage. |
Suddhodano nāma pitā mahesino, |
The father of the great hermit is named Suddhodana; |
Buddhassa mātā pana māyanāmā; |
and the Buddha’s mother is named Māyā. |
Yā bodhisattaṃ parihariya kucchinā, |
Having borne the Bodhisatta in her belly, |
Kāyassa bhedā tidivamhi modati. |
she rejoices in the heaven of the Thirty-Three. |
Sā gotamī kālakatā ito cutā, |
When she died and passed away from here, |
Dibbehi kāmehi samaṅgibhūtā; |
she was blessed with heavenly sensual pleasures; |
Sā modati kāmaguṇehi pañcahi, |
enjoying the five kinds of sensual stimulation. |
Parivāritā devagaṇehi tehi”. |
Gotamī is surrounded by those hosts of gods.” |
“Buddhassa puttomhi asayhasāhino, |
“I’m the son of the Buddha, the incomparable Aṅgīrasa, the poised— |
Aṅgīrasassappaṭimassa tādino; |
I bear the unbearable. |
Pitupitā mayhaṃ tuvaṃsi sakka, |
You, Sakya, are my father’s father; |
Dhammena me gotama ayyakosī”ti. |
Gotama, you are my grandfather in the Dhamma.” |
… Kāḷudāyī thero …. |
|
10.2. Ekavihāriyattheragāthā |
10.2. Ekavihāriya |
“Purato pacchato vāpi, |
If no-one else is found |
aparo ce na vijjati; |
in front or behind, |
Atīva phāsu bhavati, |
it’s extremely pleasant |
ekassa vasato vane. |
to be dwelling alone in a forest grove. |
Handa eko gamissāmi, |
Come now, I’ll go alone |
araññaṃ buddhavaṇṇitaṃ; |
to the wilderness praised by the Buddha. |
Phāsu ekavihārissa, |
It’s pleasant for a mendicant |
pahitattassa bhikkhuno. |
to be dwelling alone and resolute. |
Yogi-pītikaraṃ rammaṃ, |
Alone and self-disciplined, |
mattakuñjarasevitaṃ; |
I’ll quickly enter the delightful forest, |
Eko attavasī khippaṃ, |
which gives joy to meditators, |
pavisissāmi kānanaṃ. |
and is frequented by rutting elephants. |
Supupphite sītavane, |
In Sītavana, so full of flowers, |
sītale girikandare; |
in a cool mountain cave, |
Gattāni parisiñcitvā, |
I’ll bathe my limbs |
caṅkamissāmi ekako. |
and walk meditation alone. |
Ekākiyo adutiyo, |
When will I dwell alone, |
ramaṇīye mahāvane; |
without a companion, |
Kadāhaṃ viharissāmi, |
in the great wood, so delightful, |
katakicco anāsavo. |
my task complete, free of defilements? |
Evaṃ me kattukāmassa, |
This is what I want to do: |
adhippāyo samijjhatu; |
may my wish succeed! |
Sādhayissāmahaṃyeva, |
I’ll make it happen myself, |
nāñño aññassa kārako. |
for no-one can do another’s duty. |
Esa bandhāmi sannāhaṃ, |
Fastening my armor, |
pavisissāmi kānanaṃ; |
I’ll enter the forest. |
Na tato nikkhamissāmi, |
I won’t leave |
appatto āsavakkhayaṃ. |
without attaining the end of defilements. |
Mālute upavāyante, |
As the cool breeze blows |
sīte surabhigandhike; |
with fragrant scent, |
Avijjaṃ dālayissāmi, |
I’ll split ignorance apart, |
nisinno nagamuddhani. |
sitting on the mountain-peak. |
Vane kusumasañchanne, |
In a forest grove covered with blossoms, |
pabbhāre nūna sītale; |
in a cave so very cool, |
Vimuttisukhena sukhito, |
I take pleasure in Giribbaja, |
ramissāmi giribbaje. |
happy with the happiness of freedom. |
Sohaṃ paripuṇṇasaṅkappo, |
I’ve got all I wished for |
cando pannaraso yathā; |
like the moon on the fifteenth day. |
Sabbāsavaparikkhīṇo, |
With the utter ending of all defilements, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Ekavihāriyo thero …. |
|
10.3. Mahākappinattheragāthā |
10.3. Mahākappina |
“Anāgataṃ yo paṭikacca passati, |
If you’re prepared for the future, |
Hitañca atthaṃ ahitañca taṃ dvayaṃ; |
both the good and the bad, |
Viddesino tassa hitesino vā, |
then those who look for your weakness, |
Randhaṃ na passanti samekkhamānā. |
whether enemies or well-wishers, will find none. |
Ānāpānasatī yassa, |
One who has fulfilled, developed, |
paripuṇṇā subhāvitā; |
and gradually consolidated |
Anupubbaṃ paricitā, |
rememberfulness of breathing |
yathā buddhena desitā; |
as it was taught by the Buddha: |
Somaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti, |
they light up the world, |
abbhā muttova candimā. |
like the moon freed from a cloud. |
Odātaṃ vata me cittaṃ, |
Yes, my mind is clean, |
appamāṇaṃ subhāvitaṃ; |
measureless, and well-developed; |
Nibbiddhaṃ paggahītañca, |
it has broken through and been uplifted— |
sabbā obhāsate disā. |
it radiates in every direction. |
Jīvate vāpi sappañño, |
A wise person lives on |
api vittaparikkhayo; |
even after loss of wealth; |
Paññāya ca alābhena, |
but without gaining wisdom, |
vittavāpi na jīvati. |
even a rich person doesn’t really live. |
Paññā sutavinicchinī, |
Wisdom questions what is learned; |
Paññā kittisilokavaddhanī; |
wisdom grows fame and reputation; |
Paññāsahito naro idha, |
a person who has wisdom |
Api dukkhesu sukhāni vindati. |
finds happiness even among sufferings. |
Nāyaṃ ajjatano dhammo, |
It’s not a teaching just for today; |
nacchero napi abbhuto; |
it isn’t incredible or amazing. |
Yattha jāyetha mīyetha, |
When you’re born, you die— |
tattha kiṃ viya abbhutaṃ. |
what’s amazing about that? |
Anantaraṃ hi jātassa, |
For anyone who is born, |
jīvitā maraṇaṃ dhuvaṃ; |
death always follows after life. |
Jātā jātā marantīdha, |
Everyone who is born here dies here; |
evaṃdhammā hi pāṇino. |
such is the nature of living creatures. |
Na hetadatthāya matassa hoti, |
The things that are useful for the living |
Yaṃ jīvitatthaṃ paraporisānaṃ; |
are of no use for the dead—not fame, not celebrity, |
Matamhi ruṇṇaṃ na yaso na lokyaṃ, |
not praise by ascetics and brahmins. |
Na vaṇṇitaṃ samaṇabrāhmaṇehi. |
For the dead, there is only weeping. |
Cakkhuṃ sarīraṃ upahanti tena, |
And weeping impairs the eye and the body; |
Nihīyati vaṇṇabalaṃ matī ca; |
complexion, health, and intelligence decline. |
Ānandino tassa disā bhavanti, |
Your enemies rejoice; |
Hitesino nāssa sukhī bhavanti. |
but your well-wishers are not happy. |
Tasmā hi iccheyya kule vasante, |
So you should wish that those who stay in your family |
Medhāvino ceva bahussute ca; |
have intelligence and learning, |
Yesaṃ hi paññāvibhavena kiccaṃ, |
and do their duty through the power of wisdom, |
Taranti nāvāya nadiṃva puṇṇan”ti. |
just as you’d cross a full river by boat. |
… Mahākappino thero …. |
|
10.4. Cūḷapanthakattheragāthā |
10.4. Cūḷapanthaka |
“Dandhā mayhaṃ gatī āsi, |
My progress was slow, |
paribhūto pure ahaṃ; |
I was despised in the past. |
Bhātā ca maṃ paṇāmesi, |
Even my brother turned me away, |
‘gaccha dāni tuvaṃ gharaṃ’. |
saying, “Go home now.” |
Sohaṃ paṇāmito santo, |
Turned away at the gate |
saṃghārāmassa koṭṭhake; |
of the Saṅgha’s monastery, |
Dummano tattha aṭṭhāsiṃ, |
I stood there sadly, |
sāsanasmiṃ apekkhavā. |
longing for the dispensation. |
Bhagavā tattha āgacchi, |
Then the Buddha came |
sīsaṃ mayhaṃ parāmasi; |
and touched my head. |
Bāhāya maṃ gahetvāna, |
Taking me by the arm, |
saṃghārāmaṃ pavesayi. |
he brought me into the Saṅgha’s monastery. |
Anukampāya me satthā, |
The Teacher, out of compassion, |
pādāsi pādapuñchaniṃ; |
gave me a foot-wiping cloth, saying: |
‘Etaṃ suddhaṃ adhiṭṭhehi, |
“Focus your awareness |
ekamantaṃ svadhiṭṭhitaṃ’. |
exclusively on this clean cloth.” |
Tassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
After hearing his words, |
vihāsiṃ sāsane rato; |
I happily did his bidding. |
Samādhiṃ paṭipādesiṃ, |
I practiced meditative undistractible-lucidity |
uttamatthassa pattiyā. |
for the attainment of the highest goal. |
Pubbenivāsaṃ jānāmi, |
I know my past lives, |
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṃ; |
my clairvoyance is clarified; |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Sahassakkhattumattānaṃ, |
I, Panthaka, created a thousand |
nimminitvāna panthako; |
images of myself, |
Nisīdambavane ramme, |
and sat in the delightful mango grove |
yāva kālappavedanā. |
until the time for the meal offering was announced. |
Tato me satthā pāhesi, |
Then the teacher sent to me |
dūtaṃ kālappavedakaṃ; |
a messenger to announce the time. |
Paveditamhi kālamhi, |
When the time was announced, |
vehāsādupasaṅkamiṃ. |
I flew to him through the air. |
Vanditvā satthuno pāde, |
I paid homage at the teacher’s feet, |
ekamantaṃ nisīdahaṃ; |
and sat to one side. |
Nisinnaṃ maṃ viditvāna, |
When he knew I was seated, |
atha satthā paṭiggahi. |
the teacher received the offering. |
Āyāgo sabbalokassa, |
Recipient of gifts from the whole world, |
āhutīnaṃ paṭiggaho; |
receiver of sacrifices, |
Puññakkhettaṃ manussānaṃ, |
field of merit for humanity, |
paṭiggaṇhittha dakkhiṇan”ti. |
he received the religious donation. |
… Cūḷapanthako thero …. |
|
10.5. Kappattheragāthā |
10.5. Kappa |
“Nānākulamalasampuṇṇo, |
Filled with different kinds of dirt, |
mahāukkārasambhavo; |
a great producer of dung, |
Candanikaṃva paripakkaṃ, |
like a stagnant cesspool, |
mahāgaṇḍo mahāvaṇo. |
a huge boil, a bad wound, |
Pubbaruhirasampuṇṇo, |
full of pus and blood, |
gūthakūpena gāḷhito; |
sunk in a toilet-pit, |
Āpopaggharaṇo kāyo, |
trickling with fluids, |
sadā sandati pūtikaṃ. |
this rotting body always oozes. |
Saṭṭhikaṇḍarasambandho, |
Bound by sixty tendons, |
maṃsalepanalepito; |
coated with a fleshy coating, |
Cammakañcukasannaddho, |
clothed in a jacket of skin, |
pūtikāyo niratthako. |
this rotting body is worthless. |
Aṭṭhisaṅghātaghaṭito, |
Held together by a skeleton of bones, |
nhārusuttanibandhano; |
and bound by sinews; |
Nekesaṃ saṅgatībhāvā, |
it assumes postures |
kappeti iriyāpathaṃ. |
due to a complex of many things. |
Dhuvappayāto maraṇāya, |
We set out in the certainty of death, |
maccurājassa santike; |
in the presence of the King of Death; |
Idheva chaḍḍayitvāna, |
and having discarded the body right here, |
yenakāmaṅgamo naro. |
a person goes where he likes. |
Avijjāya nivuto kāyo, |
Enveloped by ignorance, |
catuganthena ganthito; |
tied by the four ties, |
Oghasaṃsīdano kāyo, |
this body is sinking in the flood, |
anusayajālamotthato. |
caught in the net of the underlying tendencies. |
Pañcanīvaraṇe yutto, |
Yoked to the five hindrances, |
vitakkena samappito; |
afflicted by thought, |
Taṇhāmūlenānugato, |
stuck to the root of craving, |
mohacchādanachādito. |
hidden by delusion: |
Evāyaṃ vattate kāyo, |
that is how the body goes on, |
kammayantena yantito; |
propelled by the mechanism of deeds. |
Sampatti ca vipatyantā, |
But existence ends in perishing; |
nānābhāvo vipajjati. |
separated, the body perishes. |
Yemaṃ kāyaṃ mamāyanti, |
Those blind, ordinary people |
andhabālā puthujjanā; |
who think of this body as theirs, |
Vaḍḍhenti kaṭasiṃ ghoraṃ, |
swell the horrors of the charnel ground, |
ādiyanti punabbhavaṃ. |
taking hold of future lives. |
Yemaṃ kāyaṃ vivajjenti, |
Those who shun this body, |
Gūthalittaṃva pannagaṃ; |
like a snake smeared with dung, |
Bhavamūlaṃ vamitvāna, |
expel the root of rebirth, |
Parinibbissantināsavā”ti. |
and realize quenching free of defilements. |
… Kappo thero …. |
|
10.6 Vaṅgantaputtaupasenattheragāthā |
10.6. Upasena, Vaṅganta’s Son |
“Vivittaṃ appanigghosaṃ, |
In order to go on retreat, |
vāḷamiganisevitaṃ; |
a monk should stay in lodgings |
Seve senāsanaṃ bhikkhu, |
that are secluded and quiet, |
paṭisallānakāraṇā. |
frequented by beasts of prey. |
Saṅkārapuñjā āhatvā, |
Having gathered scraps from rubbish heaps, |
susānā rathiyāhi ca; |
cemeteries and streets, |
Tato saṅghāṭikaṃ katvā, |
and making an outer robe from them, |
lūkhaṃ dhāreyya cīvaraṃ. |
one should wear that coarse robe. |
Nīcaṃ manaṃ karitvāna, |
Humbling their heart, |
sapadānaṃ kulā kulaṃ; |
a mendicant should walk for alms |
Piṇḍikāya care bhikkhu, |
from family to family indiscriminately, |
guttadvāro susaṃvuto. |
with sense doors guarded, well-restrained. |
Lūkhenapi vā santusse, |
They should be content even with coarse food, |
nāññaṃ patthe rasaṃ bahuṃ; |
not hoping for lots of flavors. |
Rasesu anugiddhassa, |
The mind that’s greedy for flavors |
jhāne na ramatī mano. |
doesn’t delight in jhāna. |
Appiccho ceva santuṭṭho, |
With few wishes, content, |
pavivitto vase muni; |
a sage should live secluded, |
Asaṃsaṭṭho gahaṭṭhehi, |
socializing with neither |
anāgārehi cūbhayaṃ. |
householders nor the homeless. |
Yathā jaḷo va mūgo va, |
He should appear |
attānaṃ dassaye tathā; |
to be stupid or dumb; |
Nātivelaṃ sambhāseyya, |
an astute person would not speak overly long |
saṃghamajjhamhi paṇḍito. |
in the midst of the Saṅgha. |
Na so upavade kañci, |
He would not insult anyone, |
upaghātaṃ vivajjaye; |
and would avoid causing damage. |
Saṃvuto pātimokkhasmiṃ, |
Restrained in the monastic code, |
mattaññū cassa bhojane. |
they would eat in moderation. |
Suggahītanimittassa, |
Expert in the arising of thought, |
cittassuppādakovido; |
they would grasp well the pattern of the mind. |
Samathaṃ anuyuñjeyya, |
They would be devoted to practicing |
kālena ca vipassanaṃ. |
serenity and discernment at the right time. |
Vīriyasātaccasampanno, |
Though endowed with energy and perseverance, |
yuttayogo sadā siyā; |
and always devoted to meditation, |
Na ca appatvā dukkhantaṃ, |
a wise person would not be too sure of themselves, |
vissāsaṃ eyya paṇḍito. |
until they have attained the end of suffering. |
Evaṃ viharamānassa, |
For a mendicant who meditates in this way, |
suddhikāmassa bhikkhuno; |
longing for purification, |
Khīyanti āsavā sabbe, |
all their defilements wither away, |
nibbutiñcādhigacchatī”ti. |
and they realize quenching. |
… Upaseno vaṅgantaputto thero …. |
|
10.7. (Apara) Gotamattheragāthā |
10.7. Another Gotama |
“Vijāneyya sakaṃ atthaṃ, |
You should understand your own purpose, |
Avalokeyyātha pāvacanaṃ; |
and consider the dispensation carefully, |
Yañcettha assa patirūpaṃ, |
as well as what’s appropriate |
Sāmaññaṃ ajjhupagatassa. |
for one who has entered the ascetic life. |
Mittaṃ idha ca kalyāṇaṃ, |
Good friendship in the community, |
Sikkhā vipulaṃ samādānaṃ; |
undertaking plenty of training, |
Sussūsā ca garūnaṃ, |
eagerness to learn from the teachers— |
Etaṃ samaṇassa patirūpaṃ. |
this is appropriate for an ascetic. |
Buddhesu sagāravatā, |
Respect for the Buddha, |
Dhamme apaciti yathābhūtaṃ; |
reverence for the Dhamma as it really is, |
Saṃghe ca cittikāro, |
esteem for the Saṅgha— |
Etaṃ samaṇassa patirūpaṃ. |
this is appropriate for an ascetic. |
Ācāragocare yutto, |
Commitment to good conduct and alms-resort, |
Ājīvo sodhito agārayho; |
a livelihood that is pure and blameless, |
Cittassa ca saṇṭhapanaṃ, |
and stilling the mind— |
Etaṃ samaṇassa patirūpaṃ. |
this is appropriate for an ascetic. |
Cārittaṃ atha vārittaṃ, |
An impressive deportment in things that should be done, |
Iriyāpathiyaṃ pasādaniyaṃ; |
and in those better avoided; |
Adhicitte ca āyogo, |
commitment to the higher mind— |
Etaṃ samaṇassa patirūpaṃ. |
this is appropriate for an ascetic. |
Āraññakāni senāsanāni, |
Wilderness lodgings, |
Pantāni appasaddāni; |
remote and quiet, |
Bhajitabbāni muninā, |
fit for use by a sage— |
Etaṃ samaṇassa patirūpaṃ. |
this is appropriate for an ascetic. |
Sīlañca bāhusaccañca, |
Ethics, learning, |
Dhammānaṃ pavicayo yathābhūtaṃ; |
investigation of teachings in line with reality, |
Saccānaṃ abhisamayo, |
and penetration of the truths— |
Etaṃ samaṇassa patirūpaṃ. |
this is appropriate for an ascetic. |
Bhāveyya ca aniccanti, |
Developing the perceptions |
Anattasaññaṃ asubhasaññañca; |
of impermanence, non-self, and unattractiveness, |
Lokamhi ca anabhiratiṃ, |
and displeasure with the whole world— |
Etaṃ samaṇassa patirūpaṃ. |
this is appropriate for an ascetic. |
Bhāveyya ca bojjhaṅge, |
Developing the awakening factors, |
Iddhipādāni indriyāni balāni; |
the bases for psychic power, the faculties and powers, |
Aṭṭhaṅgamaggamariyaṃ, |
and the noble eightfold path— |
Etaṃ samaṇassa patirūpaṃ. |
this is appropriate for an ascetic. |
Taṇhaṃ pajaheyya muni, |
A sage should abandon craving, |
Samūlake āsave padāleyya; |
defilements shattered, root and all, |
Vihareyya vippamutto, |
they should live liberated— |
Etaṃ samaṇassa patirūpan”ti. |
this is appropriate for an ascetic. |
… Gotamo thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
ekādasakanipāta |
the book of the elevens |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
11.1. Saṅkiccattheragāthā |
11.1. Saṅkicca |
“Kiṃ tavattho vane tāta, |
“What good does it do you to be in the grove, my dear? |
ujjuhānova pāvuse; |
You’re like a little bird in the rain! |
Verambhā ramaṇīyā te, |
The city of Verambhā is nice for you— |
paviveko hi jhāyinaṃ”. |
seclusion is for meditators.” |
“Yathā abbhāni verambho, |
“Just as the wind in Verambhā |
vāto nudati pāvuse; |
scatters the clouds as they pour down, |
Saññā me abhikiranti, |
so the city scatters |
vivekapaṭisaññutā. |
my perception of seclusion.” |
Apaṇḍaro aṇḍasambhavo, |
“It’s all black and born of an egg— |
Sīvathikāya niketacāriko; |
the crow that lives in the charnel ground |
Uppādayateva me satiṃ, |
rouses my rememberfulness, |
Sandehasmiṃ virāganissitaṃ. |
based on dispassion for the body. |
Yañca aññe na rakkhanti, |
Not protected by others, |
yo ca aññe na rakkhati; |
nor protecting others: |
Sa ve bhikkhu sukhaṃ seti, |
such a monk sleeps happily, |
kāmesu anapekkhavā. |
without concern for sensual pleasures. |
Acchodikā puthusilā, |
The water’s clear and the rocks are broad, |
gonaṅgulamigāyutā; |
monkeys and deer are all around; |
Ambusevālasañchannā, |
festooned with dewy moss, |
te selā ramayanti maṃ. |
these rocky crags delight me! |
Vasitaṃ me araññesu, |
I’ve stayed in the wilderness, |
kandarāsu guhāsu ca; |
in caves and caverns |
Senāsanesu pantesu, |
and remote lodgings |
vāḷamiganisevite. |
frequented by beasts of prey. |
‘Ime haññantu vajjhantu, |
‘May these beings be killed! |
dukkhaṃ pappontu pāṇino’; |
May they be slaughtered! May they suffer!’— |
Saṅkappaṃ nābhijānāmi, |
I’m not aware of having any such |
anariyaṃ dosasaṃhitaṃ. |
ignoble, hateful intentions. |
Pariciṇṇo mayā satthā, |
I’ve served the teacher |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ; |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Ohito garuko bhāro, |
The heavy burden is laid down, |
bhavanetti samūhatā. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated. |
Yassa catthāya pabbajito, |
I’ve attained the goal |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
for the sake of which I went forth |
So me attho anuppatto, |
from the lay life to homelessness— |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhayo. |
the ending of all fetters. |
Nābhinandāmi maraṇaṃ, |
I don’t long for death; |
nābhinandāmi jīvitaṃ; |
I don’t long for life; |
Kālañca paṭikaṅkhāmi, |
I await my time, |
nibbisaṃ bhatako yathā. |
like a worker waiting for their wages. |
Nābhinandāmi maraṇaṃ, |
I don’t long for death; |
nābhinandāmi jīvitaṃ; |
I don’t long for life; |
Kālañca paṭikaṅkhāmi, |
I await my time, |
sampajāno patissato”ti. |
aware and rememberful.” |
… Saṅkicco thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
dvādasakanipāta |
the book of the twelves |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
12.1. Sīlavattheragāthā |
12.1. Sīlava |
“Sīlamevidha sikkhetha, |
One should train just in ethical conduct, |
asmiṃ loke susikkhitaṃ; |
for in this world, when ethical conduct is |
Sīlañhi sabbasampattiṃ, |
cultivated and well-trained, |
upanāmeti sevitaṃ. |
it provides all success. |
Sīlaṃ rakkheyya medhāvī, |
Desiring three kinds of happiness— |
patthayāno tayo sukhe; |
praise, prosperity, |
Pasaṃsaṃ vittilābhañca, |
and to delight in heaven after passing away— |
pecca sagge pamodanaṃ. |
the wise would take care of their ethics. |
Sīlavā hi bahū mitte, |
The well-behaved have many friends, |
saññamenādhigacchati; |
because of their self-restraint. |
Dussīlo pana mittehi, |
But one lacking ethics, of bad conduct, |
dhaṃsate pāpamācaraṃ. |
drives away their friends. |
Avaṇṇañca akittiñca, |
A person whose ethics are bad has |
dussīlo labhate naro; |
ill-repute and infamy. |
Vaṇṇaṃ kittiṃ pasaṃsañca, |
A person whose conduct is ethical always has |
sadā labhati sīlavā. |
a good reputation, fame, and praise. |
Ādi sīlaṃ patiṭṭhā ca, |
Ethical conduct is the starting point and foundation; |
kalyāṇānañca mātukaṃ; |
the mother at the head |
Pamukhaṃ sabbadhammānaṃ, |
of all good things: |
tasmā sīlaṃ visodhaye. |
that’s why you should purify your ethics. |
Velā ca saṃvaraṃ sīlaṃ, |
Ethics provide a boundary and a restraint, |
cittassa abhihāsanaṃ; |
an enjoyment for the mind; |
Titthañca sabbabuddhānaṃ, |
the ford where all the Buddhas cross over: |
tasmā sīlaṃ visodhaye. |
that’s why you should purify your ethics. |
Sīlaṃ balaṃ appaṭimaṃ, |
Ethics are the matchless power; |
sīlaṃ āvudhamuttamaṃ; |
ethics are the ultimate weapon; |
Sīlamābharaṇaṃ seṭṭhaṃ, |
ethics are the best ornament; |
sīlaṃ kavacamabbhutaṃ. |
ethics are a marvelous coat of armor. |
Sīlaṃ setu mahesakkho, |
Ethics are a mighty bridge; |
sīlaṃ gandho anuttaro; |
ethics are the unsurpassed scent; |
Sīlaṃ vilepanaṃ seṭṭhaṃ, |
ethics are the best perfume, |
yena vāti disodisaṃ. |
that float from place to place. |
Sīlaṃ sambalamevaggaṃ, |
Ethics are the best provision; |
sīlaṃ pātheyyamuttamaṃ; |
ethics are the unsurpassed supply for a journey; |
Sīlaṃ seṭṭho ativāho, |
ethics are the best vehicle |
yena yāti disodisaṃ. |
that take you from place to place. |
Idheva nindaṃ labhati, |
In this life they’re criticized; |
peccāpāye ca dummano; |
after departing they grieve in a lower realm; |
Sabbattha dummano bālo, |
a fool is unhappy everywhere, |
sīlesu asamāhito. |
because they are unsteady in ethics. |
Idheva kittiṃ labhati, |
In this life they’re renowned; |
pecca sagge ca summano; |
after departing they’re happy in heaven; |
Sabbattha sumano dhīro, |
a wise one is happy everywhere, |
sīlesu susamāhito. |
because they are steady in ethics. |
Sīlameva idha aggaṃ, |
Ethical conduct is best in this life, |
paññavā pana uttamo; |
but one with wisdom is supreme. |
Manussesu ca devesu, |
Someone with both virtue and wisdom |
sīlapaññāṇato jayan”ti. |
is victorious among men and gods. |
… Sīlavo thero …. |
|
12.2. Sunītattheragāthā |
12.2. Sunīta |
“Nīce kulamhi jātohaṃ, |
I was born in a low-class family. |
daliddo appabhojano; |
We were poor, with little to eat. |
Hīnakammaṃ mamaṃ āsi, |
My job was lowly— |
ahosiṃ pupphachaḍḍako. |
I threw out the old flowers. |
Jigucchito manussānaṃ, |
Shunned by people, |
paribhūto ca vambhito; |
I was disregarded and held in contempt. |
Nīcaṃ manaṃ karitvāna, |
I humbled my heart |
vandissaṃ bahukaṃ janaṃ. |
and paid respects to many people. |
Athaddasāsiṃ sambuddhaṃ, |
Then I saw the Buddha |
bhikkhusaṃghapurakkhataṃ; |
at the fore of the mendicant Saṅgha; |
Pavisantaṃ mahāvīraṃ, |
the great hero |
magadhānaṃ puruttamaṃ. |
was entering the capital city of Magadhā. |
Nikkhipitvāna byābhaṅgiṃ, |
I dropped my flail |
vandituṃ upasaṅkamiṃ; |
and approached to pay homage. |
Mameva anukampāya, |
Out of compassion for me, |
aṭṭhāsi purisuttamo. |
the supreme man stood still. |
Vanditvā satthuno pāde, |
When I had paid homage at the Teacher’s feet, |
ekamantaṃ ṭhito tadā; |
I stood to one side |
Pabbajjaṃ ahamāyāciṃ, |
and asked the supreme being |
sabbasattānamuttamaṃ. |
for the going-forth. |
Tato kāruṇiko satthā, |
Then the Teacher, being sympathetic, |
sabbalokānukampako; |
and having compassion for the whole world, |
‘Ehi bhikkhū’ti maṃ āha, |
said to me, “Come, monk!” |
sā me āsūpasampadā. |
That was my ordination. |
Sohaṃ eko araññasmiṃ, |
Staying alone in the wilderness, |
viharanto atandito; |
meditating tirelessly, |
Akāsiṃ satthu vacanaṃ, |
I have completed what the Teacher taught, |
yathā maṃ ovadī jino. |
just as the victor advised me. |
Rattiyā paṭhamaṃ yāmaṃ, |
In the first watch of the night, |
Pubbajātimanussariṃ; |
I recollected my past lives. |
Rattiyā majjhimaṃ yāmaṃ, |
In the middle watch of the night, |
Dibbacakkhuṃ visodhayiṃ; |
I purified my clairvoyance. |
Rattiyā pacchime yāme, |
In the last watch of the night, |
Tamokhandhaṃ padālayiṃ. |
I shattered the mass of darkness. |
Tato ratyā vivasāne, |
At the end of the night, |
sūriyassuggamanaṃ pati; |
as the sunrise drew near, |
Indo brahmā ca āgantvā, |
Indra and Brahmā came |
maṃ namassiṃsu pañjalī. |
and revered me with joined hands. |
‘Namo te purisājañña, |
“Homage to you, O thoroughbred! |
namo te purisuttama; |
Homage to you, supreme among men! |
Yassa te āsavā khīṇā, |
Since your defilements are ended, |
dakkhiṇeyyosi mārisa’. |
you, sir, are worthy of a religious donation.” |
Tato disvāna maṃ satthā, |
When he saw me honored |
devasaṅghapurakkhataṃ; |
by the assembly of gods, |
Sitaṃ pātukaritvāna, |
the teacher smiled |
imamatthaṃ abhāsatha. |
and said the following: |
‘Tapena brahmacariyena, |
“By austerity and spiritual practice, |
saṃyamena damena ca; |
by restraint and by taming: |
Etena brāhmaṇo hoti, |
that’s how to become a brahmin, |
etaṃ brāhmaṇamuttaman’”ti. |
this is the supreme brahmin.” |
… Sunīto thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
terasanipāta |
the book of the thirteens |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
13.1 Soṇakoḷivisattheragāthā |
13.1. Soṇakoḷivisa |
“Yāhu raṭṭhe samukkaṭṭho, |
He who was special in the kingdom, |
rañño aṅgassa paddhagū; |
the footman to the king of Aṅga, |
Svajja dhammesu ukkaṭṭho, |
today is special in the Dhamma— |
soṇo dukkhassa pāragū. |
Soṇa has gone beyond suffering. |
Pañca chinde pañca jahe, |
Five to cut, five to drop, |
pañca cuttari bhāvaye; |
and five more to develop. |
Pañcasaṅgātigo bhikkhu, |
A monk who has got over five kinds of clinging |
oghatiṇṇoti vuccati. |
is called “One who has crossed the flood”. |
Unnaḷassa pamattassa, |
If a monk is insolent and negligent, |
bāhirāsassa bhikkhuno; |
concerned only with externals, |
Sīlaṃ samādhi paññā ca, |
their ethics, undistractible-lucidity, and wisdom |
pāripūriṃ na gacchati. |
do not become fulfilled. |
Yañhi kiccaṃ apaviddhaṃ, |
They disregard what should be done, |
akiccaṃ pana karīyati; |
and do what should not be done. |
Unnaḷānaṃ pamattānaṃ, |
For the insolent and the negligent, |
tesaṃ vaḍḍhanti āsavā. |
their defilements only grow. |
Yesañca susamāraddhā, |
Those that have properly undertaken |
niccaṃ kāyagatā sati; |
constant rememberfulness of the body, |
Akiccaṃ te na sevanti, |
don’t cultivate what should not be done, |
kicce sātaccakārino; |
but always do what should be done. |
Satānaṃ sampajānānaṃ, |
rememberful and aware, |
atthaṃ gacchanti āsavā. |
their defilements come to an end. |
Ujumaggamhi akkhāte, |
The straight path has been explained— |
gacchatha mā nivattatha; |
go on it and don’t turn back. |
Attanā codayattānaṃ, |
Urge yourself on |
nibbānamabhihāraye. |
and make it to quenching. |
Accāraddhamhi vīriyamhi, |
When my energy was over-exerted, |
satthā loke anuttaro; |
the supreme Teacher in the world |
Vīṇopamaṃ karitvā me, |
created the simile of the lute for me. |
dhammaṃ desesi cakkhumā; |
The Seer taught the Dhamma, |
Tassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
and when I heard what he said, |
vihāsiṃ sāsane rato. |
I happily did his bidding. |
Samathaṃ paṭipādesiṃ, |
Practicing serenity of mind |
uttamatthassa pattiyā; |
for the attainment of the highest goal. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Nekkhamme adhimuttassa, |
When you’re dedicated to renunciation |
pavivekañca cetaso; |
and seclusion of the heart; |
Abyāpajjādhimuttassa, |
when you’re dedicated to kindness |
upādānakkhayassa ca. |
and the end of grasping; |
Taṇhakkhayādhimuttassa, |
when you’re dedicated to the ending of craving |
asammohañca cetaso; |
and clarity of heart; |
Disvā āyatanuppādaṃ, |
and you’ve seen the arising of the senses, |
sammā cittaṃ vimuccati. |
your mind is rightly freed. |
Tassa sammā vimuttassa, |
For that one, rightly freed, |
santacittassa bhikkhuno; |
a mendicant with peaceful mind, |
Katassa paṭicayo natthi, |
there’s nothing to be improved, |
karaṇīyaṃ na vijjati. |
and nothing more to do. |
Selo yathā ekagghano, |
As the wind cannot stir |
vātena na samīrati; |
a solid mass of rock, |
Evaṃ rūpā rasā saddā, |
so too sights, tastes, sounds, |
gandhā phassā ca kevalā. |
smells, and touches—the lot— |
Iṭṭhā dhammā aniṭṭhā ca, |
and thoughts, whether liked or disliked, |
nappavedhenti tādino; |
don’t disturb the poised one. |
Ṭhitaṃ cittaṃ visaññuttaṃ, |
Their mind is steady and unfettered |
vayañcassānupassatī”ti. |
as they observe disappearance. |
… Soṇo koḷiviso thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
cuddasakanipāta |
the book of the fourteens |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
14.1. Khadiravaniyarevatattheragāthā |
14.1. Khadiravaniyarevata |
“Yadā ahaṃ pabbajito, |
Since I’ve gone forth |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
from the lay life to homelessness, |
Nābhijānāmi saṅkappaṃ, |
I’m not aware of any intention |
anariyaṃ dosasaṃhitaṃ. |
that is ignoble and hateful. |
‘Ime haññantu vajjhantu, |
“May these beings be killed! |
dukkhaṃ pappontu pāṇino’; |
May they be slaughtered! May they suffer!”— |
Saṅkappaṃ nābhijānāmi, |
I’m not aware of having any such intentions |
imasmiṃ dīghamantare. |
in all this long while. |
Mettañca abhijānāmi, |
I have been aware of loving-kindness, |
appamāṇaṃ subhāvitaṃ; |
measureless and well-developed; |
Anupubbaṃ paricitaṃ, |
gradually consolidated |
yathā buddhena desitaṃ. |
as it was taught by the Buddha. |
Sabbamitto sabbasakho, |
I’m friend and comrade to all, |
sabbabhūtānukampako; |
compassionate for all beings! |
Mettacittañca bhāvemi, |
I develop a mind of love, |
abyāpajjarato sadā. |
always delighting in harmlessness. |
Asaṃhīraṃ asaṃkuppaṃ, |
Unfaltering, unshakable, |
cittaṃ āmodayāmahaṃ; |
I gladden the mind. |
Brahmavihāraṃ bhāvemi, |
I develop the divine meditation, |
akāpurisasevitaṃ. |
which sinners do not cultivate. |
Avitakkaṃ samāpanno, |
Having entered a meditation state without thought, |
sammāsambuddhasāvako; |
a disciple of the Buddha |
Ariyena tuṇhībhāvena, |
is at that moment blessed |
upeto hoti tāvade. |
with noble silence. |
Yathāpi pabbato selo, |
Just as the mountain crags |
acalo suppatiṭṭhito; |
are unwavering and well grounded; |
Evaṃ mohakkhayā bhikkhu, |
so when delusion ends, |
pabbatova na vedhati. |
a monk, like a mountain, doesn’t tremble. |
Anaṅgaṇassa posassa, |
To the man who has not a blemish |
niccaṃ sucigavesino; |
who is always seeking purity, |
Vālaggamattaṃ pāpassa, |
even a hair-tip of evil |
abbhamattaṃva khāyati. |
seems as big as a cloud. |
Nagaraṃ yathā paccantaṃ, |
As a frontier city |
guttaṃ santarabāhiraṃ; |
is guarded inside and out, |
Evaṃ gopetha attānaṃ, |
so you should ward yourselves— |
khaṇo vo mā upaccagā. |
don’t let the moment pass you by. |
Nābhinandāmi maraṇaṃ, |
I don’t long for death; |
nābhinandāmi jīvitaṃ; |
I don’t long for life; |
Kālañca paṭikaṅkhāmi, |
I await my time, |
nibbisaṃ bhatako yathā. |
like a worker waiting for their wages. |
Nābhinandāmi maraṇaṃ, |
I don’t long for death; |
… pe … |
I don’t long for life; I await my time, |
sampajāno patissato. |
aware and rememberful. |
Pariciṇṇo mayā satthā, |
I’ve served the teacher |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ; |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Ohito garuko bhāro, |
The heavy burden is laid down, |
bhavanetti samūhatā. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated. |
Yassa catthāya pabbajito, |
I’ve attained the goal |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
for the sake of which I went forth |
So me attho anuppatto, |
from the lay life to homelessness— |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhayo. |
the ending of all fetters. |
Sampādethappamādena, |
Persist with diligence: |
esā me anusāsanī; |
this is my instruction. |
Handāhaṃ parinibbissaṃ, |
Come, I’ll realize quenching— |
vippamuttomhi sabbadhī”ti. |
I’m liberated in every way. |
… Khadiravaniyarevato thero …. |
|
14.2. Godattattheragāthā |
14.2. Godatta |
“Yathāpi bhaddo ājañño, |
Just as a fine thoroughbred, |
dhure yutto dhurassaho; |
yoked to a carriage, endures the load. |
Mathito atibhārena, |
Though oppressed by the heavy burden, |
saṃyugaṃ nātivattati. |
it doesn’t shake off the yoke. |
Evaṃ paññāya ye tittā, |
So too, those who are as full of wisdom |
samuddo vārinā yathā; |
as the ocean is with water, |
Na pare atimaññanti, |
don’t look down on others; |
ariyadhammova pāṇinaṃ. |
this is the noble teaching for living creatures. |
Kāle kālavasaṃ pattā, |
People who fall under the sway of time, |
bhavābhavavasaṃ gatā; |
the sway of rebirth in this or that state of existence, |
Narā dukkhaṃ nigacchanti, |
undergo suffering, |
tedha socanti māṇavā. |
and those young men grieve in this life. |
Unnatā sukhadhammena, |
Elated by things that bring happiness, |
dukkhadhammena conatā; |
downcast by things that bring suffering: |
Dvayena bālā haññanti, |
this pair destroys the fool |
yathābhūtaṃ adassino. |
who doesn’t see things as they are. |
Ye ca dukkhe sukhasmiñca, |
But those who in suffering, and in happiness, |
majjhe sibbinimaccagū; |
and in the middle have overcome the weaver— |
Ṭhitā te indakhīlova, |
they stand like a boundary pillar, |
na te unnataonatā. |
neither elated nor downcast. |
Na heva lābhe nālābhe, |
Not to gain nor loss, |
na yase na ca kittiyā; |
not to fame nor reputation, |
Na nindāyaṃ pasaṃsāya, |
not to criticism nor praise, |
na te dukkhe sukhamhi ca. |
not to suffering nor happiness— |
Sabbattha te na limpanti, |
the wise cling to nothing, |
udabinduva pokkhare; |
like a droplet on a lotus-leaf. |
Sabbattha sukhitā dhīrā, |
They are happy everywhere, |
sabbattha aparājitā. |
and victorious everywhere. |
Dhammena ca alābho yo, |
There’s legitimate loss, |
yo ca lābho adhammiko; |
and there’s illegitimate gain. |
Alābho dhammiko seyyo, |
Legitimate loss is better |
yañce lābho adhammiko. |
than illegitimate gain. |
Yaso ca appabuddhīnaṃ, |
There’s the fame of the unintelligent, |
viññūnaṃ ayaso ca yo; |
and there’s the disrepute of the discerning. |
Ayasova seyyo viññūnaṃ, |
The disrepute of the discerning is better |
na yaso appabuddhinaṃ. |
than the fame of the unintelligent. |
Dummedhehi pasaṃsā ca, |
There’s praise by fools, |
viññūhi garahā ca yā; |
and there’s criticism by the discerning. |
Garahāva seyyo viññūhi, |
Criticism by the discerning is better |
yañce bālappasaṃsanā. |
than praise by fools. |
Sukhañca kāmamayikaṃ, |
There’s the happiness of sensual pleasures, |
dukkhañca pavivekiyaṃ; |
and there’s the suffering of seclusion. |
Pavivekadukkhaṃ seyyo, |
The suffering of seclusion is better |
yañce kāmamayaṃ sukhaṃ. |
than the happiness of sensual pleasures. |
Jīvitañca adhammena, |
There’s life without principles, |
dhammena maraṇañca yaṃ; |
and there’s death with principles. |
Maraṇaṃ dhammikaṃ seyyo, |
Death with principles is better |
yañce jīve adhammikaṃ. |
than life without principles. |
Kāmakopappahīnā ye, |
Those who’ve given up desire and anger, |
santacittā bhavābhave; |
their minds at peace regarding rebirth in this or that state, |
Caranti loke asitā, |
wander in the world unattached, |
natthi tesaṃ piyāpiyaṃ. |
for them nothing is beloved or unloved. |
Bhāvayitvāna bojjhaṅge, |
Having developed the awakening factors, |
indriyāni balāni ca; |
the faculties and the powers, |
Pappuyya paramaṃ santiṃ, |
having arrived at ultimate peace, |
parinibbantināsavā”ti. |
they are quenched, without defilements. |
… Godatto thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
soḷasakanipāta |
the book of the sixteens |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
15.1 Aññāsikoṇḍaññattheragāthā |
15.1. Aññāsikoṇḍañña |
“Esa bhiyyo pasīdāmi, |
“My confidence grew |
sutvā dhammaṃ mahārasaṃ; |
as I heard the teaching, so full of flavor. |
Virāgo desito dhammo, |
Dispassion is what was taught, |
anupādāya sabbaso”. |
without any grasping at all.” |
“Bahūni loke citrāni, |
“There are so many pretty things |
asmiṃ pathavimaṇḍale; |
in this wide open land. |
Mathenti maññe saṅkappaṃ, |
They disturb one’s thoughts, it seems to me, |
subhaṃ rāgūpasaṃhitaṃ. |
attractive, provoking lust. |
Rajamuhatañca vātena, |
Just as a rain cloud would settle |
yathā meghopasammaye; |
the dust blown up by the wind, |
Evaṃ sammanti saṅkappā, |
so thoughts settle down |
yadā paññāya passati. |
when seen with wisdom. |
Sabbe saṅkhārā aniccāti, |
All conditions are impermanent— |
yadā paññāya passati; |
when this is seen with wisdom |
Atha nibbindati dukkhe, |
one grows disillusioned with suffering: |
esa maggo visuddhiyā. |
this is the path to purity. |
Sabbe saṅkhārā dukkhāti, |
All conditions are suffering— |
yadā paññāya passati; |
when this is seen with wisdom |
Atha nibbindati dukkhe, |
one grows disillusioned with suffering: |
esa maggo visuddhiyā. |
this is the path to purity. |
Sabbe dhammā anattāti, |
All principles are not-self— |
yadā paññāya passati; |
when this is seen with wisdom |
Atha nibbindati dukkhe, |
one grows disillusioned with suffering: |
esa maggo visuddhiyā. |
this is the path to purity. |
Buddhānubuddho yo thero, |
The senior monk who was awakened right after the Buddha, |
koṇḍañño tibbanikkamo; |
Koṇḍañña, is keenly energetic. |
Pahīnajātimaraṇo, |
He has given up birth and death, |
brahmacariyassa kevalī. |
and has completed the spiritual journey. |
Oghapāso daḷhakhilo, |
There are floods, snares, and strong posts, |
Pabbato duppadālayo; |
and a mountain hard to crack; |
Chetvā khilañca pāsañca, |
snapping the posts and snares, |
Selaṃ bhetvāna dubbhidaṃ; |
breaking the mountain so hard to break, |
Tiṇṇo pāraṅgato jhāyī, |
crossing over to the far shore, |
Mutto so mārabandhanā. |
one practicing jhāna is freed from Māra’s bonds. |
Uddhato capalo bhikkhu, |
When a mendicant is haughty and fickle, |
mitte āgamma pāpake; |
relying on bad friends, |
Saṃsīdati mahoghasmiṃ, |
they sink down in the great flood, |
ūmiyā paṭikujjito. |
overcome by a wave. |
Anuddhato acapalo, |
But one who is steady and stable, |
nipako saṃvutindriyo; |
alert, with senses restrained, |
Kalyāṇamitto medhāvī, |
intelligent, with good friends, |
dukkhassantakaro siyā. |
makes an end of suffering. |
Kālapabbaṅgasaṅkāso, |
With knobbly knees, |
kiso dhamanisanthato; |
thin and veiny, |
Mattaññū annapānasmiṃ, |
eating and drinking in moderation— |
adīnamanaso naro. |
this person’s spirit is undaunted. |
Phuṭṭho ḍaṃsehi makasehi, |
Pestered by flies and mosquitoes |
araññasmiṃ brahāvane; |
in the wilds, the formidable forest, |
Nāgo saṅgāmasīseva, |
one should rememberfully endure, |
sato tatrādhivāsaye. |
like an elephant at the head of the battle. |
Nābhinandāmi maraṇaṃ, |
I don’t long for death; |
… pe … |
I don’t long for life; I await my time, |
nibbisaṃ bhatako yathā. |
like a worker waiting for their wages. |
Nābhinandāmi maraṇaṃ, |
I don’t long for death; |
… pe … |
I don’t long for life; I await my time, |
sampajāno patissato. |
aware and rememberful. |
Pariciṇṇo mayā satthā, |
I’ve served the teacher |
… pe … |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. The heavy burden is laid down, |
bhavanetti samūhatā. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated. |
Yassa catthāya pabbajito, |
I’ve attained the goal |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
for the sake of which I went forth |
So me attho anuppatto, |
from the lay life to homelessness— |
kiṃ me saddhivihārinā”ti. |
what use do I have for pupils?” |
… Aññāsikoṇḍañño thero …. |
|
15.2. Udāyittheragāthā |
15.2. Udāyi |
“Manussabhūtaṃ sambuddhaṃ, |
Awakened as a human being, |
Attadantaṃ samāhitaṃ; |
Self-tamed, undistractible and lucid, |
Iriyamānaṃ brahmapathe, |
following the spiritual path, |
Cittassūpasame rataṃ. |
delighting in calmness of mind. |
Yaṃ manussā namassanti, |
Revered by people, |
sabbadhammāna pāraguṃ; |
gone beyond all dharmas, |
Devāpi taṃ namassanti, |
even the gods revere him; |
iti me arahato sutaṃ. |
so I’ve heard from the perfected one. |
Sabbasaṃyojanātītaṃ, |
He has transcended all fetters, |
vanā nibbanamāgataṃ; |
and escaped from entanglements. |
Kāmehi nekkhammarataṃ, |
Delighting in the renunciation of sensual pleasures |
muttaṃ selāva kañcanaṃ. |
he’s freed like gold from stone. |
Sa ve accaruci nāgo, |
That giant [perfected Arahant] outshines all, |
himavāvaññe siluccaye; |
like the Himalaya beside other mountains. |
Sabbesaṃ nāganāmānaṃ, |
Of all those named “giant”, |
saccanāmo anuttaro. |
He is truly named, and unsurpasssable. |
Nāgaṃ vo kittayissāmi, |
I will enthusiastically praise the ‘giant’ [, a perfected Arahant, by comparing him with a ‘giant’ royal elephant]. |
na hi āguṃ karoti so; |
for he does nothing monstrous. |
Soraccaṃ avihiṃsā ca, |
Gentleness and harmlessness |
pādā nāgassa te duve. |
are two feet of the giant. |
Sati ca sampajaññañca, |
remembrance [of Dharma] and lucid-discerning |
caraṇā nāgassa tepare; |
are his two other feet. |
Saddhā-hattho mahā-nāgo, |
Earned-trust [in the Buddha] is the great giant’s trunk, |
Upekkhā-seta-dantavā. |
and equanimous-observation his white tusks. |
Sati gīvā siro paññā, |
remembrance [of Dharma] is his neck, his head is discernment— |
vīmaṃsā dhammacintanā; |
discrimination and thinking about Dharma. |
Dhammakucchisamāvāso, |
the Dhamma sits in the digestive heat of his belly [, nourishment ready to be absorbed], |
viveko tassa vāladhi. |
and his tail is judicious-seclusion. |
So jhāyī assāsarato, |
His is a jhāna meditator [doing jhāna in all four postures], delighting in breath, |
ajjhattaṃ susamāhito; |
Internally he is undistractible-&-lucid; |
Gacchaṃ samāhito nāgo, |
The giant is undistractible-&-lucid when walking, |
ṭhito nāgo samāhito. |
the giant is undistractible-&-lucid when standing, |
Sayaṃ samāhito nāgo, |
the giant is undistractible-&-lucid when lying down, |
nisinnopi samāhito; |
and when sitting, the giant is undistractible-&-lucid. |
Sabbattha saṃvuto nāgo, |
The giant is restrained everywhere: |
esā nāgassa sampadā. |
this is the accomplishment of the giant. |
Bhuñjati anavajjāni, |
He eats blameless things, |
sāvajjāni na bhuñjati; |
he doesn’t eat blameworthy things. |
Ghāsamacchādanaṃ laddhā, |
When he gets food and clothes, |
sannidhiṃ parivajjayaṃ. |
he avoids storing them up. |
Saṃyojanaṃ aṇuṃ thūlaṃ, |
Having severed all bonds, |
sabbaṃ chetvāna bandhanaṃ; |
fetters large and small, |
Yena yeneva gacchati, |
wherever he goes, |
anapekkhova gacchati. |
he goes without concern. |
Yathāpi udake jātaṃ, |
A white lotus, |
puṇḍarīkaṃ pavaḍḍhati; |
fragrant and delightful, |
Nopalippati toyena, |
sprouts in water and grows there, |
sucigandhaṃ manoramaṃ. |
but the water doesn’t cling to it. |
Tatheva ca loke jāto, |
Just so the Buddha is born in the world, |
buddho loke viharati; |
and lives in the world, |
Nopalippati lokena, |
but the world doesn’t stick to him, |
toyena padumaṃ yathā. |
as the water does not stick to the lotus. |
Mahāgini pajjalito, |
A great blazing fire |
anāhāropasammati; |
dies down when the fuel runs out. |
Aṅgāresu ca santesu, |
And when the coals have gone out |
nibbutoti pavuccati. |
it’s said to be “Nirvana'd”. |
Atthassāyaṃ viññāpanī, |
This simile is taught by the discerning |
upamā viññūhi desitā; |
to express the meaning clearly. |
Viññissanti mahānāgā, |
Great giants will understand |
nāgaṃ nāgena desitaṃ. |
what the giant [Buddha] taught the giant [Arahant]. |
Vītarāgo vītadoso, |
Free of greed, free of hate, |
Vītamoho anāsavo; |
free of delusion, undefiled; |
Sarīraṃ vijahaṃ nāgo, |
the giant, giving up his body, |
Parinibbissatyanāsavo”ti. |
will become nirvana'd without asinine-inclinations.” |
… Udāyī thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
vīsatinipāta |
the book of the twenties |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
16.1. Adhimuttattheragāthā |
16.1. Adhimutta (2nd) |
“Yaññatthaṃ vā dhanatthaṃ vā, |
“Those who we killed in the past, |
ye hanāma mayaṃ pure; |
whether for sacrifice or for wealth, |
Avasesaṃ bhayaṃ hoti, |
without exception were afraid; |
vedhanti vilapanti ca. |
they trembled and they squealed. |
Tassa te natthi bhītattaṃ, |
But you’re not scared; |
bhiyyo vaṇṇo pasīdati; |
you look even calmer than before. |
Kasmā na paridevesi, |
Why don’t you cry out |
evarūpe mahabbhaye”. |
in such a terrifying situation?” |
“Natthi cetasikaṃ dukkhaṃ, |
“There isn’t any mental suffering |
anapekkhassa gāmaṇi; |
for one without hope, village chief. |
Atikkantā bhayā sabbe, |
All fears are left behind |
khīṇasaṃyojanassa ve. |
by one whose fetters have ended. |
Khīṇāya bhavanettiyā, |
When attachment to rebirth is ended, |
diṭṭhe dhamme yathātathe; |
and the truth is seen as it is, |
Na bhayaṃ maraṇe hoti, |
there is no fear of death; |
bhāranikkhepane yathā. |
it’s like laying down a burden. |
Suciṇṇaṃ brahmacariyaṃ me, |
I’ve lived the spiritual life well, |
maggo cāpi subhāvito; |
and developed the path well, too. |
Maraṇe me bhayaṃ natthi, |
I do not fear death; |
rogānamiva saṅkhaye. |
it’s like the passing of a disease. |
Suciṇṇaṃ brahmacariyaṃ me, |
I’ve lived the spiritual life well, |
maggo cāpi subhāvito; |
and developed the path well, too. |
Nirassādā bhavā diṭṭhā, |
I’ve seen that there’s nothing gratifying in existences, |
visaṃ pitvāva chaḍḍitaṃ. |
like someone who has tasted poison, then thrown it out. |
Pāragū anupādāno, |
One who has gone beyond, without grasping, |
katakicco anāsavo; |
they’ve completed the task and are free of defilements. |
Tuṭṭho āyukkhayā hoti, |
They are content at the end of life, |
mutto āghātanā yathā. |
like someone released from execution. |
Uttamaṃ dhammataṃ patto, |
Having realized the supreme Dhamma, |
sabbaloke anatthiko; |
without needing anything in the whole world, |
Ādittāva gharā mutto, |
one doesn’t grieve at death; |
maraṇasmiṃ na socati. |
for it’s like escaping from a burning house. |
Yadatthi saṅgataṃ kiñci, |
Whatever has come to pass, |
bhavo vā yattha labbhati; |
wherever life is obtained, |
Sabbaṃ anissaraṃ etaṃ, |
there is no Lord of all that: |
iti vuttaṃ mahesinā. |
so said the great hermit. |
Yo taṃ tathā pajānāti, |
Whoever understands this |
yathā buddhena desitaṃ; |
as it was taught by the Buddha |
Na gaṇhāti bhavaṃ kiñci, |
doesn’t grab on to any new life, |
sutattaṃva ayoguḷaṃ. |
like you wouldn’t grab a hot iron ball. |
Na me hoti ‘ahosin’ti, |
It doesn’t occur to me, ‘I existed in the past’; |
‘bhavissan’ti na hoti me; |
nor, ‘I will exist in the future’. |
Saṅkhārā vigamissanti, |
All conditions will disappear— |
tattha kā paridevanā. |
why weep over that? |
Suddhaṃ dhammasamuppādaṃ, |
Seeing in accordance with reality |
Suddhaṃ saṅkhārasantatiṃ; |
the bare arising of phenomena, |
Passantassa yathābhūtaṃ, |
and the bare process of conditions, |
Na bhayaṃ hoti gāmaṇi. |
there is no fear, village chief. |
Tiṇakaṭṭhasamaṃ lokaṃ, |
The world is like grass and sticks: |
yadā paññāya passati; |
when this is seen with wisdom, |
Mamattaṃ so asaṃvindaṃ, |
not finding anything to be mine, |
‘natthi me’ti na socati. |
thinking ‘it isn’t mine’, one doesn’t grieve. |
Ukkaṇṭhāmi sarīrena, |
I’m fed up with the body; |
bhavenamhi anatthiko; |
I don’t need another life. |
Soyaṃ bhijjissati kāyo, |
This body will be broken up, |
añño ca na bhavissati. |
and there won’t be another. |
Yaṃ vo kiccaṃ sarīrena, |
Do what you want |
taṃ karotha yadicchatha; |
with my corpse. |
Na me tappaccayā tattha, |
I won’t be angry or attached |
doso pemañca hehiti”. |
on account of that.” |
Tassa taṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
When they heard these words, |
abbhutaṃ lomahaṃsanaṃ; |
so astonishing and hair-raising, |
Satthāni nikkhipitvāna, |
the young men laid down their swords |
māṇavā etadabravuṃ. |
and spoke these words: |
“Kiṃ bhadante karitvāna, |
“What have you practiced, Venerable? |
ko vā ācariyo tava; |
And who is your teacher? |
Kassa sāsanamāgamma, |
Whose instructions do we follow |
labbhate taṃ asokatā”. |
to gain the sorrowless state?” |
“Sabbaññū sabbadassāvī, |
“The knower of all, the seer of all: |
jino ācariyo mama; |
the victor is my teacher. |
Mahākāruṇiko satthā, |
He is a Teacher of great compassion, |
sabbalokatikicchako. |
healer of the whole world. |
Tenāyaṃ desito dhammo, |
He taught this Dhamma, |
khayagāmī anuttaro; |
leading to ending, unsurpassed. |
Tassa sāsanamāgamma, |
Following his instructions, |
labbhate taṃ asokatā”. |
you can gain the sorrowless state.” |
Sutvāna corā isino subhāsitaṃ, |
When the bandits heard the good words of the hermit, |
Nikkhippa satthāni ca āvudhāni ca; |
they laid down their swords and weapons. |
Tamhā ca kammā viramiṃsu eke, |
Some refrained from their former deeds, |
Eke ca pabbajjamarocayiṃsu. |
while others chose the going-forth. |
Te pabbajitvā sugatassa sāsane, |
When they had gone forth in the teaching of the Holy One, |
Bhāvetva bojjhaṅgabalāni paṇḍitā; |
those astute ones developed the awakening factors and the powers. |
Udaggacittā sumanā katindriyā, |
Joyful, happy, their faculties complete, |
Phusiṃsu nibbānapadaṃ asaṅkhatanti. |
they realized the state of quenching, the unconditioned. |
… Adhimutto thero …. |
|
16.2 Pārāpariyattheragāthā |
16.2. Pārāpariya (2nd) |
“Samaṇassa ahu cintā, |
This thought came to the ascetic, |
pārāpariyassa bhikkhuno; |
the monk Pārāpariya, |
Ekakassa nisinnassa, |
as he was seated alone |
pavivittassa jhāyino. |
meditating in seclusion: |
Kimānupubbaṃ puriso, |
“Following what system, |
kiṃ vataṃ kiṃ samācāraṃ; |
what observance, what conduct, |
Attano kiccakārīssa, |
may I do what I need to do for myself, |
na ca kañci viheṭhaye. |
without harming anyone else? |
Indriyāni manussānaṃ, |
The faculties of human beings |
hitāya ahitāya ca; |
can lead to both welfare and harm. |
Arakkhitāni ahitāya, |
Unguarded they lead to harm; |
rakkhitāni hitāya ca. |
guarded they lead to welfare. |
Indriyāneva sārakkhaṃ, |
By protecting the faculties, |
indriyāni ca gopayaṃ; |
taking care of the faculties, |
Attano kiccakārīssa, |
I can do what I need to do for myself |
na ca kañci viheṭhaye. |
without harming anyone else. |
Cakkhundriyañce rūpesu, |
If your eye wanders |
gacchantaṃ anivārayaṃ; |
among sights without check, |
Anādīnavadassāvī, |
not seeing the danger, |
so dukkhā na hi muccati. |
you’re not freed from suffering. |
Sotindriyañce saddesu, |
If your ear wanders |
gacchantaṃ anivārayaṃ; |
among sounds without check, |
Anādīnavadassāvī, |
not seeing the danger, |
so dukkhā na hi muccati. |
you’re not freed from suffering. |
Anissaraṇadassāvī, |
If, not seeing the escape, |
gandhe ce paṭisevati; |
you indulge in a smell, |
Na so muccati dukkhamhā, |
you’re not freed from suffering, |
gandhesu adhimucchito. |
being besotted by smells. |
Ambilaṃ madhuraggañca, |
Recollecting the sour, |
tittakaggamanussaraṃ; |
the sweet and the bitter, |
Rasataṇhāya gadhito, |
captivated by craving for taste, |
hadayaṃ nāvabujjhati. |
you don’t understand the heart. |
Subhānyappaṭikūlāni, |
Recollecting lovely |
phoṭṭhabbāni anussaraṃ; |
and pleasurable touches, |
Ratto rāgādhikaraṇaṃ, |
full of desire, you experience |
vividhaṃ vindate dukhaṃ. |
many kinds of suffering because of lust. |
Manaṃ cetehi dhammehi, |
Unable to protect |
yo na sakkoti rakkhituṃ; |
the mind from such thoughts, |
Tato naṃ dukkhamanveti, |
suffering follows them |
sabbehetehi pañcahi. |
because of all five. |
Pubbalohitasampuṇṇaṃ, |
This body is full of pus and blood, |
bahussa kuṇapassa ca; |
it’s home to many carcasses; |
Naravīrakataṃ vagguṃ, |
but cunning people decorate it |
samuggamiva cittitaṃ. |
like a lovely painted casket. |
Kaṭukaṃ madhurassādaṃ, |
You don’t understand that |
piyanibandhanaṃ dukhaṃ; |
the sweetness of honey turns bitter, |
Khuraṃva madhunā littaṃ, |
and the bonds to those we love cause pain, |
ullihaṃ nāvabujjhati. |
like a razor’s edge smeared with honey. |
Itthirūpe itthisare, |
Full of lust for the sight of a woman, |
phoṭṭhabbepi ca itthiyā; |
for the voice and the smells of a woman, |
Itthigandhesu sāratto, |
for a woman’s touch, |
vividhaṃ vindate dukhaṃ. |
you experience many kinds of suffering. |
Itthisotāni sabbāni, |
All of a woman’s streams |
sandanti pañca pañcasu; |
flow from five to five. |
Tesamāvaraṇaṃ kātuṃ, |
Whoever, being energetic, |
yo sakkoti vīriyavā. |
is able to curb these, |
So atthavā so dhammaṭṭho, |
purposeful and firm in Dhamma, |
so dakkho so vicakkhaṇo; |
is clever and clear-seeing. |
Kareyya ramamānopi, |
Though he might enjoy himself, |
kiccaṃ dhammatthasaṃhitaṃ. |
his duty is connected with the teaching and its goal. |
Atho sīdati saññuttaṃ, |
One who’s diligent and discerning, |
vajje kiccaṃ niratthakaṃ; |
thinking, “This ought not be done”, |
‘Na taṃ kiccan’ti maññitvā, |
would avoid a useless task |
appamatto vicakkhaṇo. |
that’s doomed to failure. |
Yañca atthena saññuttaṃ, |
Whatever is meaningful, |
yā ca dhammagatā rati; |
and whatever happiness is principled, |
Taṃ samādāya vattetha, |
let one undertake and follow that: |
sā hi ve uttamā rati. |
this is the best happiness. |
Uccāvacehupāyehi, |
They want to get hold of what belongs to others |
Paresamabhijigīsati; |
by any means, fair or foul. |
Hantvā vadhitvā atha socayitvā, |
They kill, injure, and torment, |
Ālopati sāhasā yo paresaṃ. |
violently plundering what belongs to others. |
Tacchanto āṇiyā āṇiṃ, |
Just as a strong person when building |
nihanti balavā yathā; |
knocks out a peg with a peg, |
Indriyānindriyeheva, |
so the skillful person |
nihanti kusalo tathā. |
knocks out the faculties with the faculties. |
Saddhaṃ vīriyaṃ samādhiñca, |
Developing faith, energy, undistractible-lucidity, |
satipaññañca bhāvayaṃ; |
rememberfulness, and wisdom; |
Pañca pañcahi hantvāna, |
destroying the five with the five, |
anīgho yāti brāhmaṇo. |
the brahmin lives without worry. |
So atthavā so dhammaṭṭho, |
Purposeful and firm in Dhamma, |
katvā vākyānusāsaniṃ; |
having fulfilled in every respect |
Sabbena sabbaṃ buddhassa, |
the instructions spoken by the Buddha, |
so naro sukhamedhatī”ti. |
that person prospers in happiness.” |
… Pārāpariyo thero …. |
|
16.3. Telakānittheragāthā |
16.3. Telakāni |
“Cirarattaṃ vatātāpī, |
For a long time, sadly, |
dhammaṃ anuvicintayaṃ; |
though I keenly contemplated the teaching, |
Samaṃ cittassa nālatthaṃ, |
I gained no peace of mind. |
pucchaṃ samaṇabrāhmaṇe. |
So I asked this of ascetics and brahmins: |
‘Ko so pāraṅgato loke, |
“Who has crossed over the world? |
ko patto amatogadhaṃ; |
Whose attainment culminates in the deathless? |
Kassa dhammaṃ paṭicchāmi, |
Whose teaching do I accept |
paramatthavijānanaṃ’. |
to understand the highest goal? |
Antovaṅkagato āsi, |
I was hooked inside, |
macchova ghasamāmisaṃ; |
like a fish gulping bait; |
Baddho mahindapāsena, |
bound like the demon Vepaciti |
vepacityasuro yathā. |
in Mahinda’s trap. |
Añchāmi naṃ na muñcāmi, |
Dragging it along, I’m not free |
asmā sokapariddavā; |
from grief and lamentation. |
Ko me bandhaṃ muñcaṃ loke, |
Who will free me from bonds in the world, |
sambodhiṃ vedayissati. |
so that I may know awakening? |
Samaṇaṃ brāhmaṇaṃ vā kaṃ, |
What ascetic or brahmin |
ādisantaṃ pabhaṅgunaṃ; |
points to the perishable? |
Kassa dhammaṃ paṭicchāmi, |
Whose teaching do I accept |
jarāmaccupavāhanaṃ. |
to sweep away old age and death? |
Vicikicchākaṅkhāganthitaṃ, |
Tied up with uncertainty and doubt, |
sārambhabalasaññutaṃ; |
secured by the power of pride, |
Kodhappattamanatthaddhaṃ, |
rigid as a mind beset by anger; |
abhijappappadāraṇaṃ. |
the arrow of covetousness, |
Taṇhādhanusamuṭṭhānaṃ, |
propelled by the bow of craving, |
dve ca pannarasāyutaṃ; |
is stuck in my twice-fifteen ribs— |
Passa orasikaṃ bāḷhaṃ, |
see how it stands in my breast, |
bhetvāna yadi tiṭṭhati. |
breaking my strong heart. |
Anudiṭṭhīnaṃ appahānaṃ, |
Speculative views are not abandoned, |
saṅkappaparatejitaṃ; |
they are sharpened by memories and intentions; |
Tena viddho pavedhāmi, |
and pierced by this I tremble, |
pattaṃva māluteritaṃ. |
like a leaf blowing in the wind. |
Ajjhattaṃ me samuṭṭhāya, |
Having arisen within, |
khippaṃ paccati māmakaṃ; |
what belongs to me burns quickly, |
Chaphassāyatanī kāyo, |
in that place where the body always heads |
yattha sarati sabbadā. |
with its six sense-fields of contact. |
Taṃ na passāmi tekicchaṃ, |
I don’t see a healer |
yo metaṃ sallamuddhare; |
who can pull out my dart of doubt |
Nānārajjena satthena, |
without a lance |
nāññena vicikicchitaṃ. |
or some other blade. |
Ko me asattho avaṇo, |
Without knife or wound, |
Sallamabbhantarapassayaṃ; |
who will pull out this dart |
Ahiṃsaṃ sabbagattāni, |
that’s stuck inside me, |
Sallaṃ me uddharissati. |
without harming any part of my body? |
Dhammappati hi so seṭṭho, |
He really would be the Lord of the Dhamma, |
visadosappavāhako; |
the best one to cure the damage of poison; |
Gambhīre patitassa me, |
when I have fallen into deep waters, |
thalaṃ pāṇiñca dassaye. |
he would give me his hand and bring me to the shore. |
Rahadehamasmi ogāḷho, |
I’ve plunged into a lake, |
ahāriyarajamattike; |
and I can’t wash off the mud and dirt. |
Māyāusūyasārambha, |
It’s full of fraud, jealousy, pride, |
thinamiddhamapatthaṭe. |
and dullness and drowsiness. |
Uddhaccameghathanitaṃ, |
Like a thunder-cloud of restlessness, |
saṃyojanavalāhakaṃ; |
like a rain-cloud of fetters; |
Vāhā vahanti kuddiṭṭhiṃ, |
lustful thoughts are winds |
saṅkappā rāganissitā. |
that sweep up a person with bad views. |
Savanti sabbadhi sotā, |
The streams flow everywhere; |
latā ubbhijja tiṭṭhati; |
a weed springs up and remains. |
Te sote ko nivāreyya, |
Who will block the streams? |
taṃ lataṃ ko hi checchati. |
Who will cut the weed?” |
Velaṃ karotha bhaddante, |
“Venerable sir, build a dam |
sotānaṃ sannivāraṇaṃ; |
to block the streams. |
Mā te manomayo soto, |
Don’t let your mind-made streams |
rukkhaṃva sahasā luve. |
cut you down suddenly like a tree.” |
Evaṃ me bhayajātassa, |
That is how the teacher whose weapon is wisdom, |
apārā pāramesato; |
surrounded by the Saṅgha of hermits, |
Tāṇo paññāvudho satthā, |
was my shelter when I was full of fear, |
isisaṃghanisevito. |
seeking the far shore from the near. |
Sopāṇaṃ sugataṃ suddhaṃ, |
As I was being swept away, |
dhammasāramayaṃ daḷhaṃ; |
he gave me a strong, simple ladder, |
Pādāsi vuyhamānassa, |
made of the heartwood of Dhamma, |
‘mā bhāyī’ti ca mabravi. |
and he said to me: “Do not fear.” |
Satipaṭṭhānapāsādaṃ, |
I climbed the tower of rememberfulness meditation, |
āruyha paccavekkhisaṃ; |
and checked back down |
Yaṃ taṃ pubbe amaññissaṃ, |
at people delighting in identity, |
sakkāyābhirataṃ pajaṃ. |
as I’d obsessed over in the past. |
Yadā ca maggamaddakkhiṃ, |
When I saw the path, |
nāvāya abhirūhanaṃ; |
as I was embarking on the ship, |
Anadhiṭṭhāya attānaṃ, |
without fixating on the self, |
titthamaddakkhimuttamaṃ. |
I saw the supreme landing-place. |
Sallaṃ attasamuṭṭhānaṃ, |
The dart that arises in oneself, |
bhavanettippabhāvitaṃ; |
and that which stems from attachment to rebirth: |
Etesaṃ appavattāya, |
he taught the supreme path |
desesi maggamuttamaṃ. |
for the canceling of these. |
Dīgharattānusayitaṃ, |
For a long time it had lain within me; |
cirarattamadhiṭṭhitaṃ; |
for a long time it was fixed in me: |
Buddho mepānudī ganthaṃ, |
the Buddha cast off the knot, |
visadosappavāhano”ti. |
curing the damage of poison. |
… Telakāni thero …. |
|
16.4. Raṭṭhapālattheragāthā |
16.4. Raṭṭhapāla |
“Passa cittakataṃ bimbaṃ, |
“See this fancy puppet, |
arukāyaṃ samussitaṃ; |
a body built of sores, |
Āturaṃ bahusaṅkappaṃ, |
diseased, obsessed over, |
yassa natthi dhuvaṃ ṭhiti. |
which doesn’t last at all. |
Passa cittakataṃ rūpaṃ, |
See this fancy figure, |
maṇinā kuṇḍalena ca; |
with its gems and earrings; |
Aṭṭhiṃ tacena onaddhaṃ, |
it is bones wrapped in skin, |
saha vatthehi sobhati. |
made pretty by its clothes. |
Alattakakatā pādā, |
Rouged feet |
mukhaṃ cuṇṇakamakkhitaṃ; |
and powdered face |
Alaṃ bālassa mohāya, |
may be enough to beguile a fool, |
no ca pāragavesino. |
but not a seeker of the far shore. |
Aṭṭhapadakatā kesā, |
Hair in eight braids |
nettā añjanamakkhitā; |
and eyeliner |
Alaṃ bālassa mohāya, |
may be enough to beguile a fool, |
no ca pāragavesino. |
but not a seeker of the far shore. |
Añjanīva navā cittā, |
A rotting body all adorned |
pūtikāyo alaṅkato; |
like a freshly painted makeup box |
Alaṃ bālassa mohāya, |
may be enough to beguile a fool, |
no ca pāragavesino. |
but not a seeker of the far shore. |
Odahi migavo pāsaṃ, |
The hunter laid his snare, |
nāsadā vāguraṃ migo; |
but the deer didn’t spring the trap. |
Bhutvā nivāpaṃ gacchāma, |
I’ve eaten the bait and now I go, |
kandante migabandhake. |
leaving the trapper to lament. |
Chinno pāso migavassa, |
The hunter’s snare is broken, |
nāsadā vāguraṃ migo; |
but the deer didn’t spring the trap. |
Bhutvā nivāpaṃ gacchāma, |
I’ve eaten the bait and now I go, |
socante migaluddake. |
leaving the deer-hunter to grieve.” |
Passāmi loke sadhane manusse, |
“I see rich people in the world who, |
Laddhāna vittaṃ na dadanti mohā; |
because of delusion, give not the wealth they’ve earned. |
Luddhā dhanaṃ sannicayaṃ karonti, |
Greedily, they hoard their riches, |
Bhiyyova kāme abhipatthayanti. |
yearning for ever more sensual pleasures. |
Rājā pasayhappathaviṃ vijetvā, |
A king who conquered the earth by force, |
Sasāgarantaṃ mahimāvasanto; |
ruling the land from sea to sea, |
Oraṃ samuddassa atittarūpo, |
unsatisfied with the near shore of the ocean, |
Pāraṃ samuddassapi patthayetha. |
would still yearn for the further shore. |
Rājā ca aññe ca bahū manussā, |
Not just the king, but others too, |
Avītataṇhā maraṇaṃ upenti; |
reach death not rid of craving. |
Ūnāva hutvāna jahanti dehaṃ, |
They leave the body still wanting, |
Kāmehi lokamhi na hatthi titti. |
for in this world sensual pleasures never satisfy. |
Kandanti naṃ ñātī pakiriya kese, |
Relatives lament, their hair disheveled, |
Aho vatā no amarāti cāhu; |
saying ‘Ah! Alas! They’re not immortal!’ |
Vatthena naṃ pārutaṃ nīharitvā, |
They take out the body wrapped in a shroud, |
Citaṃ samodhāya tato ḍahanti. |
heap up a pyre, and burn it there. |
So ḍayhati sūlehi tujjamāno, |
It’s poked with stakes while being burnt, |
Ekena vatthena pahāya bhoge; |
in just a single cloth, all wealth gone. |
Na mīyamānassa bhavanti tāṇā, |
Relatives, friends, and companions |
Ñātī ca mittā atha vā sahāyā. |
can’t help you when you’re dying. |
Dāyādakā tassa dhanaṃ haranti, |
Heirs take your riches, |
Satto pana gacchati yena kammaṃ; |
while beings fare on according to their deeds. |
Na mīyamānaṃ dhanamanveti kiñci, |
Riches don’t follow you when you die; |
Puttā ca dārā ca dhanañca raṭṭhaṃ. |
nor do children, wife, wealth, nor kingdom. |
Na dīghamāyuṃ labhate dhanena, |
Longevity isn’t gained by riches, |
Na cāpi vittena jaraṃ vihanti; |
nor does wealth banish old age; |
Appaṃ hidaṃ jīvitamāhu dhīrā, |
for the wise say this life is short, |
Asassataṃ vippariṇāmadhammaṃ. |
it’s perishable and not eternal. |
Aḍḍhā daliddā ca phusanti phassaṃ, |
The rich and the poor feel its touch; |
Bālo ca dhīro ca tatheva phuṭṭho; |
the fool and the wise feel it too. |
Bālo hi bālyā vadhitova seti, |
But the fool lies stricken by their own folly, |
Dhīro ca no vedhati phassaphuṭṭho. |
while the wise don’t tremble at the touch. |
Tasmā hi paññāva dhanena seyyā, |
Therefore wisdom’s much better than wealth, |
Yāya vosānamidhādhigacchati; |
since by wisdom you reach consummation in this life. |
Abyositattā hi bhavābhavesu, |
But if because of delusion you don’t reach consummation, |
Pāpāni kammāni karoti mohā. |
you’ll do evil deeds in life after life. |
Upeti gabbhañca parañca lokaṃ, |
One who enters a womb and the world beyond, |
Saṃsāramāpajja paramparāya; |
will transmigrate from one life to the next. |
Tassappapañño abhisaddahanto, |
While someone of little wisdom, placing faith in them, |
Upeti gabbhañca parañca lokaṃ. |
also enters a womb and the world beyond. |
Coro yathā sandhimukhe gahīto, |
As a bandit caught in the door |
Sakammunā haññati pāpadhammo; |
is punished for his own bad deeds; |
Evaṃ pajā pecca paramhi loke, |
so after departing, in the world beyond, |
Sakammunā haññati pāpadhammo. |
people are punished for their own bad deeds. |
Kāmā hi citrā madhurā manoramā, |
Sensual pleasures are diverse, sweet, delightful, |
Virūparūpena mathenti cittaṃ; |
appearing in disguise they disturb the mind. |
Ādīnavaṃ kāmaguṇesu disvā, |
Seeing danger in the many kinds of sensual stimulation, |
Tasmā ahaṃ pabbajitomhi rāja. |
I went forth, O King. |
Dumapphalānīva patanti māṇavā, |
As fruit falls from a tree, so people fall, |
Daharā ca vuḍḍhā ca sarīrabhedā; |
young and old, when the body breaks up. |
Etampi disvā pabbajitomhi rāja, |
Seeing this, too, I went forth, O King; |
Apaṇṇakaṃ sāmaññameva seyyo. |
the ascetic life is guaranteed to be better.” |
Saddhāyāhaṃ pabbajito, |
“I went forth out of faith |
upeto jinasāsane; |
joining the victor’s dispensation. |
Avañjhā mayhaṃ pabbajjā, |
My going forth wasn’t wasted; |
anaṇo bhuñjāmi bhojanaṃ. |
I enjoy my food free of debt. |
Kāme ādittato disvā, |
I saw sensual pleasures as burning, |
Jātarūpāni satthato; |
gold as a cutting blade, |
Gabbhavokkantito dukkhaṃ, |
conception in a womb as suffering, |
Nirayesu mahabbhayaṃ. |
and the hells as very fearful. |
Etamādīnavaṃ ñatvā, |
Knowing this danger, |
saṃvegaṃ alabhiṃ tadā; |
I was struck with a sense of urgency. |
Sohaṃ viddho tadā santo, |
I was stabbed, but then I found peace, |
sampatto āsavakkhayaṃ. |
attaining the end of defilements. |
Pariciṇṇo mayā satthā, |
I’ve served the teacher |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ; |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Ohito garuko bhāro, |
The heavy burden is laid down, |
bhavanetti samūhatā. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated. |
Yassatthāya pabbajito, |
I’ve reached the goal |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
for the sake of which I went forth |
So me attho anuppatto, |
from the lay life to homelessness— |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhayo”ti. |
the ending of all fetters.” |
… Raṭṭhapālo thero …. |
|
16.5 Mālukyaputtattheragāthā |
16.5. Māluṅkyaputta (2nd) |
“Rūpaṃ disvā sati muṭṭhā, |
When you see a sight, rememberfulness is lost |
Piyaṃ nimittaṃ manasi karoto; |
as attention latches on a pleasant feature. |
Sārattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, |
Tañca ajjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you keep clinging to it. |
Tassa vaḍḍhanti vedanā, |
Many feelings grow |
anekā rūpasambhavā; |
arising from sights. |
Abhijjhā ca vihesā ca, |
The mind is damaged |
cittamassūpahaññati; |
by covetousness and cruelty. |
Evamācinato dukkhaṃ, |
Heaping up suffering like this, |
ārā nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be far from quenching. |
Saddaṃ sutvā sati muṭṭhā, |
When you hear a sound, rememberfulness is lost |
Piyaṃ nimittaṃ manasi karoto; |
as attention latches on a pleasant feature. |
Sārattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, |
Tañca ajjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you keep clinging to it. |
Tassa vaḍḍhanti vedanā, |
Many feelings grow |
anekā saddasambhavā; |
arising from sounds. |
Abhijjhā ca vihesā ca, |
The mind is damaged |
cittamassūpahaññati; |
by covetousness and cruelty. |
Evamācinato dukkhaṃ, |
Heaping up suffering like this, |
ārā nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be far from quenching. |
Gandhaṃ ghatvā sati muṭṭhā, |
When you smell an odor, rememberfulness is lost |
Piyaṃ nimittaṃ manasi karoto; |
as attention latches on a pleasant feature. |
Sārattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, |
Tañca ajjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you keep clinging to it. |
Tassa vaḍḍhanti vedanā, |
Many feelings grow |
anekā gandhasambhavā; |
arising from smells. |
Abhijjhā ca vihesā ca, |
The mind is damaged |
cittamassūpahaññati; |
by covetousness and cruelty. |
Evamācinato dukkhaṃ, |
Heaping up suffering like this, |
ārā nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be far from quenching. |
Rasaṃ bhotvā sati muṭṭhā, |
When you enjoy a taste, rememberfulness is lost |
Piyaṃ nimittaṃ manasi karoto; |
as attention latches on a pleasant feature. |
Sārattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, |
Tañca ajjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you keep clinging to it. |
Tassa vaḍḍhanti vedanā, |
Many feelings grow |
anekā rasasambhavā; |
arising from tastes. |
Abhijjhā ca vihesā ca, |
The mind is damaged |
cittamassūpahaññati; |
by covetousness and cruelty. |
Evamācinato dukkhaṃ, |
Heaping up suffering like this, |
ārā nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be far from quenching. |
Phassaṃ phussa sati muṭṭhā, |
When you sense a touch, rememberfulness is lost |
Piyaṃ nimittaṃ manasi karoto; |
as attention latches on a pleasant feature. |
Sārattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, |
Tañca ajjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you keep clinging to it. |
Tassa vaḍḍhanti vedanā, |
Many feelings grow |
anekā phassasambhavā; |
arising from touches. |
Abhijjhā ca vihesā ca, |
The mind is damaged |
cittamassūpahaññati; |
by covetousness and cruelty. |
Evamācinato dukkhaṃ, |
Heaping up suffering like this, |
ārā nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be far from quenching. |
Dhammaṃ ñatvā sati muṭṭhā, |
When you know a thought, rememberfulness is lost |
Piyaṃ nimittaṃ manasi karoto; |
as attention latches on a pleasant feature. |
Sārattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, |
Tañca ajjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you keep clinging to it. |
Tassa vaḍḍhanti vedanā, |
Many feelings grow |
anekā dhammasambhavā; |
arising from thoughts. |
Abhijjhā ca vihesā ca, |
The mind is damaged |
cittamassūpahaññati; |
by covetousness and cruelty. |
Evamācinato dukkhaṃ, |
Heaping up suffering like this, |
ārā nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be far from quenching. |
Na so rajjati rūpesu, |
When you see a sight with rememberfulness, |
rūpaṃ disvā patissato; |
there’s no desire for sights. |
Virattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind free of desire, |
tañca nājjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you don’t keep clinging to it. |
Yathāssa passato rūpaṃ, |
Even as you see a sight |
sevato cāpi vedanaṃ; |
and undergo a feeling, |
Khīyati nopacīyati, |
you wear away, you don’t heap up: |
evaṃ so caratī sato; |
that’s how to live rememberfully. |
Evaṃ apacinato dukkhaṃ, |
Eroding suffering like this, |
santike nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be in the presence of quenching. |
Na so rajjati saddesu, |
When you hear a sound with rememberfulness, |
saddaṃ sutvā patissato; |
there’s no desire for sounds. |
Virattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind free of desire, |
tañca nājjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you don’t keep clinging to it. |
Yathāssa suṇato saddaṃ, |
Even as you hear a sound |
sevato cāpi vedanaṃ; |
and undergo a feeling, |
Khīyati nopacīyati, |
you wear away, you don’t heap up: |
evaṃ so caratī sato; |
that’s how to live rememberfully. |
Evaṃ apacinato dukkhaṃ, |
Eroding suffering like this, |
santike nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be in the presence of quenching. |
Na so rajjati gandhesu, |
When you smell an odor with rememberfulness, |
gandhaṃ ghatvā patissato; |
there’s no desire for odors. |
Virattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind free of desire, |
tañca nājjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you don’t keep clinging to it. |
Yathāssa ghāyato gandhaṃ, |
Even as you smell an odor |
sevato cāpi vedanaṃ; |
and undergo a feeling, |
Khīyati nopacīyati, |
you wear away, you don’t heap up: |
evaṃ so caratī sato; |
that’s how to live rememberfully. |
Evaṃ apacinato dukkhaṃ, |
Eroding suffering like this, |
santike nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be in the presence of quenching. |
Na so rajjati rasesu, |
Enjoying a taste with rememberfulness, |
rasaṃ bhotvā patissato; |
there’s no desire for tastes. |
Virattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind free of desire, |
tañca nājjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you don’t keep clinging to it. |
Yathāssa sāyarato rasaṃ, |
Even as you savor a taste |
sevato cāpi vedanaṃ; |
and undergo a feeling, |
Khīyati nopacīyati, |
you wear away, you don’t heap up: |
evaṃ so caratī sato; |
that’s how to live rememberfully. |
Evaṃ apacinato dukkhaṃ, |
Eroding suffering like this, |
santike nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be in the presence of quenching. |
Na so rajjati phassesu, |
When you sense a touch with rememberfulness, |
phassaṃ phussa patissato; |
there’s no desire for touches. |
Virattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind free of desire, |
tañca nājjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you don’t keep clinging to it. |
Yathāssa phusato phassaṃ, |
Even as you sense a touch |
sevato cāpi vedanaṃ; |
and get familiar with how it feels, |
Khīyati nopacīyati, |
you wear away, you don’t heap up: |
evaṃ so caratī sato; |
that’s how to live rememberfully. |
Evaṃ apacinato dukkhaṃ, |
Eroding suffering like this, |
santike nibbāna vuccati. |
you’re said to be in the presence of quenching. |
Na so rajjati dhammesu, |
When you know a thought with rememberfulness, |
dhammaṃ ñatvā patissato; |
there’s no desire for thoughts. |
Virattacitto vedeti, |
Experiencing it with a mind free of desire, |
tañca nājjhosa tiṭṭhati. |
you don’t keep clinging to it. |
Yathāssa vijānato dhammaṃ, |
Even as you know a thought |
sevato cāpi vedanaṃ; |
and get familiar with how it feels, |
Khīyati nopacīyati, |
you wear away, you don’t heap up: |
evaṃ so caratī sato; |
that’s how to live rememberfully. |
Evaṃ apacinato dukkhaṃ, |
Eroding suffering like this, |
santike nibbāna vuccati”. |
you’re said to be in the presence of quenching. |
… Mālukyaputto thero …. |
|
16.6. Selattheragāthā |
16.6. Sela |
“Paripuṇṇakāyo suruci, |
“O Blessed One, your body’s perfect, |
Sujāto cārudassano; |
you’re radiant, handsome, lovely to behold; |
Suvaṇṇavaṇṇosi bhagavā, |
golden colored, |
Susukkadāṭhosi vīriyavā. |
with teeth so white; you’re strong. |
Narassa hi sujātassa, |
The characteristics |
ye bhavanti viyañjanā; |
of a handsome man, |
Sabbe te tava kāyasmiṃ, |
the marks of a great man, |
mahāpurisalakkhaṇā. |
are all in your body. |
Pasannanetto sumukho, |
Your eyes are clear, your face is fair, |
brahā uju patāpavā; |
you’re formidable, upright, majestic. |
Majjhe samaṇasaṃghassa, |
In the midst of the Saṅgha of ascetics, |
ādiccova virocasi. |
you shine like the sun. |
Kalyāṇadassano bhikkhu, |
You’re a mendicant fine to see, |
kañcanasannibhattaco; |
with skin of golden sheen. |
Kiṃ te samaṇabhāvena, |
But with such excellent appearance, |
evaṃ uttamavaṇṇino. |
what do you want with the ascetic life? |
Rājā arahasi bhavituṃ, |
You’re fit to be a king, |
cakkavattī rathesabho; |
a wheel-turning monarch, chief of charioteers, |
Cāturanto vijitāvī, |
victorious in the four directions, |
jambusaṇḍassa issaro. |
lord of all India. |
Khattiyā bhogī rājāno, |
Aristocrats, nobles, and kings |
anuyantā bhavanti te; |
follow your rule. |
Rājābhirājā manujindo, |
Gotama, you should reign |
rajjaṃ kārehi gotama”. |
as king of kings, lord of men!” |
“Rājāhamasmi sela,(selāti bhagavā) |
“Sela, I am a king,” said the Buddha to Sela, |
Dhammarājā anuttaro; |
“the supreme king of the teaching. |
Dhammena cakkaṃ vattemi, |
By the teaching I roll forth the wheel |
Cakkaṃ appaṭivattiyaṃ”. |
which cannot be rolled back.” |
“Sambuddho paṭijānāsi,(iti selo brāhmaṇo) |
“You claim to be awakened,” said Sela the brahmin, |
Dhammarājā anuttaro; |
“the supreme king of the teaching. |
‘Dhammena cakkaṃ vattemi’, |
‘I roll forth the teaching’: |
Iti bhāsatha gotama. |
so you say, Gotama. |
Ko nu senāpati bhoto, |
Then who is your general, |
sāvako satthuranvayo; |
the disciple who follows the Teacher’s way? |
Ko tetamanuvatteti, |
Who keeps rolling the wheel |
dhammacakkaṃ pavattitaṃ”. |
of the teaching you rolled forth?” |
“Mayā pavattitaṃ cakkaṃ,(selāti bhagavā) |
“By me the wheel was rolled forth,” said the Buddha, |
Dhammacakkaṃ anuttaraṃ; |
“the supreme wheel of the teaching. |
Sāriputto anuvatteti, |
Sāriputta, taking after the Realized One, |
Anujāto tathāgataṃ. |
keeps it rolling on. |
Abhiññeyyaṃ abhiññātaṃ, |
I have known what should be known, |
bhāvetabbañca bhāvitaṃ; |
and developed what should be developed, |
Pahātabbaṃ pahīnaṃ me, |
and given up what should be given up: |
tasmā buddhosmi brāhmaṇa. |
and so, brahmin, I am a Buddha. |
Vinayassu mayi kaṅkhaṃ, |
Dispel your doubt in me— |
adhimuccassu brāhmaṇa; |
make up your mind, brahmin! |
Dullabhaṃ dassanaṃ hoti, |
The sight of a Buddha |
sambuddhānaṃ abhiṇhaso. |
is hard to find again. |
Yesaṃ ve dullabho loke, |
I am a Buddha, brahmin, |
pātubhāvo abhiṇhaso; |
the supreme surgeon, |
Sohaṃ brāhmaṇa buddhosmi, |
one of those whose appearance in the world |
sallakatto anuttaro. |
is hard to find again. |
Brahmabhūto atitulo, |
Holy, unequaled, |
mārasenappamaddano; |
crusher of Māra’s army; |
Sabbāmitte vase katvā, |
having subdued all my opponents, |
modāmi akutobhayo”. |
I rejoice, fearing nothing from any quarter.” |
“Idaṃ bhonto nisāmetha, |
“Pay heed, sirs, to what |
yathā bhāsati cakkhumā; |
is spoken by the seer. |
Sallakatto mahāvīro, |
The surgeon, the great hero, |
sīhova nadatī vane. |
roars like a lion in the jungle. |
Brahmabhūtaṃ atitulaṃ, |
Holy, unequaled, |
mārasenappamaddanaṃ; |
crusher of Māra’s army; |
Ko disvā nappasīdeyya, |
who would not be inspired by him, |
api kaṇhābhijātiko. |
even one whose nature is dark? |
Yo maṃ icchati anvetu, |
Those who wish may follow me; |
yo vā nicchati gacchatu; |
those who don’t may go. |
Idhāhaṃ pabbajissāmi, |
Right here, I’ll go forth in the presence of him, |
varapaññassa santike”. |
this man of such splendid wisdom.” |
“Etañce ruccati bhoto, |
“Sir, if you like |
sammāsambuddhasāsanaṃ; |
the teaching of the Buddha, |
Mayampi pabbajissāma, |
we’ll also go forth in the presence of him, |
varapaññassa santike”. |
this man of such splendid wisdom.” |
“Brāhmaṇā tisatā ime, |
“These three hundred brahmins |
yācanti pañjalīkatā; |
with joined palms held up, ask: |
‘Brahmacariyaṃ carissāma, |
‘May we lead the spiritual life |
bhagavā tava santike’”. |
in your presence, Blessed One?’” |
“Svākkhātaṃ brahmacariyaṃ,(selāti bhagavā) |
“The spiritual life is well explained,” said the Buddha, |
Sandiṭṭhikamakālikaṃ; |
“visible in this very life, immediately effective. |
Yattha amoghā pabbajjā, |
Here the going forth isn’t in vain |
Appamattassa sikkhato”. |
for one who trains with diligence.” |
“Yaṃ taṃ saraṇamāgamha, |
“This is the eighth day since |
ito aṭṭhame cakkhuma; |
we went for refuge, O seer. |
Sattarattena bhagavā, |
In these seven days, Blessed One, |
dantāmha tava sāsane. |
we’ve become tamed in your teaching. |
Tuvaṃ buddho tuvaṃ satthā, |
You are the Buddha, you are the Teacher, |
tuvaṃ mārābhibhū muni; |
you are the sage who has overcome Māra; |
Tuvaṃ anusaye chetvā, |
you have cut off the underlying tendencies, |
tiṇṇo tāresimaṃ pajaṃ. |
you’ve crossed over, and you bring humanity across. |
Upadhī te samatikkantā, |
You have transcended attachments, |
āsavā te padālitā; |
your defilements are shattered; |
Sīhova anupādāno, |
by not grasping, like a lion, |
pahīnabhayabheravo. |
you’ve given up fear and dread. |
Bhikkhavo tisatā ime, |
These three hundred mendicants |
tiṭṭhanti pañjalīkatā; |
stand with joined palms raised. |
Pāde vīra pasārehi, |
Stretch out your feet, great hero: |
nāgā vandantu satthuno”ti. |
let these giants worship the Teacher.” |
… Selo thero …. |
|
16.7 Kāḷigodhāputtabhaddiyattheragāthā |
16.7. Kāḷigodhāputtabhaddiya |
“Yātaṃ me hatthigīvāya, |
I rode on an elephant’s neck, |
sukhumā vatthā padhāritā; |
wearing luxurious clothes. |
Sālīnaṃ odano bhutto, |
I ate rice congee |
sucimaṃsūpasecano. |
with pure meat sauce. |
Sojja bhaddo sātatiko, |
Today I am fortunate, persistent, |
uñchāpattāgate rato; |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: |
Jhāyati anupādāno, |
Bhaddiya son of Godhā |
putto godhāya bhaddiyo. |
practices jhāna without grasping. |
Paṃsukūlī sātatiko, |
Wearing rags, persistent, |
uñchāpattāgate rato; |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: |
Jhāyati anupādāno, |
Bhaddiya son of Godhā |
putto godhāya bhaddiyo. |
practices jhāna without grasping. |
Piṇḍapātī sātatiko, |
Living on alms-food, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Tecīvarī sātatiko, |
Possessing only three robes, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Sapadānacārī sātatiko, |
Wandering for alms indiscriminately, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Ekāsanī sātatiko, |
Sitting alone, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Pattapiṇḍī sātatiko, |
Eating only what is placed in the alms-bowl, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Khalupacchābhattī sātatiko, |
Never eating too late, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Āraññiko sātatiko, |
Living in the wilderness, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Rukkhamūliko sātatiko, |
Living at the foot of a tree, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Abbhokāsī sātatiko, |
Living in the open, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Sosāniko sātatiko, |
Living in a charnel ground, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Yathāsanthatiko sātatiko, |
Accepting whatever seat is offered, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Nesajjiko sātatiko, |
Not lying down to sleep, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Appiccho sātatiko, |
Few in wishes, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Santuṭṭho sātatiko, |
Content, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Pavivitto sātatiko, |
Secluded, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Asaṃsaṭṭho sātatiko, |
Not socializing, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Āraddhavīriyo sātatiko, |
Energetic, persistent, |
… pe … |
happy with the scraps in my bowl: Bhaddiya son of Godhā practices jhāna without grasping. |
Hitvā satapalaṃ kaṃsaṃ, |
Giving up a valuable bronze bowl, |
sovaṇṇaṃ satarājikaṃ; |
and a precious golden one, too, |
Aggahiṃ mattikāpattaṃ, |
I took a bowl made of clay: |
idaṃ dutiyābhisecanaṃ. |
this is my second initiation. |
Ucce maṇḍalipākāre, |
I used to live in a citadel with walls so high, |
daḷhamaṭṭālakoṭṭhake; |
with battlements strong and gates, |
Rakkhito khaggahatthehi, |
all guarded by swordsmen— |
uttasaṃ vihariṃ pure. |
and yet I trembled with fear. |
Sojja bhaddo anutrāsī, |
Today I am fortunate, free of trembling, |
pahīnabhayabheravo; |
with fear and dread given up. |
Jhāyati vanamoggayha, |
Bhaddiya son of Godhā |
putto godhāya bhaddiyo. |
has plunged into the forest and practices jhāna. |
Sīlakkhandhe patiṭṭhāya, |
Established in the full spectrum of ethics, |
satiṃ paññañca bhāvayaṃ; |
developing the mind and wisdom, |
Pāpuṇiṃ anupubbena, |
gradually I attained |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhayan”ti. |
the ending of all fetters. |
… Bhaddiyo kāḷigodhāya putto thero …. |
|
16.8. Aṅgulimālattheragāthā |
16.8. Aṅgulimāla |
“Gacchaṃ vadesi samaṇaṭṭhitomhi, |
“While walking, ascetic, you say ‘I’ve stopped.’ |
Mamañca brūsi ṭhitamaṭṭhitoti; |
And I have stopped, but you tell me I’ve not. |
Pucchāmi taṃ samaṇa etamatthaṃ, |
I’m asking you this, ascetic: |
‘Kathaṃ ṭhito tvaṃ ahamaṭṭhitomhi’”. |
how is it you’ve stopped and I have not?” |
“Ṭhito ahaṃ aṅgulimāla sabbadā, |
“Aṅgulimāla, I have forever stopped— |
Sabbesu bhūtesu nidhāya daṇḍaṃ; |
I’ve cast off violence towards all creatures. |
Tuvañca pāṇesu asaññatosi, |
But you can’t stop yourself from harming living creatures; |
Tasmā ṭhitohaṃ tuvamaṭṭhitosi”. |
that’s why I’ve stopped, but you have not.” |
“Cirassaṃ vata me mahito mahesī, |
“Oh, at long last a hermit, |
Mahāvanaṃ samaṇo paccapādi; |
a great sage who I honor, has entered this great forest. |
Sohaṃ cajissāmi sahassapāpaṃ, |
Now that I’ve heard your verse on Dhamma, |
Sutvāna gāthaṃ tava dhammayuttaṃ”. |
I shall discard a thousand evils.” |
Icceva coro asimāvudhañca, |
With these words, the bandit hurled his sword and weapons |
Sobbhe papāte narake anvakāsi; |
down a cliff into a chasm. |
Avandi coro sugatassa pāde, |
He venerated the Holy One’s feet, |
Tattheva pabbajjamayāci buddhaṃ. |
and asked the Buddha for the going forth right away. |
Buddho ca kho kāruṇiko mahesi, |
Then the Buddha, the compassionate great hermit, |
Yo satthā lokassa sadevakassa; |
the teacher of the world with its gods, |
“Tamehi bhikkhū”ti tadā avoca, |
said to him, “Come, monk!” |
Eseva tassa ahu bhikkhubhāvo. |
And with that he became a monk. |
“Yo ca pubbe pamajjitvā, |
“Someone who was heedless before, |
pacchā so nappamajjati; |
and afterwards is not, |
Somaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti, |
lights up the world, |
abbhā muttova candimā. |
like the moon freed from a cloud. |
Yassa pāpaṃ kataṃ kammaṃ, |
Someone who, with skillful deeds, |
kusalena pidhīyati; |
shuts the door on bad things they’ve done, |
Somaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti, |
lights up the world, |
abbhā muttova candimā. |
like the moon freed from a cloud. |
Yo have daharo bhikkhu, |
A young mendicant, |
yuñjati buddhasāsane; |
who is devoted to the teaching of the Buddha, |
Somaṃ lokaṃ pabhāseti, |
lights up the world, |
abbhā muttova candimā. |
like the moon freed from a cloud. |
Disāpi me dhammakathaṃ suṇantu, |
May even my enemies hear a Dhamma talk! |
Disāpi me yuñjantu buddhasāsane; |
May even my enemies devote themselves to the Buddha’s teaching! |
Disāpi me te manuje bhajantu, |
May even my enemies associate with those good people |
Ye dhammamevādapayanti santo. |
who establish others in the Dhamma! |
Disā hi me khantivādānaṃ, |
May even my enemies hear Dhamma at the right time, |
avirodhappasaṃsinaṃ; |
from those who speak on acceptance, |
Suṇantu dhammaṃ kālena, |
praising acquiescence; |
tañca anuvidhīyantu. |
and may they follow that path! |
Na hi jātu so mamaṃ hiṃse, |
For then they’d surely wish no harm |
aññaṃ vā pana kiñcanaṃ; |
upon myself or others. |
Pappuyya paramaṃ santiṃ, |
Having arrived at ultimate peace, |
rakkheyya tasathāvare. |
they’d look after creatures firm and frail. |
Udakañhi nayanti nettikā, |
For irrigators guide the water, |
Usukārā namayanti tejanaṃ; |
and fletchers straighten arrows; |
Dāruṃ namayanti tacchakā, |
carpenters carve timber— |
Attānaṃ damayanti paṇḍitā. |
but the astute tame themselves. |
Daṇḍeneke damayanti, |
Some tame by using the rod, |
aṅkusebhi kasāhi ca; |
some with goads, and some with whips. |
Adaṇḍena asatthena, |
But the poised one tamed me |
ahaṃ dantomhi tādinā. |
without rod or sword. |
‘Ahiṃsako’ti me nāmaṃ, |
My name is ‘Harmless’, |
hiṃsakassa pure sato; |
though I used to be harmful. |
Ajjāhaṃ saccanāmomhi, |
The name I bear today is true, |
na naṃ hiṃsāmi kiñcanaṃ. |
for I do no harm to anyone. |
Coro ahaṃ pure āsiṃ, |
I used to be a bandit, |
aṅgulimāloti vissuto; |
the notorious Aṅgulimāla. |
Vuyhamāno mahoghena, |
Swept away in a great flood, |
buddhaṃ saraṇamāgamaṃ. |
I went to the Buddha for refuge. |
Lohitapāṇi pure āsiṃ, |
I used to have blood on my hands, |
aṅgulimāloti vissuto; |
the notorious Aṅgulimāla. |
Saraṇagamanaṃ passa, |
See the refuge I’ve found— |
bhavanetti samūhatā. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated. |
Tādisaṃ kammaṃ katvāna, |
I’ve done many of the sort of deeds |
bahuṃ duggatigāminaṃ; |
that lead to a bad destination. |
Phuṭṭho kammavipākena, |
The result of my deeds has already hit me, |
anaṇo bhuñjāmi bhojanaṃ. |
so I enjoy my food free of debt. |
Pamādamanuyuñjanti, |
Fools and unintelligent people |
bālā dummedhino janā; |
devote themselves to negligence. |
Appamādañca medhāvī, |
But the intelligent protect diligence |
dhanaṃ seṭṭhaṃva rakkhati. |
as their best treasure. |
Mā pamādamanuyuñjetha, |
Don’t devote yourself to negligence, |
mā kāmaratisanthavaṃ; |
or delight in sexual intimacy. |
Appamatto hi jhāyanto, |
For if you’re diligent and practice jhāna, |
pappoti paramaṃ sukhaṃ. |
you’ll attain abundant happiness. |
Svāgataṃ nāpagataṃ, |
It was welcome, not unwelcome, |
netaṃ dummantitaṃ mama; |
the advice I got was good. |
Savibhattesu dhammesu, |
Of teachings that are shared, |
yaṃ seṭṭhaṃ tadupāgamaṃ. |
I encountered the best. |
Svāgataṃ nāpagataṃ, |
It was welcome, not unwelcome, |
netaṃ dummantitaṃ mama; |
the advice I got was good. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.” |
Araññe rukkhamūle vā, |
“In the wilderness, at a tree’s root, |
pabbatesu guhāsu vā; |
on mountains, or in caves— |
Tattha tattheva aṭṭhāsiṃ, |
it used to be that wherever I stood, |
ubbiggamanaso tadā. |
my mind was anxious. |
Sukhaṃ sayāmi ṭhāyāmi, |
But now I lie down happily and stand up happily, |
sukhaṃ kappemi jīvitaṃ; |
I live my life happily, |
Ahatthapāso mārassa, |
out of Māra’s reach; |
aho satthānukampito. |
the teacher had compassion for me. |
Brahmajacco pure āsiṃ, |
I used to belong to the brahmin caste, |
udicco ubhato ahu; |
highborn on both sides, |
Sojja putto sugatassa, |
now I’m a son of the Holy One, |
dhammarājassa satthuno. |
the Teacher, King of Dhamma. |
Vītataṇho anādāno, |
I am rid of craving, free of grasping, |
guttadvāro susaṃvuto; |
my sense-doors are guarded and well-restrained. |
Aghamūlaṃ vadhitvāna, |
I’ve destroyed the root of misery, |
patto me āsavakkhayo. |
and attained the ending of defilements. |
Pariciṇṇo mayā satthā, |
I’ve served the teacher |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ; |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Ohito garuko bhāro, |
The heavy burden is laid down, |
bhavanetti samūhatā”ti. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated.” |
… Aṅgulimālo thero …. |
|
16.9. Anuruddhattheragāthā |
16.9. Anuruddha |
“Pahāya mātāpitaro, |
Leaving my mother and father behind, |
bhaginī ñātibhātaro; |
as well as sisters, kinsmen, and brothers; |
Pañca kāmaguṇe hitvā, |
having given up the five kinds of sensual stimulation, |
anuruddhova jhāyati. |
Anuruddha practices jhāna. |
Sameto naccagītehi, |
Surrounded by song and dance, |
sammatāḷappabodhano; |
awakened by cymbals and gongs, |
Na tena suddhimajjhagaṃ, |
he did not find purification |
mārassa visaye rato. |
while delighting in Māra’s domain. |
Etañca samatikkamma, |
But he has gone beyond all that, |
rato buddhassa sāsane; |
and delights in the Buddha’s teaching. |
Sabboghaṃ samatikkamma, |
Having crossed over the entire flood, |
anuruddhova jhāyati. |
Anuruddha practices jhāna. |
Rūpā saddā rasā gandhā, |
Sights, sounds, tastes, smells, |
phoṭṭhabbā ca manoramā; |
and touches so delightful: |
Ete ca samatikkamma, |
having crossed over these as well, |
anuruddhova jhāyati. |
Anuruddha practices jhāna. |
Piṇḍapātamatikkanto, |
Returning from alms-round, |
eko adutiyo muni; |
alone, without companion, |
Esati paṃsukūlāni, |
seeking rags from the dust heap, |
anuruddho anāsavo. |
Anuruddha is without defilements. |
Vicinī aggahī dhovi, |
The thoughtful sage |
rajayī dhārayī muni; |
selected rags from the dust heap; |
Paṃsukūlāni matimā, |
he picked them up, washed, dyed, and wore them; |
anuruddho anāsavo. |
Anuruddha is without defilements. |
Mahiccho ca asantuṭṭho, |
The principles of someone |
saṃsaṭṭho yo ca uddhato; |
who has many wishes and is not content, |
Tassa dhammā ime honti, |
who socializes and is conceited, |
pāpakā saṃkilesikā. |
are wicked and corrupt. |
Sato ca hoti appiccho, |
But someone who is rememberful, few of wishes, |
santuṭṭho avighātavā; |
content and untroubled, |
Pavivekarato vitto, |
delighting in seclusion, joyful, |
niccamāraddhavīriyo. |
always resolute and energetic; |
Tassa dhammā ime honti, |
their principles are skillful, |
kusalā bodhipakkhikā; |
leading to awakening; |
Anāsavo ca so hoti, |
they are without defilements— |
iti vuttaṃ mahesinā. |
so said the great hermit. |
Mama saṅkappamaññāya, |
“Knowing my thoughts, |
satthā loke anuttaro; |
the supreme Teacher in the world |
Manomayena kāyena, |
came to me in a mind-made body, |
iddhiyā upasaṅkami. |
using his psychic power. |
Yadā me ahu saṅkappo, |
He taught me more |
tato uttari desayi; |
than I had thought of. |
Nippapañcarato buddho, |
The Buddha who loves non-proliferation |
nippapañcamadesayi. |
taught me non-proliferation. |
Tassāhaṃ dhammamaññāya, |
Understanding that teaching, |
vihāsiṃ sāsane rato; |
I happily did his bidding. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and have fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Pañcapaññāsavassāni, |
For the last fifty-five years |
yato nesajjiko ahaṃ; |
I have not lain down to sleep. |
Pañcavīsativassāni, |
Twenty-five years have passed |
yato middhaṃ samūhataṃ. |
since I eradicated drowsiness.” |
Nāhu assāsapassāsā, |
“There was no more breathing |
ṭhitacittassa tādino; |
for the poised one of steady heart. |
Anejo santimārabbha, |
Imperturbable, committed to peace, |
cakkhumā parinibbuto. |
the seer became fully Nirvana'd. |
Asallīnena cittena, |
He put up with painful feelings |
vedanaṃ ajjhavāsayi; |
without flinching. |
Pajjotasseva nibbānaṃ, |
The liberation of his heart |
vimokkho cetaso ahu. |
was like the lamp going into nirvana.” |
Ete pacchimakā dāni, |
“Now these touches and the other four |
munino phassapañcamā; |
are the last to be experienced by the sage; |
Nāññe dhammā bhavissanti, |
nor will there be other phenomena |
sambuddhe parinibbute. |
since the Buddha became fully Nirvana'd. |
Natthi dāni punāvāso, |
Weaver of the web in the company of the gods, |
devakāyasmi jālini; |
now there are no future lives. |
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṃsāro, |
Transmigration through births is finished, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo. |
now there are no more future lives.” |
Yassa muhuttena sahassadhā, |
“Knowing in an hour the galaxy, |
Loko saṃvidito sabrahmakappo; |
together with the Brahmā realm; |
Vasī iddhiguṇe cutūpapāte, |
that mendicant, a master of psychic powers, |
Kāle passati devatā sa bhikkhu. |
knowing the passing away and rebirth of beings, sees even the gods at that time.” |
Annabhāro pure āsiṃ, |
“In the past I was Annabhāra, |
daliddo ghāsahārako; |
a poor carrier of fodder. |
Samaṇaṃ paṭipādesiṃ, |
I practiced as an ascetic, |
upariṭṭhaṃ yasassinaṃ. |
the renowned Upariṭṭha. |
Somhi sakyakule jāto, |
Then I was reborn in the Sakyan clan, |
anuruddhoti maṃ vidū; |
where I was known as ‘Anuruddha’. |
Upeto naccagītehi, |
Surrounded by song and dance, |
sammatāḷappabodhano. |
I was awakened by cymbals and gongs. |
Athaddasāsiṃ sambuddhaṃ, |
Then I saw the Buddha, |
satthāraṃ akutobhayaṃ; |
the Teacher, fearing nothing from any quarter; |
Tasmiṃ cittaṃ pasādetvā, |
filling my mind with confidence in him, |
pabbajiṃ anagāriyaṃ. |
I went forth to homelessness. |
Pubbenivāsaṃ jānāmi, |
I know my past lives, |
yattha me vusitaṃ pure; |
the places I used to live. |
Tāvatiṃsesu devesu, |
I was born as Sakka, |
aṭṭhāsiṃ sakkajātiyā. |
and stayed among the Thirty-Three gods. |
Sattakkhattuṃ manussindo, |
Seven times I was a king of men |
ahaṃ rajjamakārayiṃ; |
ruling a kingdom, |
Cāturanto vijitāvī, |
victorious in the four directions, |
jambusaṇḍassa issaro; |
lord of all India. |
Adaṇḍena asatthena, |
Without rod or sword, |
dhammena anusāsayiṃ. |
I governed by principle. |
Ito satta tato satta, |
Seven here, seven there, |
saṃsārāni catuddasa; |
fourteen transmigrations in all. |
Nivāsamabhijānissaṃ, |
I remember my past lives; |
devaloke ṭhito tadā. |
at that time I stayed in the realm of the gods. |
Pañcaṅgike samādhimhi, |
I have gained complete tranquility |
sante ekodibhāvite; |
in undistractible-lucidity with five factors. |
Paṭippassaddhiladdhamhi, |
Peaceful, undistractible-&-lucid, |
dibbacakkhu visujjhi me. |
my clairvoyance is purified. |
Cutūpapātaṃ jānāmi, |
Steady in five-factored jhāna, |
sattānaṃ āgatiṃ gatiṃ; |
I know the passing away and rebirth of beings, |
Itthabhāvaññathābhāvaṃ, |
their coming and going, |
jhāne pañcaṅgike ṭhito. |
their lives in this state and that. |
Pariciṇṇo mayā satthā, |
I’ve served the teacher |
… pe … |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. The heavy burden is laid down, |
bhavanetti samūhatā. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated. |
Vajjīnaṃ veḷuvagāme, |
In the Vajjian village of Veḷuva, |
ahaṃ jīvitasaṅkhayā; |
my life will come to an end. |
Heṭṭhato veḷugumbasmiṃ, |
Beneath a thicket of bamboos, |
nibbāyissaṃ anāsavo”ti. |
I’ll be quenched without defilements.” |
… Anuruddho thero …. |
|
| 16.10. Pārāpariya (3rd) | |
| This thought came to the ascetic | |
| in the forest full of flowers, | |
| as he was seated alone | |
| meditating in seclusion: | |
| “The behavior of the mendicants | |
| these days seems different | |
| from when the protector of the world, | |
| the best of men, was still here. | |
| Their robes were only for covering the private parts, | |
| and protection from the cold and wind. | |
| They ate in moderation, | |
| content with whatever they were offered. | |
| Whether food was refined or rough, | |
| a little or a lot, | |
| they ate only for sustenance, | |
| without greed or gluttony. | |
| They weren’t so very eager | |
| for the requisites of life, | |
| such as tonics and other necessities, | |
| as they were for the ending of defilements. | |
| In the wilderness, at a tree’s root, | |
| in caves and caverns, | |
| fostering seclusion, | |
| they lived with that as their final goal. | |
| They were used to simple things, easy to look after, | |
| gentle, not stubborn at heart, | |
| unsullied, not gossipy, | |
| their thoughts were intent on the goal. | |
| That’s why they inspired confidence, | |
| in their movements, eating, and practice; | |
| their deportment was as smooth | |
| as a stream of oil. | |
| With the utter ending of all defilements, | |
| those senior monks have now been quenched. | |
| They were great meditators and great benefactors— | |
| there are few like them today. | |
| With the ending | |
| of good principles and understanding, | |
| the victor’s teaching, | |
| full of all excellent qualities, has fallen apart. | |
| This is the season | |
| for bad principles and defilements. | |
| Those who are ready for seclusion | |
| are all that’s left of the true Dhamma. | |
| As they grow, the defilements | |
| possess most people; | |
| they play with fools, it seems to me, | |
| like demons with the mad. | |
| Overcome by defilements, | |
| they run here and there | |
| among the bases for defilement, | |
| as if they had declared war on themselves. | |
| Having abandoned the true teaching, | |
| they argue with each other. | |
| Following wrong views | |
| they think, ‘This is better.’ | |
| They cut off their wealth, | |
| children, and wife to go forth. | |
| But then they do what they shouldn’t, | |
| for the sake of a measly spoon of alms-food. | |
| They eat until their bellies are full, | |
| and then they lie to sleep on their backs. | |
| When they wake up, they keep on chatting, | |
| the kind of talk that the teacher criticized. | |
| Valuing all the arts and crafts, | |
| they train themselves in them. | |
| Not being settled inside, they think, | |
| ‘This is the goal of the ascetic life.’ | |
| They provide clay, oil, and talcum powder, | |
| water, lodgings, and food | |
| for householders, | |
| expecting more in return. | |
| And in addition, tooth-picks, wood-apples, | |
| flowers, food to eat, | |
| well-cooked alms-food, | |
| mangoes and myrobalans. | |
| In medicine they are like doctors, | |
| in business like householders, | |
| in makeup like prostitutes, | |
| in sovereignty like lords. | |
| Cheats, frauds, | |
| false witnesses, sly: | |
| using multiple plans, | |
| they enjoy material things. | |
| Pursuing shams, contrivances, and plans, | |
| by such means | |
| they accumulate a lot of wealth | |
| for the sake of their own livelihood. | |
| They assemble the community | |
| for business rather than Dhamma. | |
| They teach the Dhamma to others | |
| for gain, not for the goal. | |
| Those outside the Saṅgha | |
| quarrel over the Saṅgha’s property. | |
| They’re shameless, and do not care | |
| that they live on someone else’s property. | |
| Some with shaven head and robe | |
| are not devoted to practice, | |
| but wish only to be honored, | |
| besotted with property and reverence. | |
| When things have come to this, | |
| it’s not easy these days | |
| to realize what has not yet been realized, | |
| or to preserve what has been realized. | |
| When shoeless on a thorny path, | |
| one would walk | |
| very rememberfully; | |
| that’s how a sage should walk in the village. | |
| Remembering the meditators of old, | |
| and recollecting their conduct, | |
| even in the latter days, | |
| it’s still possible to realize the deathless.” | |
| That is what the ascetic, whose faculties | |
| were fully developed, said in the sāl tree grove. | |
| The brahmin, the hermit, became quenched, | |
| putting an end to all future lives. | |
theragāthā |
|
tiṃsanipāta |
|
paṭhamavagga |
17.1. Phussattheragāthā |
17.1. Phussa |
Pāsādike bahū disvā, |
Seeing many who inspire confidence, |
bhāvitatte susaṃvute; |
personally developed and well-restrained, |
Isi paṇḍarasagotto, |
the hermit Paṇḍarasagotta |
apucchi phussasavhayaṃ. |
asked the one known as Phussa: |
“Kiṃchandā kimadhippāyā, |
“In future times, |
kimākappā bhavissare; |
what desire and motivation |
Anāgatamhi kālamhi, |
and behavior will people have? |
taṃ me akkhāhi pucchito”. |
Please answer my question.” |
“Suṇohi vacanaṃ mayhaṃ, |
“Listen to my words, |
isipaṇḍarasavhaya; |
Paṇḍarasa the hermit, |
Sakkaccaṃ upadhārehi, |
and remember them carefully, |
ācikkhissāmyanāgataṃ. |
I will describe the future. |
Kodhanā upanāhī ca, |
In the future many will be |
makkhī thambhī saṭhā bahū; |
angry and hostile, |
Ussukī nānāvādā ca, |
offensive, stubborn, and devious, |
bhavissanti anāgate. |
envious, holding divergent views. |
Aññātamānino dhamme, |
Imagining they understand the depths of the teaching, |
gambhīre tīragocarā; |
they remain on the near shore. |
Lahukā agarū dhamme, |
Superficial and disrespectful towards the teaching, |
aññamaññamagāravā. |
they lack respect for one another. |
Bahū ādīnavā loke, |
In the future |
uppajjissantyanāgate; |
many dangers will arise in the world. |
Sudesitaṃ imaṃ dhammaṃ, |
Idiots will defile |
kilesessanti dummatī. |
the Dhamma that was taught so well. |
Guṇahīnāpi saṃghamhi, |
Though bereft of good qualities, |
voharantā visāradā; |
unlearned prattlers, too sure of themselves, |
Balavanto bhavissanti, |
will become powerful |
mukharā assutāvino. |
in running Saṅgha proceedings. |
Guṇavantopi saṃghamhi, |
Though possessing good qualities, |
voharantā yathātthato; |
the conscientious and unbiased, acting in the proper spirit, |
Dubbalā te bhavissanti, |
will become weak |
hirīmanā anatthikā. |
in running Saṅgha proceedings. |
Rajataṃ jātarūpañca, |
In the future, fools will accept |
khettaṃ vatthumajeḷakaṃ; |
money, gold, and silver, |
Dāsidāsañca dummedhā, |
fields and land, goats and sheep, |
sādiyissantyanāgate. |
and bonded servants, male and female. |
Ujjhānasaññino bālā, |
Fools looking for fault in others, |
sīlesu asamāhitā; |
but unsteady in their own ethics, |
Unnaḷā vicarissanti, |
will wander about, insolent, |
kalahābhiratā magā. |
like cantankerous beasts. |
Uddhatā ca bhavissanti, |
They’ll be arrogant, |
nīlacīvarapārutā; |
wrapped in robes of blue; |
Kuhā thaddhā lapā siṅgī, |
deceivers, stubborn, flatterers, and frauds, |
carissantyariyā viya. |
they’ll wander as if they were noble ones. |
Telasaṇṭhehi kesehi, |
With hair sleeked back with oil, |
capalā añjanakkhikā; |
fickle, their eyes painted with eye-liner, |
Rathiyāya gamissanti, |
they’ll travel on the high-road, |
dantavaṇṇikapārutā. |
wrapped in robes of ivory color. |
Ajegucchaṃ vimuttehi, |
The deep-dyed ocher robe, |
surattaṃ arahaddhajaṃ; |
worn without disgust by the free, |
Jigucchissanti kāsāvaṃ, |
they will come to loathe, |
odātesu samucchitā. |
besotted by white clothes. |
Lābhakāmā bhavissanti, |
They’ll want lots of possessions, |
kusītā hīnavīriyā; |
and be lazy, lacking energy. |
Kicchantā vanapatthāni, |
Weary of the forest, |
gāmantesu vasissare. |
they’ll stay in the neighborhood of villages. |
Ye ye lābhaṃ labhissanti, |
Being unrestrained, they’ll keep company with |
micchājīvaratā sadā; |
those who get lots of stuff, |
Te teva anusikkhantā, |
and who always enjoy wrong livelihood, |
bhajissanti asaṃyatā. |
following their example. |
Ye ye alābhino lābhaṃ, |
They won’t respect those |
na te pujjā bhavissare; |
who don’t get lots of stuff, |
Supesalepi te dhīre, |
and they won’t associate with the wise, |
sevissanti na te tadā. |
even though they’re very amiable. |
Milakkhurajanaṃ rattaṃ, |
Disparaging their own banner, |
garahantā sakaṃ dhajaṃ; |
which is dyed the color of copper, |
Titthiyānaṃ dhajaṃ keci, |
some will wear the white banner |
dhārissantyavadātakaṃ. |
of those who follow other paths. |
Agāravo ca kāsāve, |
Then they’ll have no respect |
tadā tesaṃ bhavissati; |
for the ocher robe. |
Paṭisaṅkhā ca kāsāve, |
The mendicants will not reflect |
bhikkhūnaṃ na bhavissati. |
on the nature of the ocher robe. |
Abhibhūtassa dukkhena, |
This awful lack of reflection |
sallaviddhassa ruppato; |
was unthinkable to the elephant, |
Paṭisaṅkhā mahāghorā, |
who was overcome by suffering, |
nāgassāsi acintiyā. |
injured, pierced by an arrow. |
Chaddanto hi tadā disvā, |
Then the six-tusked elephant, |
surattaṃ arahaddhajaṃ; |
seeing the deep-dyed banner of the perfected ones, |
Tāvadeva bhaṇī gāthā, |
straight away spoke these verses |
gajo atthopasaṃhitā. |
connected with the goal. |
Anikkasāvo kāsāvaṃ, |
The impure one |
yo vatthaṃ paridhassati; |
who will wear the ocher robe |
Apeto damasaccena, |
without taming and truth: |
na so kāsāvamarahati. |
they are not worthy of the ocher robe. |
Yo ca vantakasāvassa, |
Whoever has rejected impurities, |
sīlesu susamāhito; |
steady in ethics, |
Upeto damasaccena, |
possessing truth and taming: |
sa ve kāsāvamarahati. |
they are truly worthy of the ocher robe. |
Vipannasīlo dummedho, |
Devoid of virtue, unintelligent, |
pākaṭo kāmakāriyo; |
wild, doing what they like, |
Vibbhantacitto nissukko, |
their minds astray, indolent: |
na so kāsāvamarahati. |
they are not worthy of the ocher robe. |
Yo ca sīlena sampanno, |
One accomplished in ethics, |
vītarāgo samāhito; |
free of greed, undistractible-&-lucid, |
Odātamanasaṅkappo, |
their heart’s intention pure: |
sa ve kāsāvamarahati. |
they are truly worthy of the ocher robe. |
Uddhato unnaḷo bālo, |
The conceited, arrogant fool, |
sīlaṃ yassa na vijjati; |
who has no ethics at all, |
Odātakaṃ arahati, |
is worthy of a white robe— |
kāsāvaṃ kiṃ karissati. |
what use is an ocher robe for them? |
Bhikkhū ca bhikkhuniyo ca, |
In the future, monks and nuns |
duṭṭhacittā anādarā; |
with corrupt hearts, lacking regard for others, |
Tādīnaṃ mettacittānaṃ, |
will disparage those |
niggaṇhissantyanāgate. |
with hearts of loving-kindness. |
Sikkhāpentāpi therehi, |
Though trained in wearing the robe |
bālā cīvaradhāraṇaṃ; |
by senior monks, |
Na suṇissanti dummedhā, |
the unintelligent will not listen, |
pākaṭā kāmakāriyā. |
wild, doing what they like. |
Te tathā sikkhitā bālā, |
With that kind of attitude to training, |
aññamaññaṃ agāravā; |
those fools won’t respect each other, |
Nādiyissantupajjhāye, |
or take any notice of their mentors, |
khaḷuṅko viya sārathiṃ. |
like a wild colt with its charioteer. |
Evaṃ anāgataddhānaṃ, |
Even so, in the future, |
paṭipatti bhavissati; |
this will be the practice |
Bhikkhūnaṃ bhikkhunīnañca, |
of monks and nuns |
patte kālamhi pacchime’. |
when the latter days have come. |
Purā āgacchate etaṃ, |
Before this frightening future arrives, |
anāgataṃ mahabbhayaṃ; |
be easy to admonish, |
Subbacā hotha sakhilā, |
kind in speech, |
aññamaññaṃ sagāravā. |
and respect one another. |
Mettacittā kāruṇikā, |
Have hearts of love and compassion, |
Hotha sīlesu saṃvutā; |
and please do keep your precepts. |
Āraddhavīriyā pahitattā, |
Be energetic, resolute, |
Niccaṃ daḷhaparakkamā. |
and always staunchly vigorous. |
Pamādaṃ bhayato disvā, |
Seeing negligence as fearful, |
Appamādañca khemato; |
and diligence as a sanctuary, |
Bhāvethaṭṭhaṅgikaṃ maggaṃ, |
develop the eightfold path, |
Phusantā amataṃ padan”ti. |
realizing the deathless state.” |
… Phusso thero …. |
… |
17.2. Sāriputtattheragāthā |
17.2. Sāriputta |
“Yathācārī yathāsato satīmā, |
“One who’s rememberful as per their conduct and rememberfulness, |
Yatasaṅkappajjhāyi appamatto; |
diligent as per their intentions and meditation, |
Ajjhattarato samāhitatto, |
happy inside, undistractible-&-lucid, solitary, contented: |
Eko santusito tamāhu bhikkhuṃ. |
that is what they call a mendicant. |
Allaṃ sukkhaṃ vā bhuñjanto, |
When eating fresh or dried food, |
Na bāḷhaṃ suhito siyā; |
one shouldn’t be overly replete. |
Ūnūdaro mitāhāro, |
A mendicant should wander rememberfully, |
Sato bhikkhu paribbaje. |
with unfilled belly, taking limited food. |
Cattāro pañca ālope, |
Four or five mouthfuls before you’re full, |
abhutvā udakaṃ pive; |
drink some water; |
Alaṃ phāsuvihārāya, |
this is enough for a resolute mendicant |
pahitattassa bhikkhuno. |
to live in comfort. |
Kappiyaṃ tañce chādeti, |
If they cover themselves with a robe |
cīvaraṃ idamatthikaṃ; |
that’s allowable and fit for purpose; |
Alaṃ phāsuvihārāya, |
this is enough for a resolute mendicant |
pahitattassa bhikkhuno. |
to live in comfort. |
Pallaṅkena nisinnassa, |
When sitting cross-legged, |
jaṇṇuke nābhivassati; |
the rain doesn’t fall on the knees; |
Alaṃ phāsuvihārāya, |
this is enough for a resolute mendicant |
pahitattassa bhikkhuno. |
to live in comfort.” |
Yo sukhaṃ dukkhato adda, |
“When you’ve seen happiness as suffering, |
dukkhamaddakkhi sallato; |
and suffering as a dart, |
Ubhayantarena nāhosi, |
and that there’s nothing between the two— |
kena lokasmi kiṃ siyā. |
what keeps you in the world? What would you become? |
Mā me kadāci pāpiccho, |
Thinking, ‘May I have nothing to do with those of bad wishes, |
kusīto hīnavīriyo; |
lazy, lacking energy, |
Appassuto anādaro, |
uneducated, lacking regard for others’— |
kena lokasmi kiṃ siyā. |
what keeps you in the world? What would you become?” |
Bahussuto ca medhāvī, |
“An intelligent, learned person, |
sīlesu susamāhito; |
steady in ethics, |
Cetosamathamanuyutto, |
devoted to serenity of heart— |
api muddhani tiṭṭhatu. |
let them stand at the head.” |
Yo papañcamanuyutto, |
“A beast who likes to proliferate, |
papañcābhirato mago; |
enjoying proliferation, |
Virādhayī so nibbānaṃ, |
fails to win Nirvana, |
yogakkhemaṃ anuttaraṃ. |
the supreme sanctuary. |
Yo ca papañcaṃ hitvāna, |
But one who gives up proliferation, |
nippapañcapathe rato; |
enjoying the state of non-proliferation, |
Ārādhayī so nibbānaṃ, |
wins Nirvana, |
yogakkhemaṃ anuttaraṃ. |
the supreme sanctuary.” |
Gāme vā yadi vāraññe, |
“Whether in the village or the wilderness, |
Ninne vā yadi vā thale; |
in a valley or the uplands, |
Yattha arahanto viharanti, |
wherever the perfected ones live |
Taṃ bhūmirāmaṇeyyakaṃ. |
is a delightful place.” |
Ramaṇīyāni araññāni, |
“The wilderness is so lovely! |
yattha na ramatī jano; |
Though most people don’t like it, |
Vītarāgā ramissanti, |
those free of greed are happy there, |
na te kāmagavesino. |
as they don’t seek sensual pleasures.” |
Nidhīnaṃva pavattāraṃ, |
“When you see someone who sees your faults, |
yaṃ passe vajjadassinaṃ; |
an intelligent person who rebukes you, |
Niggayhavādiṃ medhāviṃ, |
you should stick close to such an astute person, |
tādisaṃ paṇḍitaṃ bhaje; |
as if they were revealing some hidden treasure. |
Tādisaṃ bhajamānassa, |
Sticking close to such a person, |
seyyo hoti na pāpiyo. |
things get better, not worse.” |
Ovadeyyānusāseyya, |
“One ought to advise and instruct; |
asabbhā ca nivāraye; |
one ought to curb wickedness. |
Satañhi so piyo hoti, |
For such a person is loved by the good, |
asataṃ hoti appiyo. |
and isn’t loved by the bad.” |
Aññassa bhagavā buddho, |
“The Blessed One, the Buddha, the seer |
dhammaṃ desesi cakkhumā; |
was teaching Dhamma to another. |
Dhamme desiyamānamhi, |
As he taught the Dhamma, |
sotamodhesimatthiko. |
I lent an ear to get the meaning. |
♦ taṃ me amoghaṃ savanaṃ, |
My listening was not in vain: |
vimuttomhi anāsavo. |
I’m released, effluent-free.5 |
♦ 996. |
|
♦ “neva pubbenivāsāya, |
Not for knowledge of previous lifetimes, |
napi dibbassa cakkhuno. |
nor for the divine eye, |
♦ cetopariyāya iddhiyā, |
nor for knowledge of others’ minds, nor for psychic power, |
cutiyā upapattiyā. |
nor for knowledge of beings dying & being reborn, |
♦ sotadhātuvisuddhiyā, |
nor for purifying the divine ear |
paṇidhī me na vijjati VAR. |
did I have any aspiration. |
♦ 997. |
|
♦ “rukkhamūlaṃva nissāya, |
Sitting at the root of a tree, |
muṇḍo saṅghāṭipāruto. |
with shaven head, wrapped in an outer robe, |
♦ paññāya uttamo thero, |
the elder foremost in discernment: |
upatissova VAR jhāyati. |
Upatissa does jhāna.6 |
♦ 998. |
|
♦ “avitakkaṃ samāpanno, |
Attaining no-thinking, |
sammāsambuddhasāvako. |
the disciple of the Rightly Self-Awakened One |
♦ ariyena tuṇhībhāvena, |
is endowed with noble silence |
upeto hoti tāvade. |
straightaway.7 |
♦ 999. |
|
♦ VAR “yathāpi pabbato selo, |
As a mountain of rock |
acalo suppatiṭṭhito. |
is unwavering, well-settled, |
♦ evaṃ mohakkhayā bhikkhu, |
so a monk whose delusion is ended |
pabbatova na vedhati. |
doesn’t quiver— just like a mountain.8 |
♦ 1000. |
|
♦ “anaṅgaṇassa posassa, |
To a person without blemish, |
niccaṃ sucigavesino. |
in constant quest of what’s pure, |
♦ vālaggamattaṃ pāpassa, |
a hair-tip of evil |
abbhamattaṃva khāyati. |
seems a storm cloud. |
♦ 1001. |
|
♦ “nābhinandāmi maraṇaṃ, |
I don’t delight in death, |
nābhinandāmi jīvitaṃ. |
don’t delight in living. |
♦ nikkhipissaṃ imaṃ kāyaṃ, |
I await my time |
sampajāno patissato. |
like a worker his wage. |
♦ 1002. |
|
♦ “nābhinandāmi maraṇaṃ, |
I don’t delight in death, |
nābhinandāmi jīvitaṃ. |
don’t delight in living. |
♦ kālañca paṭikaṅkhāmi, |
I await my time, |
nibbisaṃ bhatako yathā. |
mindful, alert. |
♦ 1003. |
|
♦ “ubhayena midaṃ maraṇameva, |
On either side is death, |
nāmaraṇaṃ pacchā vā pure vā. |
it’s not non-death, ahead or behind. |
♦ paṭipajjatha mā vinassatha, |
Practice, don’t perish. |
khaṇo vo mā upaccagā. |
Don’t let the moment pass you by. |
♦ 1004. |
|
♦ “nagaraṃ yathā paccantaṃ, |
As a frontier fortress is guarded |
guttaṃ santarabāhiraṃ. |
within & without, |
♦ evaṃ gopetha attānaṃ, |
you should safeguard yourselves. |
khaṇo vo mā upaccagā. |
Don’t let the moment pass you by. |
♦ khaṇātītā hi socanti, |
Those for whom the moment is past |
nirayamhi samappitā. |
grieve, consigned to hell.9 |
♦ 1005. |
|
♦ “upasanto uparato, |
Calmed, restrained, |
mantabhāṇī VAR anuddhato. |
giving counsel unruffled, |
♦ dhunāti pāpake dhamme, |
he shakes off evil qualities— |
dumapattaṃva māluto. |
as the breeze, a leaf from a tree.10 |
♦ 1006. |
|
♦ “upasanto uparato, |
Calmed, restrained, |
mantabhāṇī anuddhato. |
giving counsel unruffled, |
♦ appāsi VAR pāpake dhamme, |
he removed evil qualities— |
dumapattaṃva māluto. |
as the breeze, a leaf from a tree. |
♦ 1007. |
|
♦ “upasanto anāyāso, |
You shouldn’t trust in this way |
vippasanno anāvilo. |
|
♦ kalyāṇasīlo medhāvī, |
some householders or those gone forth. |
dukkhassantakaro siyā. |
|
♦ 1008. |
|
♦ “na vissase ekatiyesu evaṃ, |
Having been good, they become bad. |
agārisu pabbajitesu cāpi. |
|
♦ sādhūpi hutvā na asādhu honti, |
Having been bad, they become good. |
asādhu hutvā puna sādhu honti. |
|
♦ 1009. |
|
♦ “kāmacchando ca byāpādo, |
Sensual desire, ill will, |
thinamiddhañca bhikkhuno. |
sloth & torpor, |
♦ uddhaccaṃ vicikicchā ca, |
restlessness & uncertainty: |
pañcete cittakelisā. |
These, for a monk, are the five defilements. |
♦ 1010. |
|
♦ “yassa sakkariyamānassa, |
The concentration of one |
asakkārena cūbhayaṃ. |
dwelling in heedfulness |
♦ samādhi na vikampati, |
doesn’t waver, |
appamādavihārino. |
whether he is honored or not. |
♦ 1011. |
|
♦ “taṃ jhāyinaṃ sātatikaṃ, |
Doing jhāna, persevering, |
sukhumadiṭṭhivipassakaṃ. |
having subtle insight into subtle views, |
♦ upādānakkhayārāmaṃ, |
delighting in the ending of clinging: |
āhu sappuriso iti. |
He’s called a man of integrity. |
♦ 1012. |
|
♦ “mahāsamuddo pathavī, |
The great ocean, the Earth, |
pabbato anilopi ca. |
a mountain, even the wind |
♦ upamāya na yujjanti, |
aren’t fitting as a comparison |
satthu varavimuttiyā. |
for the Teacher’s foremost release. |
♦ 1013. |
|
♦ “cakkānuvattako thero, |
Keeping the (Dhamma) wheel going, |
mahāñāṇī samāhito. |
the elder of great knowledge, centered [in samādhi], |
♦ pathavāpaggisamāno, |
being like earth, fire, & water, |
na rajjati na dussati. |
is neither impassioned nor angered.11 |
♦ 1014. |
|
♦ “paññāpāramitaṃ patto, |
Having attained perfection in discernment,12 |
mahābuddhi mahāmati. |
greatly intelligent, a great sage, |
♦ ajaḷo jaḷasamāno, |
not dull, though seemingly dull, |
sadā carati nibbuto. |
he always wanders unbound [in Nirvana]. |
♦ 1015. |
|
♦ “pariciṇṇo mayā satthā ... pe ... bhavanetti samūhatā. |
The Teacher has been served by me; |
| the Awakened One’s bidding, | |
| done; | |
| the heavy load, laid down; | |
| the guide to becoming, uprooted. | |
♦ 1016. |
|
♦ “sampādethappamādena, |
Attain consummation through heedfulness: |
esā me anusāsanī. |
That is my message. |
♦ handāhaṃ parinibbissaṃ, |
So then, I’m about to unbind [into Nirvana]. |
vippamuttomhi sabbadhī”ti. |
I’m released everywhere.13 |
♦ ... sāriputto thero.... |
|
17.3. Ānandattheragāthā |
17.3. Ānanda |
“Pisuṇena ca kodhanena ca, |
“The astute would not make friends |
Maccharinā ca vibhūtanandinā; |
with the slanderous or hostile, |
Sakhitaṃ na kareyya paṇḍito, |
with a miser or a gloater, |
Pāpo kāpurisena saṅgamo. |
for it’s bad to consort with sinners. |
Saddhena ca pesalena ca, |
The astute would make friends |
Paññavatā bahussutena ca; |
with the faithful and the pleasant, |
Sakhitaṃ kareyya paṇḍito, |
the wise and the learned, |
Bhaddo sappurisena saṅgamo. |
for it’s a blessing to consort with good people.” |
Passa cittakataṃ bimbaṃ, |
“See this fancy puppet, |
… pe … |
a body built of sores, diseased, obsessed over, |
yassa natthi dhuvaṃ ṭhiti. |
which doesn’t last at all. |
Passa cittakataṃ bimbaṃ, |
See this fancy puppet, |
… pe … |
with its gems and earrings; it is bones wrapped with skin, |
vatthehi sobhati. |
made pretty by its clothes. |
Alattakakatā, |
Rouged feet |
… pe … |
and powdered face may be enough to beguile a fool, |
no ca pāragavesino. |
but not a seeker of the far shore. |
Aṭṭhapadakatā, |
Hair in eight braids |
… pe … |
and eyeliner may be enough to beguile a fool, |
no ca pāragavesino. |
but not a seeker of the far shore. |
Añjanīva navā, |
A rotting body all adorned |
… pe … |
like a freshly painted makeup box may be enough to beguile a fool, |
no ca pāragavesino. |
but not a seeker of the far shore.” |
Bahussuto cittakathī, |
“Gotama is learned, a brilliant speaker, |
buddhassa paricārako; |
the attendant to the Buddha. |
Pannabhāro visaññutto, |
With burden put down, detached, |
seyyaṃ kappeti gotamo. |
Gotama made his bed. |
Khīṇāsavo visaññutto, |
Defilements ended, detached, |
saṅgātīto sunibbuto; |
he has got over clinging and become quenched. |
Dhāreti antimaṃ dehaṃ, |
He bears his final body, |
jātimaraṇapāragū. |
having gone beyond birth and death.” |
Yasmiṃ patiṭṭhitā dhammā, |
“Gotama stands firm |
buddhassādiccabandhuno; |
on the path that leads to quenching, |
Nibbānagamane magge, |
where the teachings of the Buddha, |
soyaṃ tiṭṭhati gotamo. |
the Kinsman of the Sun, are grounded.” |
Dvāsīti buddhato gaṇhiṃ, |
“82,000 from the Buddha, |
dve sahassāni bhikkhuto; |
and 2,000 more from the monks: |
Caturāsītisahassāni, |
84,000 teachings I’ve learned, |
ye me dhammā pavattino. |
and these are what I promulgate.” |
Appassutāyaṃ puriso, |
“A person of little learning |
balibaddova jīrati; |
ages like an ox— |
Maṃsāni tassa vaḍḍhanti, |
their flesh grows, |
paññā tassa na vaḍḍhati. |
but their wisdom doesn’t. |
Bahussuto appassutaṃ, |
A learned person who, on account of their learning, |
yo sutenātimaññati; |
looks down on someone of little learning, |
Andho padīpadhārova, |
seems to me like |
tatheva paṭibhāti maṃ. |
a blind man holding a lamp. |
Bahussutaṃ upāseyya, |
You should stay close to a learned person— |
sutañca na vināsaye; |
don’t lose what you’ve learned. |
Taṃ mūlaṃ brahmacariyassa, |
It is the root of the spiritual life, |
tasmā dhammadharo siyā. |
which is why you should memorize the teaching. |
Pubbāparaññū atthaññū, |
Knowing the sequence and meaning of the teaching, |
niruttipadakovido; |
expert in the interpretation of terms, |
Suggahītañca gaṇhāti, |
they make sure it is well memorized, |
atthañcopaparikkhati. |
and then examine the meaning. |
Khantyā chandikato hoti, |
Accepting the teachings, they become enthusiastic; |
ussahitvā tuleti taṃ; |
making an effort, they weigh up the teaching. |
Samaye so padahati, |
When it’s time, they strive |
ajjhattaṃ susamāhito. |
undistractible-&-lucid inside themselves. |
Bahussutaṃ dhammadharaṃ, |
If you want to understand the teaching, |
sappaññaṃ buddhasāvakaṃ; |
you should befriend the sort of person |
Dhammaviññāṇamākaṅkhaṃ, |
who is learned and has memorized the teaching, |
taṃ bhajetha tathāvidhaṃ. |
a wise disciple of the Buddha. |
Bahussuto dhammadharo, |
One who is learned and has memorized the teaching, |
kosārakkho mahesino; |
a keeper of the great hermit’s treasury, |
Cakkhu sabbassa lokassa, |
is a visionary for the whole world, |
pūjanīyo bahussuto. |
learned and deserving respect. |
Dhammārāmo dhammarato, |
Delighting in the teaching, enjoying the teaching, |
dhammaṃ anuvicintayaṃ; |
contemplating the teaching, |
Dhammaṃ anussaraṃ bhikkhu, |
a mendicant who recollects the teaching |
saddhammā na parihāyati. |
doesn’t decline in the true teaching.” |
Kāyamaccheragaruno, |
“When your body is pampered and heavy, |
hiyyamāne anuṭṭhahe; |
while your remaining time is running out, |
Sarīrasukhagiddhassa, |
greedy for physical pleasure, |
kuto samaṇaphāsutā. |
how can you be comfortable as an ascetic?” |
Na pakkhanti disā sabbā, |
“I’m completely disorientated! |
dhammā na paṭibhanti maṃ; |
The teachings don’t spring to mind! |
Gate kalyāṇamittamhi, |
With the passing of our good friend, |
andhakāraṃva khāyati. |
everything seems dark. |
Abbhatītasahāyassa, |
When your friend has passed away, |
atītagatasatthuno; |
and your Teacher is past and gone, |
Natthi etādisaṃ mittaṃ, |
there’s no friend like |
yathā kāyagatā sati. |
rememberfulness of the body. |
Ye purāṇā atītā te, |
The old have passed away, |
navehi na sameti me; |
and I don’t agree with the new. |
Svajja ekova jhāyāmi, |
Today I meditate alone |
vassupetova pakkhimā”. |
like a bird snug in its nest.” |
“Dassanāya abhikkante, |
“Many international visitors |
nānāverajjake bahū; |
have come to visit. |
Mā vārayittha sotāro, |
Don’t block the audience, |
passantu samayo mamaṃ”. |
let the congregation see me.” |
“Dassanāya abhikkante, |
“Lots of international visitors |
nānāverajjake puthu; |
have come to visit. |
Karoti satthā okāsaṃ, |
The teacher grants them the opportunity, |
na nivāreti cakkhumā. |
the seer doesn’t turn them away.” |
Paṇṇavīsativassāni, |
“In the twenty five years that have passed |
sekhabhūtassa me sato; |
since I became a trainee, |
Na kāmasaññā uppajji, |
no sensual perception has arisen in me: |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ. |
see the excellence of the teaching! |
Paṇṇavīsativassāni, |
In the twenty-five years |
sekhabhūtassa me sato; |
since I became a trainee, |
Na dosasaññā uppajji, |
no malicious perception has arisen in me: |
passa dhammasudhammataṃ. |
see the excellence of the teaching!” |
Paṇṇavīsativassāni, |
"For 25 years |
bhagavantaṃ upaṭṭhahiṃ; |
I attended on the Buddha |
Mettena kāyakammena, |
with loving deeds, |
chāyāva anapāyinī. |
like a shadow that never left. |
Paṇṇavīsativassāni, |
For 25 years |
bhagavantaṃ upaṭṭhahiṃ; |
I attended on the Buddha |
Mettena vacīkammena, |
with loving words, |
chāyāva anapāyinī. |
like a shadow that never left. |
Paṇṇavīsativassāni, |
For 25 years |
bhagavantaṃ upaṭṭhahiṃ; |
I attended on the Buddha |
Mettena manokammena, |
with loving thoughts, |
chāyāva anapāyinī. |
like a shadow that never left. |
Buddhassa caṅkamantassa, |
While the Buddha was walking meditation, |
piṭṭhito anucaṅkamiṃ; |
I walked behind him. |
Dhamme desiyamānamhi, |
As he taught the Dhamma, |
ñāṇaṃ me udapajjatha. |
knowledge arose in me.” |
Ahaṃ sakaraṇīyomhi, |
“I’m a trainee, who has more to do; |
sekho appattamānaso; |
my heart’s desire is still unfulfilled. |
Satthu ca parinibbānaṃ, |
Yet the Teacher, who was so compassionate to me, |
yo amhaṃ anukampako. |
has become completely quenched. |
Tadāsi yaṃ bhiṃsanakaṃ, |
Then there was terror! |
tadāsi lomahaṃsanaṃ; |
Then they had goosebumps! |
Sabbākāravarūpete, |
When the Buddha, endowed with all fine qualities, |
sambuddhe parinibbute”. |
became fully Nirvana'd.” |
“Bahussuto dhammadharo, |
“Ānanda, who was learned and had memorized the Dhamma, |
kosārakkho mahesino; |
a keeper of the great hermit’s treasury, |
Cakkhu sabbassa lokassa, |
a visionary for the entire world, |
ānando parinibbuto. |
has become fully quenched. |
Bahussuto dhammadharo, |
He was learned and had memorized the Dhamma, |
kosārakkho mahesino; |
a keeper of the great hermit’s treasury, |
Cakkhu sabbassa lokassa, |
a visionary for the entire world, |
andhakāre tamonudo. |
in thick of night he dispelled the dark. |
Gatimanto satimanto, |
He is the hermit who remembered the teachings, |
dhitimanto ca yo isi; |
and mastered their sequence, holding them firm. |
Saddhammadhārako thero, |
The senior monk who memorized the Dhamma, |
ānando ratanākaro”. |
Ānanda was a mine of gems.” |
“Pariciṇṇo mayā satthā, |
“I’ve served the teacher |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ; |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Ohito garuko bhāro, |
The heavy burden is laid down, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives.” |
… Ānando thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
cattālīsanipāta |
the book of the forties |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
18.1. Mahākassapattheragāthā |
18.1. Mahākassapa |
“Na gaṇena purakkhato care, |
“You shouldn’t live for the adulation of a following; |
Vimano hoti samādhi dullabho; |
it turns your mind, making it hard to get undistractible-lucidity. |
Nānājanasaṅgaho dukho, |
Seeing that popularity is suffering, |
Iti disvāna gaṇaṃ na rocaye. |
you shouldn’t consent to a following. |
Na kulāni upabbaje muni, |
A sage should not visit respectable families; |
Vimano hoti samādhi dullabho; |
it turns your mind, making it hard to get undistractible-lucidity. |
So ussukko rasānugiddho, |
If you’re eager and greedy for flavors, |
Atthaṃ riñcati yo sukhāvaho. |
you’ll miss the goal that brings such happiness. |
Paṅkoti hi naṃ avedayuṃ, |
They know it really is a bog, |
Yāyaṃ vandanapūjanā kulesu; |
this homage and veneration in respectable families. |
Sukhumaṃ sallaṃ durubbahaṃ, |
Honor is a subtle dart, hard to extract, |
Sakkāro kāpurisena dujjaho. |
and hard for a sinner to give up.” |
Senāsanamhā oruyha, |
“I came down from my lodging |
nagaraṃ piṇḍāya pāvisiṃ; |
and entered the city for alms. |
Bhuñjantaṃ purisaṃ kuṭṭhiṃ, |
I courteously stood by |
sakkaccaṃ taṃ upaṭṭhahiṃ. |
while a leper ate. |
So me pakkena hatthena, |
With his putrid hand |
ālopaṃ upanāmayi; |
he offered me a morsel. |
Ālopaṃ pakkhipantassa, |
Putting the morsel in my bowl, |
aṅguli cettha chijjatha. |
his finger dropped off right there. |
Kuṭṭamūlañca nissāya, |
Sitting by a wall, |
ālopaṃ taṃ abhuñjisaṃ; |
I ate that lump of rice. |
Bhuñjamāne vā bhutte vā, |
I did not feel any disgust |
jegucchaṃ me na vijjati. |
while eating or afterwards. |
Uttiṭṭhapiṇḍo āhāro, |
Anyone who makes use of |
pūtimuttañca osadhaṃ; |
leftovers for food, |
Senāsanaṃ rukkhamūlaṃ, |
fermented urine as medicine, |
paṃsukūlañca cīvaraṃ; |
the root of a tree as lodging, |
Yassete abhisambhutvā, |
and cast-off rags as robes, |
sa ve cātuddiso naro. |
is at home in any direction.” |
Yattha eke vihaññanti, |
“Where some have fallen to ruin |
āruhantā siluccayaṃ; |
while climbing the mountain, |
Tassa buddhassa dāyādo, |
there Kassapa ascends; |
sampajāno patissato; |
an heir of the Buddha, |
Iddhibalenupatthaddho, |
aware and rememberful, |
kassapo abhirūhati. |
owing to his psychic powers. |
Piṇḍapātapaṭikkanto, |
Returning from alms-round, |
selamāruyha kassapo; |
Kassapa ascends the mountain, |
Jhāyati anupādāno, |
and practices jhāna without grasping, |
pahīnabhayabheravo. |
with fear and dread given up. |
Piṇḍapātapaṭikkanto, |
Returning from alms-round, |
selamāruyha kassapo; |
Kassapa ascends the mountain, |
Jhāyati anupādāno, |
and practices jhāna without grasping, |
ḍayhamānesu nibbuto. |
quenched amongst those who burn. |
Piṇḍapātapaṭikkanto, |
Returning from alms-round, |
selamāruyha kassapo; |
Kassapa ascends the mountain, |
Jhāyati anupādāno, |
and practices jhāna without grasping, |
katakicco anāsavo. |
his task completed, free of defilements.” |
Karerimālāvitatā, |
“Strewn with garlands of the musk-rose tree, |
bhūmibhāgā manoramā; |
these regions are so delightful, so lovely, |
Kuñjarābhirudā rammā, |
echoing with the trumpeting of elephants: |
te selā ramayanti maṃ. |
these rocky crags delight me! |
Nīlabbhavaṇṇā rucirā, |
Glistening, they look like blue storm clouds, |
vārisītā sucindharā; |
with waters cool and streams so clear, |
Indagopakasañchannā, |
and covered all in ladybugs: |
te selā ramayanti maṃ. |
these rocky crags delight me! |
Nīlabbhakūṭasadisā, |
Like the peak of a blue storm cloud, |
kūṭāgāravarūpamā; |
or like a fine bungalow, lovely, |
Vāraṇābhirudā rammā, |
echoing with the trumpeting of elephants: |
te selā ramayanti maṃ. |
these rocky crags delight me! |
Abhivuṭṭhā rammatalā, |
The rain comes down on the lovely flats, |
nagā isibhi sevitā; |
in the mountains frequented by hermits. |
Abbhunnaditā sikhīhi, |
Echoing with the cries of peacocks, |
te selā ramayanti maṃ. |
these rocky crags delight me! |
Alaṃ jhāyitukāmassa, |
It’s enough for me, |
pahitattassa me sato; |
who loves jhāna and is resolute, to be rememberful. |
Alaṃ me atthakāmassa, |
It’s enough for me, |
pahitattassa bhikkhuno. |
a resolute monk who loves the goal. |
Alaṃ me phāsukāmassa, |
It’s enough for me, |
pahitattassa bhikkhuno; |
a resolute monk who loves comfort. |
Alaṃ me yogakāmassa, |
It’s enough for me, |
pahitattassa tādino. |
resolute and poised, loving meditation. |
Umāpupphena samānā, |
Covered with flowers of flax, |
gaganāvabbhachāditā; |
like the sky covered with clouds, |
Nānādijagaṇākiṇṇā, |
full of flocks of many different birds, |
te selā ramayanti maṃ. |
these rocky crags delight me! |
Anākiṇṇā gahaṭṭhehi, |
Empty of householders, |
migasaṅghanisevitā; |
frequented by herds of deer, |
Nānādijagaṇākiṇṇā, |
full of flocks of many different birds, |
te selā ramayanti maṃ. |
these rocky crags delight me! |
Acchodikā puthusilā, |
The water’s clear and the rocks are broad, |
gonaṅgulamigāyutā; |
monkeys and deer are all around; |
Ambusevālasañchannā, |
festooned with dewy moss, |
te selā ramayanti maṃ. |
these rocky crags delight me!” |
Na pañcaṅgikena turiyena, |
“Even the music of a five-piece band |
Rati me hoti tādisī; |
can never give such pleasure |
Yathā ekaggacittassa, |
as when, with unified mind, |
Sammā dhammaṃ vipassato. |
you rightly discern the Dhamma.” |
Kammaṃ bahukaṃ na kāraye, |
“Don’t get involved in lots of work, |
Parivajjeyya janaṃ na uyyame; |
avoid people, and don’t try to acquire things. |
Ussukko so rasānugiddho, |
If you’re eager and greedy for flavors, |
Atthaṃ riñcati yo sukhāvaho. |
you’ll miss the goal that brings such happiness. |
Kammaṃ bahukaṃ na kāraye, |
Don’t get involved in lots of work, |
Parivajjeyya anattaneyyametaṃ; |
avoid what doesn’t lead to the goal. |
Kicchati kāyo kilamati, |
The body gets worn out and fatigued, |
Dukkhito so samathaṃ na vindati. |
and when you ache, you won’t find serenity.” |
Oṭṭhappahatamattena, |
“You won’t see yourself |
attānampi na passati; |
by merely reciting words, |
Patthaddhagīvo carati, |
wandering stiff-necked |
ahaṃ seyyoti maññati. |
and thinking, ‘I’m better than them.’ |
Aseyyo seyyasamānaṃ, |
The fool is no better, |
bālo maññati attānaṃ; |
but they think they are. |
Na taṃ viññū pasaṃsanti, |
The wise don’t praise |
patthaddhamānasaṃ naraṃ. |
stuck-up people. |
Yo ca seyyohamasmīti, |
Whoever is not affected |
nāhaṃ seyyoti vā pana; |
by the modes of conceit— |
Hīno taṃsadiso vāti, |
‘I am better’, ‘I’m not better’, |
vidhāsu na vikampati. |
‘I am worse’, or ‘I am the same’— |
Paññavantaṃ tathā tādiṃ, |
with such understanding, poised, |
sīlesu susamāhitaṃ; |
steady in ethics, |
Cetosamathamanuttaṃ, |
and devoted to serenity of mind: |
tañce viññū pasaṃsare. |
that is who the wise praise.” |
Yassa sabrahmacārīsu, |
“Whoever has no respect |
gāravo nūpalabbhati; |
for their spiritual companions |
Ārakā hoti saddhammā, |
is as far from the true teaching |
nabhato puthavī yathā. |
as the earth is from the sky. |
Yesañca hiriottappaṃ, |
Those whose conscience and shame |
sadā sammā upaṭṭhitaṃ; |
are always rightly established, |
Virūḷhabrahmacariyā te, |
thrive in the spiritual life; |
tesaṃ khīṇā punabbhavā. |
for them, there are no future lives. |
Uddhato capalo bhikkhu, |
When a mendicant who is haughty and fickle |
paṃsukūlena pāruto; |
wears rags from the rubbish-heap, |
Kapīva sīhacammena, |
that doesn’t make them shine: |
na so tenupasobhati. |
they’re like a monkey in a lion skin. |
Anuddhato acapalo, |
But if they are steady and stable, |
nipako saṃvutindriyo; |
alert, with senses restrained, |
Sobhati paṃsukūlena, |
then, wearing rags from the rubbish-heap, they shine |
sīhova girigabbhare. |
like a lion in a mountain cave.” |
Ete sambahulā devā, |
“These many gods |
iddhimanto yasassino; |
powerful and glorious, |
Dasadevasahassāni, |
all 10,000 of them, |
sabbe te brahmakāyikā. |
belong to the host of Brahmā. |
Dhammasenāpatiṃ vīraṃ, |
They stand with joined palms |
mahājhāyiṃ samāhitaṃ; |
honoring Sāriputta, |
Sāriputtaṃ namassantā, |
the general of the Dhamma, the hero, |
tiṭṭhanti pañjalīkatā. |
the undistractible-&-lucid great meditator: |
‘Namo te purisājañña, |
‘Homage to you, O thoroughbred! |
namo te purisuttama; |
Homage to you, supreme among men! |
Yassa te nābhijānāma, |
We don’t understand |
yampi nissāya jhāyati. |
the basis of your jhāna. |
Accheraṃ vata buddhānaṃ, |
The profound domain of the Buddhas |
gambhīro gocaro sako; |
is truly amazing. |
Ye mayaṃ nābhijānāma, |
We don’t understand, |
vālavedhisamāgatā’. |
though we’ve gathered here to split hairs.’ |
Taṃ tathā devakāyehi, |
When he saw the host of gods |
pūjitaṃ pūjanārahaṃ; |
paying homage to Sāriputta— |
Sāriputtaṃ tadā disvā, |
who is truly worthy of homage— |
kappinassa sitaṃ ahu. |
Kappina smiled.” |
Yāvatā buddhakhettamhi, |
“As far as the range of the Buddha extends, |
ṭhapayitvā mahāmuniṃ; |
I am outstanding in austerities. |
Dhutaguṇe visiṭṭhohaṃ, |
I have no equal, |
sadiso me na vijjati. |
apart from the great sage himself. |
Pariciṇṇo mayā satthā, |
I’ve served the teacher |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ; |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Ohito garuko bhāro, |
The heavy burden is laid down, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo. |
now there are no more future lives.” |
Na cīvare na sayane, |
“Like a lotus flower |
bhojane nupalimpati; |
to which water will not stick, |
Gotamo anappameyyo, |
Gotama the immeasurable is unstained |
muḷālapupphaṃ vimalaṃva; |
by robes, lodgings, or food. |
Ambunā nekkhammaninno, |
He inclines to renunciation, |
tibhavābhinissaṭo. |
and has escaped the three states of existence. |
Satipaṭṭhānagīvo so, |
The great sage’s neck is rememberfulness meditation; |
saddhāhattho mahāmuni; |
faith is his hands, and wisdom his head. |
Paññāsīso mahāñāṇī, |
Having great knowledge, |
sadā carati nibbuto”ti. |
he always wanders, quenched.” |
… Mahākassapo thero …. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
paññāsanipāta |
the book of the fifties |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
19.1. Tālapuṭattheragāthā |
19.1. Tālapuṭa |
“Kadā nuhaṃ pabbatakandarāsu, |
Oh, when will I stay in a mountain cave, |
Ekākiyo addutiyo vihassaṃ; |
alone, with no companion, |
Aniccato sabbabhavaṃ vipassaṃ, |
discerning all states of existence as impermanent? |
Taṃ me idaṃ taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
This hope of mine, when will it be? |
Kadā nuhaṃ bhinnapaṭandharo muni, |
Oh, when will I stay happily in the forest, |
Kāsāvavattho amamo nirāso; |
a sage wearing a torn robe, dressed in ocher, |
Rāgañca dosañca tatheva mohaṃ, |
unselfish, without desire, |
Hantvā sukhī pavanagato vihassaṃ. |
with greed, hate, and delusion destroyed? |
Kadā aniccaṃ vadharoganīḷaṃ, |
Oh, when will I stay alone in the wood, |
Kāyaṃ imaṃ maccujarāyupaddutaṃ; |
fearless, discerning this body as impermanent, |
Vipassamāno vītabhayo vihassaṃ, |
a nest of death and disease, |
Eko vane taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
oppressed by death and old age; when will it be? |
Kadā nuhaṃ bhayajananiṃ dukhāvahaṃ, |
Oh, when will I live, having grasped the sharp sword of wisdom |
Taṇhālataṃ bahuvidhānuvattaniṃ; |
and cut the creeper of craving that tangles around everything, |
Paññāmayaṃ tikhiṇamasiṃ gahetvā, |
the mother of fear, the bringer of suffering? |
Chetvā vase tampi kadā bhavissati. |
When will it be? |
Kadā nu paññāmayamuggatejaṃ, |
Oh, when will I, seated on the lion’s throne, |
Satthaṃ isīnaṃ sahasādiyitvā; |
swiftly grasp the sword of the sages, |
Māraṃ sasenaṃ sahasā bhañjissaṃ, |
forged by wisdom, of fiery might, |
Sīhāsane taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
and swiftly break Māra and his army? When will it be? |
Kadā nuhaṃ sabbhi samāgamesu, |
Oh, when will I be seen striving in the assemblies |
Diṭṭho bhave dhammagarūhi tādibhi; |
by those who are virtuous, poised, respecting the Dhamma, |
Yāthāvadassīhi jitindriyehi, |
seeing things as they are, with faculties subdued? |
Padhāniyo taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
When will it be? |
Kadā nu maṃ tandi khudā pipāsā, |
Oh, when will I focus on my own goal on Giribbaja mountain, |
Vātātapā kīṭasarīsapā vā; |
free of oppression by laziness, hunger, thirst, |
Na bādhayissanti na taṃ giribbaje, |
wind, heat, insects, and reptiles? |
Atthatthiyaṃ taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
When will it be? |
Kadā nu kho yaṃ viditaṃ mahesinā, |
Oh, when will I, undistractible-&-lucid and rememberful, |
Cattāri saccāni sududdasāni; |
understand the four truths, |
Samāhitatto satimā agacchaṃ, |
that were realized by the great hermit, |
Paññāya taṃ taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
and are so very hard to see? When will it be? |
Kadā nu rūpe amite ca sadde, |
Oh, when will I, devoted to serenity, |
Gandhe rase phusitabbe ca dhamme; |
see with understanding the infinite sights, |
Ādittatohaṃ samathehi yutto, |
sounds, smells, tastes, touches, and thoughts |
Paññāya dacchaṃ tadidaṃ kadā me. |
as burning? When will it be? |
Kadā nuhaṃ dubbacanena vutto, |
Oh, when will I not be downcast |
Tato nimittaṃ vimano na hessaṃ; |
because of criticism, |
Atho pasatthopi tato nimittaṃ, |
nor elated because of praise? |
Tuṭṭho na hessaṃ tadidaṃ kadā me. |
When will it be? |
Kadā nu kaṭṭhe ca tiṇe latā ca, |
Oh when will I discern the aggregates |
Khandhe imehaṃ amite ca dhamme; |
and the infinite varieties of phenomena, |
Ajjhattikāneva ca bāhirāni ca, |
both internal and external, as no more than |
Samaṃ tuleyyaṃ tadidaṃ kadā me. |
wood, grass, and creepers? When will it be? |
Kadā nu maṃ pāvusakālamegho, |
Oh, when will the winter clouds pour down in season |
Navena toyena sacīvaraṃ vane; |
as I wear my robe in the forest, |
Isippayātamhi pathe vajantaṃ, |
walking the path trodden by the sages? |
Ovassate taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
When will it be? |
Kadā mayūrassa sikhaṇḍino vane, |
Oh, when will I rise up, intent on attaining the deathless, |
Dijassa sutvā girigabbhare rutaṃ; |
hearing, in the mountain cave, |
Paccuṭṭhahitvā amatassa pattiyā, |
the cry of the crested peacock in the forest? |
Sañcintaye taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
When will it be? |
Kadā nu gaṅgaṃ yamunaṃ sarassatiṃ, |
Oh, when will I cross the Ganges, Yamunā, |
Pātālakhittaṃ vaḷavāmukhañca; |
and Sarasvatī rivers, the Pātāla country, |
Asajjamāno patareyyamiddhiyā, |
and the dangerous Baḷavāmukha sea, |
Vibhiṃsanaṃ taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
by psychic power, without hindrance? When will it be? |
Kadā nu nāgova asaṅgacārī, |
Oh, when will I be devoted to jhāna, |
Padālaye kāmaguṇesu chandaṃ; |
rejecting entirely the signs of beauty, |
Nibbajjayaṃ sabbasubhaṃ nimittaṃ, |
splitting apart desire for sensual stimulation, |
Jhāne yuto taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
like an elephant that wanders free of ties? When will it be? |
Kadā iṇaṭṭova daliddako nidhiṃ, |
Oh, when will I realize the teaching of the great hermit |
Ārādhayitvā dhanikehi pīḷito; |
and be content, like a poor person in debt, |
Tuṭṭho bhavissaṃ adhigamma sāsanaṃ, |
harassed by creditors, who finds a hidden treasure? |
Mahesino taṃ nu kadā bhavissati. |
When will it be? |
Bahūni vassāni tayāmhi yācito, |
For many years you begged me, |
‘Agāravāsena alaṃ nu te idaṃ’; |
“Enough of living in a house for you!” |
Taṃ dāni maṃ pabbajitaṃ samānaṃ, |
Why do you not urge me on, mind, |
Kiṃkāraṇā citta tuvaṃ na yuñjasi. |
now that I’ve gone forth as an ascetic? |
Nanu ahaṃ citta tayāmhi yācito, |
Didn’t you entice me, mind: |
‘Giribbaje citrachadā vihaṅgamā’; |
“On Giribbaja, the birds with colorful wings, |
Mahindaghosatthanitābhigajjino, |
greeting the thunder, Mahinda’s voice, |
Te taṃ ramessanti vanamhi jhāyinaṃ. |
will delight you as you meditate in the forest?” |
Kulamhi mitte ca piye ca ñātake, |
"In my family circle, friends, loved ones, and relatives; |
Khiḍḍāratiṃ kāmaguṇañca loke; |
and in the world, sports and play, and sensual pleasures; |
Sabbaṃ pahāya imamajjhupāgato, |
all these I gave up when I entered this life: |
Athopi tvaṃ citta na mayha tussasi. |
and even then you’re not content with me, mind! |
Mameva etaṃ na hi tvaṃ paresaṃ, |
This is mine alone, it doesn’t belong to others; |
Sannāhakāle paridevitena kiṃ; |
when it is time to don your armor, why lament? |
Sabbaṃ idaṃ calamiti pekkhamāno, |
Reflecting that all this is unstable, |
Abhinikkhamiṃ amatapadaṃ jigīsaṃ. |
I went forth, longing for the deathless state. |
Suyuttavādī dvipadānamuttamo, |
The methodical teacher, supreme among people, |
Mahābhisakko naradammasārathi; |
great physician, guide for those who wish to train, said: |
‘Cittaṃ calaṃ makkaṭasannibhaṃ iti, |
“The mind fidgets like a monkey, |
Avītarāgena sudunnivārayaṃ’. |
so it’s very hard to control if you are not free of lust.” |
Kāmā hi citrā madhurā manoramā, |
Sensual pleasures are diverse, sweet, delightful; |
Aviddasū yattha sitā puthujjanā; |
an ignorant ordinary person is bound to them. |
Te dukkhamicchanti punabbhavesino, |
Seeking to be reborn again, they wish for suffering; |
Cittena nītā niraye nirākatā. |
led on by their mind, they’re relegated to hell. |
‘Mayūrakoñcābhirutamhi kānane, |
“Staying in the grove resounding with cries |
Dīpīhi byagghehi purakkhato vasaṃ; |
of peacocks and herons, and honored by leopards and tigers, |
Kāye apekkhaṃ jaha mā virādhaya’, |
abandon concern for the body, without fail!” |
Itissu maṃ citta pure niyuñjasi. |
So you used to urge me, mind. |
‘Bhāvehi jhānāni ca indriyāni ca, |
“Develop the jhānas and spiritual faculties, |
Balāni bojjhaṅgasamādhibhāvanā; |
the powers, awakening factors, and undistractible-lucidity; |
Tisso ca vijjā phusa buddhasāsane’, |
realize the three knowledges in the teaching of the Buddha!” |
Itissu maṃ citta pure niyuñjasi. |
So you used to urge me, mind. |
‘Bhāvehi maggaṃ amatassa pattiyā, |
“Develop the eightfold path for realizing the deathless, |
Niyyānikaṃ sabbadukhakkhayogadhaṃ; |
emancipating, plunging into the end of all suffering, |
Aṭṭhaṅgikaṃ sabbakilesasodhanaṃ’, |
and cleansing all defilements!” |
Itissu maṃ citta pure niyuñjasi. |
So you used to urge me, mind. |
‘Dukkhanti khandhe paṭipassa yoniso, |
“Reflect properly on the aggregates as suffering, |
Yato ca dukkhaṃ samudeti taṃ jaha; |
and abandon that from which suffering arises; |
Idheva dukkhassa karohi antaṃ’, |
make an end of suffering in this very life!” |
Itissu maṃ citta pure niyuñjasi. |
So you used to urge me, mind. |
‘Aniccaṃ dukkhanti vipassa yoniso, |
“Properly discern that impermanence is suffering, |
Suññaṃ anattāti aghaṃ vadhanti ca; |
that emptiness is non-self, and that misery is death. |
Manovicāre uparundha cetaso’, |
Uproot the wandering mind!” |
Itissu maṃ citta pure niyuñjasi. |
So you used to urge me, mind. |
‘Muṇḍo virūpo abhisāpamāgato, |
“Bald, unsightly, accursed, |
Kapālahatthova kulesu bhikkhasu; |
seek alms amongst families, bowl in hand. |
Yuñjassu satthuvacane mahesino’, |
Devote yourself to the word of the teacher, the great hermit!” |
Itissu maṃ citta pure niyuñjasi. |
So you used to urge me, mind. |
‘Susaṃvutatto visikhantare caraṃ, |
“Wander the streets well-restrained, |
Kulesu kāmesu asaṅgamānaso; |
unattached to families and sensual pleasures, |
Cando yathā dosinapuṇṇamāsiyā’, |
like the full moon on a bright night!” |
Itissu maṃ citta pure niyuñjasi. |
So you used to urge me, mind. |
‘Āraññiko hohi ca piṇḍapātiko, |
“Be a wilderness-dweller and an alms-eater, |
Sosāniko hohi ca paṃsukūliko; |
one who lives in charnel grounds, a rag-robe wearer, |
Nesajjiko hohi sadā dhute rato’, |
one who never lies down, always delighting in ascetic practices.” |
Itissu maṃ citta pure niyuñjasi. |
So you used to urge me, mind. |
Ropetva rukkhāni yathā phalesī, |
Mind, when you urge me to the impermanent and unstable, |
Mūle taruṃ chettu tameva icchasi; |
you’re acting like someone who plants trees, |
Tathūpamaṃ cittamidaṃ karosi, |
then, when they’re about to fruit, |
Yaṃ maṃ aniccamhi cale niyuñjasi. |
wishes to cut down the very same trees. |
Arūpa dūraṅgama ekacāri, |
Incorporeal mind, far-traveler, lone-wanderer: |
Na te karissaṃ vacanaṃ idānihaṃ; |
I won’t do your bidding any more. |
Dukkhā hi kāmā kaṭukā mahabbhayā, |
Sensual pleasures are suffering, painful, and very dangerous; |
Nibbānamevābhimano carissaṃ. |
I’ll wander with my mind focused only on quenching. |
Nāhaṃ alakkhyā ahirikkatāya vā, |
I didn’t go forth due to bad luck or shamelessness, |
Na cittahetū na ca dūrakantanā; |
or due to a whim or banishment, |
Ājīvahetū ca ahaṃ na nikkhamiṃ, |
nor for the sake of a livelihood; |
Kato ca te citta paṭissavo mayā. |
it was because I agreed to the promise you made, mind. |
‘Appicchatā sappurisehi vaṇṇitā, |
“Having few wishes, abandoning disparagement, |
Makkhappahānaṃ vupasamo dukhassa’; |
the stilling of suffering: these are praised by good people.” |
Itissu maṃ citta tadā niyuñjasi, |
So you used to urge me, mind, |
Idāni tvaṃ gacchasi pubbaciṇṇaṃ. |
but now you keep on with your old habits! |
Taṇhā avijjā ca piyāpiyañca, |
Craving, ignorance, the loved and unloved, |
Subhāni rūpāni sukhā ca vedanā; |
pretty sights, pleasant feelings, |
Manāpiyā kāmaguṇā ca vantā, |
and the delightful kinds of sensual stimulation: |
Vante ahaṃ āvamituṃ na ussahe. |
I’ve vomited them all, and I won’t swallow them back. |
Sabbattha te citta vaco kataṃ mayā, |
I’ve done your bidding everywhere, mind! |
Bahūsu jātīsu na mesi kopito; |
For many births, I’ve done nothing to upset you, |
Ajjhattasambhavo kataññutāya te, |
yet this self-made chain is your show of gratitude! |
Dukkhe ciraṃ saṃsaritaṃ tayā kate. |
For a long time I’ve transmigrated in the suffering you’ve created. |
Tvaññeva no citta karosi brāhmaṇo, |
Only you, mind, make a brahmin; |
Tvaṃ khattiyo rājadasī karosi; |
you make an aristocrat or a royal hermit. |
Vessā ca suddā ca bhavāma ekadā, |
Sometimes we become traders or workers; |
Devattanaṃ vāpi taveva vāhasā. |
and life as a god is also on account of you. |
Taveva hetū asurā bhavāmase, |
You alone make us demons; |
Tvaṃmūlakaṃ nerayikā bhavāmase; |
because of you we’re born in hell. |
Atho tiracchānagatāpi ekadā, |
Then sometimes we become animals, |
Petattanaṃ vāpi taveva vāhasā. |
and life as a ghost is also on account of you. |
Nanu dubbhissasi maṃ punappunaṃ, |
Come what may, you won’t betray me again, |
Muhuṃ muhuṃ cāraṇikaṃva dassayaṃ; |
dazzling me with your ever-changing display! |
Ummattakeneva mayā palobhasi, |
You play with me like I’m mad— |
Kiñcāpi te citta virādhitaṃ mayā. |
but how have I ever failed you, mind? |
Idaṃ pure cittamacāri cārikaṃ, |
In the past my mind wandered |
Yenicchakaṃ yatthakāmaṃ yathāsukhaṃ; |
how it wished, where it liked, as it pleased. |
Tadajjahaṃ niggahessāmi yoniso, |
Now I’ll carefully guide it, |
Hatthippabhinnaṃ viya aṅkusaggaho. |
as a trainer with a hook guides a rutting elephant. |
Satthā ca me lokamimaṃ adhiṭṭhahi, |
The teacher willed that this world appear to me |
Aniccato addhuvato asārato; |
as impermanent, unstable, insubstantial. |
Pakkhanda maṃ citta jinassa sāsane, |
Mind, let me leap into the victor’s teaching, |
Tārehi oghā mahatā suduttarā. |
carry me over the great flood, so hard to pass. |
Na te idaṃ citta yathā purāṇakaṃ, |
Things have changed, mind! |
Nāhaṃ alaṃ tuyha vase nivattituṃ; |
Nothing could make me return to your control! |
Mahesino pabbajitomhi sāsane, |
I’ve gone forth in the teaching of the great hermit, |
Na mādisā honti vināsadhārino. |
those like me don’t come to ruin. |
Nagā samuddā saritā vasundharā, |
Mountains, oceans, rivers, the earth; |
Disā catasso vidisā adho divā; |
the four directions, the intermediate directions, below and in the sky; |
Sabbe aniccā tibhavā upaddutā, |
the three realms of existence are all impermanent and troubled— |
Kuhiṃ gato citta sukhaṃ ramissasi. |
where can you go to find happiness, mind? |
Dhitipparaṃ kiṃ mama citta kāhisi, |
Mind, what will you do to someone who has made the ultimate commitment? |
Na te alaṃ citta vasānuvattako; |
Nothing could make me a follower under your control, mind; |
Na jātu bhastaṃ ubhatomukhaṃ chupe, |
there’s no way I’d touch a bellows with a mouth open at each end; |
Dhiratthu pūraṃ nava sotasandaniṃ. |
curse this mortal frame flowing with nine streams! |
Varāhaeṇeyyavigāḷhasevite, |
You’ve ascended the mountain peak, full of nature’s beauty, |
Pabbhārakuṭṭe pakateva sundare; |
frequented by boars and antelopes, |
Navambunā pāvusasitthakānane, |
a grove sprinkled with fresh water in the rains; |
Tahiṃ guhāgehagato ramissasi. |
and there you’ll be happy in your cave-home. |
Sunīlagīvā susikhā supekhunā, |
Peacocks with beautiful necks and crests, |
Sucittapattacchadanā vihaṅgamā; |
colorful tail-feathers and wings, |
Sumañjughosatthanitābhigajjino, |
crying out at the resounding thunder: |
Te taṃ ramessanti vanamhi jhāyinaṃ. |
they’ll delight you as you meditate in the forest. |
Vuṭṭhamhi deve caturaṅgule tiṇe, |
When the sky has rained down, and the grass is four inches high, |
Sampupphite meghanibhamhi kānane; |
and the grove is full of flowers like a cloud, |
Nagantare viṭapisamo sayissaṃ, |
in the mountain cleft, like the fork of a tree, I’ll lie; |
Taṃ me mudū hehiti tūlasannibhaṃ. |
it will be as soft as cotton-buds. |
Tathā tu kassāmi yathāpi issaro, |
I’ll act as a master does: |
Yaṃ labbhati tenapi hotu me alaṃ; |
let whatever I get be enough for me. |
Na tāhaṃ kassāmi yathā atandito, |
And that’s why I’ll make you as supple |
Biḷārabhastaṃva yathā sumadditaṃ. |
as a tireless worker makes a cat-skin bag. |
Tathā tu kassāmi yathāpi issaro, |
I’ll act as a master does: |
Yaṃ labbhati tenapi hotu me alaṃ; |
let whatever I get be enough for me. |
Viriyena taṃ mayha vasānayissaṃ, |
I’ll control you with my energy, |
Gajaṃva mattaṃ kusalaṅkusaggaho. |
as a skilled trainer controls an elephant with a hook. |
Tayā sudantena avaṭṭhitena hi, |
Now that you’re well-tamed and reliable, |
Hayena yoggācariyova ujjunā; |
I can use you, like a trainer uses a straight-running horse, |
Pahomi maggaṃ paṭipajjituṃ sivaṃ, |
to practice the path so full of grace, |
Cittānurakkhīhi sadā nisevitaṃ. |
cultivated by those who take care of their minds. |
Ārammaṇe taṃ balasā nibandhisaṃ, |
I shall strongly fasten you to a meditation subject, |
Nāgaṃva thambhamhi daḷhāya rajjuyā; |
as an elephant is tied to a post with firm rope. |
Taṃ me suguttaṃ satiyā subhāvitaṃ, |
You’ll be well-guarded by me, well-developed by rememberfulness, |
Anissitaṃ sabbabhavesu hehisi. |
and unattached to rebirth in all states of existence. |
Paññāya chetvā vipathānusārinaṃ, |
You’ll use understanding to cut the follower of the wrong path, |
Yogena niggayha pathe nivesiya; |
restrain them by practice, and settle them on the right path. |
Disvā samudayaṃ vibhavañca sambhavaṃ, |
And when you have seen the cause of suffering arise and pass away, |
Dāyādako hehisi aggavādino. |
you’ll be an heir to the greatest teacher. |
Catubbipallāsavasaṃ adhiṭṭhitaṃ, |
Under the sway of the four distortions, mind, |
Gāmaṇḍalaṃva parinesi citta maṃ; |
you dragged me around like a bull in a pit; |
Nanu saṃyojanabandhanacchidaṃ, |
but now you won’t associate with the great sage of compassion, |
Saṃsevase kāruṇikaṃ mahāmuniṃ. |
the cutter of fetters and bonds? |
Migo yathā seri sucittakānane, |
Like a deer roaming free in the colorful forest, |
Rammaṃ giriṃ pāvusaabbhamāliniṃ; |
I’ll ascend the lovely mountain wreathed in cloud, |
Anākule tattha nage ramissaṃ, |
and rejoice to be on that hill, free of folk— |
Asaṃsayaṃ citta parā bhavissasi. |
there is no doubt you’ll perish, mind. |
Ye tuyha chandena vasena vattino, |
The men and women who live under your will and command, |
Narā ca nārī ca anubhonti yaṃ sukhaṃ; |
whatever pleasure they experience, |
Aviddasū māravasānuvattino, |
they are ignorant and fall under Māra’s control; |
Bhavābhinandī tava citta sāvakā”ti. |
loving life, they’re your disciples, mind. |
… Tālapuṭo thero …. |
|
Paññāsanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
saṭṭhinipāta |
the book of the sixties |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
20.1. Mahāmoggallānattheragāthā |
20.1. Mahāmoggallāna |
“Āraññikā piṇḍapātikā, |
“Living in the wilderness, eating only alms-food, |
uñchāpattāgate ratā; |
happy with the scraps in our bowls, |
Dālemu maccuno senaṃ, |
let us tear apart the army of death, |
ajjhattaṃ susamāhitā. |
while remaining undistractible-&-lucid within. |
Āraññikā piṇḍapātikā, |
Living in the wilderness, eating only alms-food, |
uñchāpattāgate ratā; |
happy with the scraps in our bowls, |
Dhunāma maccuno senaṃ, |
let us crush the army of death, |
naḷāgāraṃva kuñjaro. |
as an elephant a hut of reeds. |
Rukkhamūlikā sātatikā, |
Living at the foot of a tree, persistent, |
uñchāpattāgate ratā; |
happy with the scraps in our bowls, |
Dālemu maccuno senaṃ, |
let us tear apart the army of death, |
ajjhattaṃ susamāhitā. |
while remaining undistractible-&-lucid within. |
Rukkhamūlikā sātatikā, |
Living at the foot of a tree, persistent, |
uñchāpattāgate ratā; |
happy with the scraps in our bowls, |
Dhunāma maccuno senaṃ, |
let us crush the army of death, |
naḷāgāraṃva kuñjaro”. |
as an elephant a hut of reeds.” |
“Aṭṭhikaṅkalakuṭike, |
“You little hut, made of a chain of bones, |
maṃsanhārupasibbite; |
sewn together with flesh and sinew; |
Dhiratthu pure duggandhe, |
damn you mortal frame, you stink, |
paragatte mamāyase. |
you cherish the parts of others! |
Gūthabhaste taconaddhe, |
You sack of dung wrapped up in skin! |
uragaṇḍipisācini; |
You demoness with horns on your chest! |
Nava sotāni te kāye, |
O body, you have nine streams |
yāni sandanti sabbadā. |
that are flowing all the time. |
Tava sarīraṃ navasotaṃ, |
With its nine streams, |
Duggandhakaraṃ paribandhaṃ; |
your body stinks, full of dung. |
Bhikkhu parivajjayate taṃ, |
A monk seeking purity |
Mīḷhaṃ ca yathā sucikāmo. |
would avoid it like excrement. |
Evañce taṃ jano jaññā, |
If they knew you |
yathā jānāmi taṃ ahaṃ; |
like I do, |
Ārakā parivajjeyya, |
they’d keep far away, |
gūthaṭṭhānaṃva pāvuse”. |
like a cesspit in the rain.” |
“Evametaṃ mahāvīra, |
“So it is, great hero! |
yathā samaṇa bhāsasi; |
As you say, ascetic! |
Ettha ceke visīdanti, |
But some sink here |
paṅkamhiva jaraggavo”. |
like an old bull stuck in a bog.” |
“Ākāsamhi haliddiyā, |
“Whoever might think |
yo maññetha rajetave; |
of making the sky yellow, |
Aññena vāpi raṅgena, |
or some other color, |
vighātudayameva taṃ. |
would only trouble themselves. |
Tadākāsasamaṃ cittaṃ, |
This mind is like the sky: |
ajjhattaṃ susamāhitaṃ; |
undistractible-&-lucid inside itself. |
Mā pāpacitte āsādi, |
Evil-minded one, don’t attack me, |
aggikhandhaṃva pakkhimā”. |
you’ll end up like a moth in a bonfire.” |
“Passa cittakataṃ bimbaṃ, |
“See this fancy puppet, |
arukāyaṃ samussitaṃ; |
a body built of sores, |
Āturaṃ bahusaṅkappaṃ, |
diseased, obsessed over, |
yassa natthi dhuvaṃ ṭhiti. |
which doesn’t last at all. |
Passa cittakataṃ rūpaṃ, |
See this fancy figure, |
maṇinā kuṇḍalena ca; |
with its gems and earrings; |
Aṭṭhiṃ tacena onaddhaṃ, |
it is bones wrapped in skin, |
saha vatthehi sobhati. |
made pretty by its clothes. |
Alattakakatā pādā, |
Rouged feet |
mukhaṃ cuṇṇakamakkhitaṃ; |
and powdered face |
Alaṃ bālassa mohāya, |
may be enough to beguile a fool, |
no ca pāragavesino. |
but not a seeker of the far shore. |
Aṭṭhapadakatā kesā, |
Hair in eight braids |
nettā añjanamakkhitā; |
and eyeliner |
Alaṃ bālassa mohāya, |
may be enough to beguile a fool, |
no ca pāragavesino. |
but not a seeker of the far shore. |
Añjanīva navā cittā, |
A rotting body all adorned |
pūtikāyo alaṅkato; |
like a freshly painted makeup box |
Alaṃ bālassa mohāya, |
may be enough to beguile a fool, |
no ca pāragavesino. |
but not a seeker of the far shore. |
Odahi migavo pāsaṃ, |
The hunter laid his snare, |
nāsadā vāguraṃ migo; |
but the deer didn’t spring the trap. |
Bhutvā nivāpaṃ gacchāma, |
I’ve eaten the bait and now I go, |
kaddante migabandhake. |
leaving the trapper to lament. |
Chinno pāso migavassa, |
The hunter’s trap is broken, |
nāsadā vāguraṃ migo; |
but the deer didn’t spring the trap. |
Bhutvā nivāpaṃ gacchāma, |
I’ve eaten the bait and now I go, |
socante migaluddake”. |
leaving the deer-hunter to grieve.” |
“Tadāsi yaṃ bhiṃsanakaṃ, |
“Then there was terror! |
tadāsi lomahaṃsanaṃ; |
Then they had goosebumps! |
Anekākārasampanne, |
When Sāriputta, endowed with a multitude of attributes, |
sāriputtamhi nibbute. |
became quenched. |
Aniccā vata saṅkhārā, |
Oh! Conditions are impermanent, |
uppādavayadhammino; |
their nature is to rise and fall; |
Upajjitvā nirujjhanti, |
having arisen, they cease; |
tesaṃ vūpasamo sukho. |
their stilling is true bliss.” |
Sukhumaṃ te paṭivijjhanti, |
“Those who see the five aggregates |
vālaggaṃ usunā yathā; |
as other, not as self, |
Ye pañcakkhandhe passanti, |
penetrate a subtle thing, |
parato no ca attato. |
like a hair-tip with an arrow. |
Ye ca passanti saṅkhāre, |
Those who see conditions |
parato no ca attato; |
as other, not as self, |
Paccabyādhiṃsu nipuṇaṃ, |
pierce a fine thing, |
vālaggaṃ usunā yathā. |
like a hair-tip with an arrow.” |
Sattiyā viya omaṭṭho, |
“Like they’re struck by a sword, |
ḍayhamānova matthake; |
like their head was on fire, |
Kāmarāgappahānāya, |
a mendicant should go forth rememberfully, |
sato bhikkhu paribbaje. |
to give up sensual desire. |
Sattiyā viya omaṭṭho, |
Like they’re struck by a sword, |
ḍayhamānova matthake; |
like their head was on fire, |
Bhavarāgappahānāya, |
a mendicant should go forth rememberfully, |
sato bhikkhu paribbaje. |
to give up desire for rebirth.” |
Codito bhāvitattena, |
“Encouraged by the developed one, |
sarīrantimadhārinā; |
who bore his final body, |
Migāramātupāsādaṃ, |
I shook the stilt longhouse of Migāra’s mother |
pādaṅguṭṭhena kampayiṃ. |
with my big toe.” |
Nayidaṃ sithilamārabbha, |
“Not by being slack, |
nayidaṃ appena thāmasā; |
or with little strength |
Nibbānamadhigantabbaṃ, |
is Nirvana realized, |
sabbaganthapamocanaṃ. |
the release from all ties.” |
Ayañca daharo bhikkhu, |
“This young monk, |
ayamuttamaporiso; |
this best of men, |
Dhāreti antimaṃ dehaṃ, |
bears his final body, |
jetvā māraṃ savāhiniṃ. |
having vanquished Māra and his mount.” |
Vivaramanupabhanti vijjutā, |
“Lightning flashes down |
Vebhārassa ca paṇḍavassa ca; |
on the cleft of Vebhāra and Paṇḍava. |
Nagavivaragato jhāyati, |
But in the mountain cleft he is absorbed in jhāna— |
Putto appaṭimassa tādino. |
the son of the Buddha, inimitable and poised.” |
Upasanto uparato, |
“Calm and quiet, |
pantasenāsano muni; |
the sage in his remote lodging, |
Dāyādo buddhaseṭṭhassa, |
the heir to the best of Buddhas, |
brahmunā abhivandito”. |
is honored even by Brahmā. |
“Upasantaṃ uparataṃ, |
Calm and quiet, |
pantasenāsanaṃ muniṃ; |
the sage in his remote lodging, |
Dāyādaṃ buddhaseṭṭhassa, |
is heir to the best of Buddhas: |
vanda brāhmaṇa kassapaṃ. |
Brahmin, you should honor Kassapa! |
Yo ca jātisataṃ gacche, |
Even if someone were to be born again and again |
sabbā brāhmaṇajātiyo; |
a hundred times in the human realm, |
Sottiyo vedasampanno, |
and always as a brahmin, |
manussesu punappunaṃ. |
a student accomplished in the Vedas; |
Ajjhāyakopi ce assa, |
and if he were to become a reciter, |
tiṇṇaṃ vedāna pāragū; |
a master of the three Vedas: |
Etassa vandanāyetaṃ, |
honoring such a person |
kalaṃ nāgghati soḷasiṃ. |
isn’t worth a sixteenth of that. |
Yo so aṭṭha vimokkhāni, |
One who attains the eight emancipations |
purebhattaṃ aphassayi; |
forwards and backwards |
Anulomaṃ paṭilomaṃ, |
before breakfast, |
tato piṇḍāya gacchati. |
and then goes on alms-round— |
Tādisaṃ bhikkhuṃ māsādi, |
don’t attack such a mendicant! |
māttānaṃ khaṇi brāhmaṇa; |
Don’t ruin yourself, brahmin! |
Abhippasādehi manaṃ, |
Let your heart have trust |
arahantamhi tādine; |
in the perfected one, the poised; |
Khippaṃ pañjaliko vanda, |
quickly venerate him with joined palms: |
mā te vijaṭi matthakaṃ”. |
don’t let your head explode!” |
“Neso passati saddhammaṃ, |
“If you prioritize transmigration, |
saṃsārena purakkhato; |
you don’t see the true teaching. |
Adhogamaṃ jimhapathaṃ, |
You’re following a twisted path, |
kummaggamanudhāvati. |
a bad path that will lead you down. |
Kimīva mīḷhasallitto, |
Like a worm smeared with dung, |
saṅkhāre adhimucchito; |
he is besotted with conditions. |
Pagāḷho lābhasakkāre, |
Sunk in gain and honor, |
tuccho gacchati poṭṭhilo”. |
Poṭṭhila goes on, hollow.” |
“Imañca passa āyantaṃ, |
“See Sāriputta coming! |
sāriputtaṃ sudassanaṃ; |
It is good to see him; |
Vimuttaṃ ubhatobhāge, |
he is freed in both ways, |
ajjhattaṃ susamāhitaṃ. |
undistractible-&-lucid inside himself; |
Visallaṃ khīṇasaṃyogaṃ, |
free of thorns, with fetters ended, |
tevijjaṃ maccuhāyinaṃ; |
master of the three knowledges, destroyer of death; |
Dakkhiṇeyyaṃ manussānaṃ, |
worthy of offerings, |
puññakkhettaṃ anuttaraṃ”. |
a supreme field of merit for the people.” |
“Ete sambahulā devā, |
“These many gods, |
iddhimanto yasassino; |
powerful and glorious, |
Dasa devasahassāni, |
all 10,000 of them, |
sabbe brahmapurohitā; |
are ministers of Brahmā. |
Moggallānaṃ namassantā, |
They stand with joined palms |
tiṭṭhanti pañjalīkatā. |
honoring Moggallāna: |
‘Namo te purisājañña, |
‘Homage to you, O thoroughbred! |
namo te purisuttama; |
Homage to you, supreme among men! |
Yassa te āsavā khīṇā, |
Since your defilements are ended, |
dakkhiṇeyyosi mārisa’. |
you, sir, are worthy of teacher’s offerings.” |
Pūjito naradevena, |
“Venerated by men and gods, |
uppanno maraṇābhibhū; |
he has arisen, the master of death. |
Puṇḍarīkaṃva toyena, |
He is unsmeared by conditions, |
saṅkhārenupalippati. |
as a lotus-flower by water. |
Yassa muhuttena sahassadhā loko, |
Knowing in an hour the thousand-fold world, together with the Brahmā realm; |
Saṃvidito sabrahmakappo vasi; |
master of psychic powers |
Iddhiguṇe cutupapāte kāle, |
and the knowledge of the passing away and rebirth of beings; |
Passati devatā sa bhikkhu”. |
that mendicant sees the gods in time.” |
“Sāriputtova paññāya, |
“Sāriputta, the monk who has crossed over, |
sīlena upasamena ca; |
may be supreme |
Yopi pāraṅgato bhikkhu, |
in respect of his wisdom, |
etāvaparamo siyā. |
ethics, and peace. |
Koṭisatasahassassa, |
But in a moment I can create the likenesses |
Attabhāvaṃ khaṇena nimmine; |
of ten million times 100,000 people! |
Ahaṃ vikubbanāsu kusalo, |
I’m skilled in transformations; |
Vasībhūtomhi iddhiyā. |
I’m a master of physic powers. |
Samādhivijjāvasipāramīgato, |
A member of the Moggallāna clan, attained to perfection and mastery |
Moggallānagotto asitassa sāsane; |
in undistractible-lucidity and knowledge, wise in the teachings of the unattached, |
Dhīro samucchindi samāhitindriyo, |
with undistractible-&-lucid faculties, has burst his bonds |
Nāgo yathā pūtilataṃva bandhanaṃ. |
like an elephant bursts a rope of creeper. |
Pariciṇṇo mayā satthā, |
I’ve served the teacher |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ; |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Ohito garuko bhāro, |
The heavy burden is laid down, |
bhavanetti samūhatā. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated. |
Yassa catthāya pabbajito, |
I’ve attained the goal |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
for the sake of which I went forth |
So me attho anuppatto, |
from the lay life to homelessness— |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhayo. |
the end of all fetters.” |
Kīdiso nirayo āsi, |
“What kind of hell was that, |
yattha dussī apaccatha; |
where Dūsī was roasted |
Vidhuraṃ sāvakamāsajja, |
after attacking the disciple Vidhura |
kakusandhañca brāhmaṇaṃ. |
along with the brahmin Kakusandha? |
Sataṃ āsi ayosaṅkū, |
There were 100 iron spikes, |
sabbe paccattavedanā; |
each one individually painful. |
Īdiso nirayo āsi, |
That’s the kind of hell |
yattha dussī apaccatha; |
where Dūsī was roasted |
Vidhuraṃ sāvakamāsajja, |
after attacking the disciple Vidhura |
kakusandhañca brāhmaṇaṃ. |
along with the brahmin Kakusandha. |
Yo etamabhijānāti, |
Dark One, if you attack |
bhikkhu buddhassa sāvako; |
a mendicant who directly knows this, |
Tādisaṃ bhikkhumāsajja, |
a disciple of the Buddha, |
kaṇha dukkhaṃ nigacchasi. |
you’ll fall into suffering. |
Majjhesarasmiṃ tiṭṭhanti, |
There are mansions that last for an eon |
vimānā kappaṭhāyino; |
standing in the middle of a lake. |
Veḷuriyavaṇṇā rucirā, |
Sapphire-colored, brilliant, |
accimanto pabhassarā; |
they sparkle and shine. |
Accharā tattha naccanti, |
Dancing there are nymphs |
puthu nānattavaṇṇiyo. |
shining in all different colors. |
Yo etamabhijānāti, |
Dark One, if you attack |
… pe … |
a mendicant who directly knows this, a disciple of the Buddha, |
kaṇha dukkhaṃ nigacchasi. |
you’ll fall into suffering. |
Yo ve buddhena codito, |
I’m the one who, encouraged by the Buddha, |
bhikkhusaṃghassa pekkhato; |
shook the stilt longhouse of Migāra’s mother |
Migāramātupāsādaṃ, |
with his big toe |
pādaṅguṭṭhena kampayi. |
as the Saṅgha of mendicants watched. |
Yo etamabhijānāti, |
Dark One, if you attack |
… pe … |
a mendicant who directly knows this, a disciple of the Buddha, |
kaṇha dukkhaṃ nigacchasi. |
you’ll fall into suffering. |
Yo vejayantapāsādaṃ, |
I’m the one who shook the Palace of Victory |
pādaṅguṭṭhena kampayi; |
with his big toe |
Iddhibalenupatthaddho, |
owing to psychic power, |
saṃvejesi ca devatā. |
inspiring deities to awe. |
Yo etamabhijānāti, |
Dark One, if you attack |
… pe … |
a mendicant who directly knows this, a disciple of the Buddha, |
kaṇha dukkhaṃ nigacchasi. |
you’ll fall into suffering. |
Yo vejayantapāsāde, |
I’m the one who asked Sakka |
sakkaṃ so paripucchati; |
in the Palace of Victory: |
Api āvuso jānāsi, |
‘Sir, do you know the freedom |
taṇhakkhayavimuttiyo; |
that comes with the ending of craving?’ |
Tassa sakko viyākāsi, |
And I’m the one to whom Sakka |
pañhaṃ puṭṭho yathātathaṃ”. |
admitted the truth when asked. |
“Yo etamabhijānāti, |
Dark One, if you attack |
… pe … |
a mendicant who directly knows this, a disciple of the Buddha, |
kaṇha dukkhaṃ nigacchasi. |
you’ll fall into suffering. |
Yo brahmānaṃ paripucchati, |
I’m the one who asked Brahmā |
Sudhammāyaṃ ṭhito sabhaṃ; |
in the Hall of Justice before the assembly: |
Ajjāpi tyāvuso sā diṭṭhi, |
‘Sir, do you still have the same view |
Yā te diṭṭhi pure ahu; |
that you had in the past? |
Passasi vītivattantaṃ, |
Or do you see the radiance |
Brahmaloke pabhassaraṃ. |
transcending the Brahmā realm?’ |
Tassa brahmā viyākāsi, |
And I’m the one to whom Brahmā |
pañhaṃ puṭṭho yathātathaṃ; |
admitted the truth when asked. |
Na me mārisa sā diṭṭhi, |
‘Good sir, I don’t have that view |
yā me diṭṭhi pure ahu. |
that I had in the past. |
Passāmi vītivattantaṃ, |
I see the radiance |
brahmaloke pabhassaraṃ; |
transcending the Brahmā realm. |
Sohaṃ ajja kathaṃ vajjaṃ, |
So how could I say today |
ahaṃ niccomhi sassato”. |
that I am permanent and eternal?’ |
“Yo etamabhijānāti, |
Dark One, if you attack |
… pe … |
a mendicant who directly knows this, a disciple of the Buddha, |
kaṇha dukkhaṃ nigacchasi. |
you’ll fall into suffering. |
Yo mahāneruno kūṭaṃ, |
I’m the one who has touched the peak of Mount Neru |
vimokkhena aphassayi; |
using the power of meditative liberation. |
Vanaṃ pubbavidehānaṃ, |
I’ve visited the forests of the people |
ye ca bhūmisayā narā. |
who dwell in the Eastern Continent. |
Yo etamabhijānāti, |
Dark One, if you attack |
bhikkhu buddhassa sāvako; |
a mendicant who directly knows this, |
Tādisaṃ bhikkhumāsajja, |
a disciple of the Buddha, |
kaṇha dukkhaṃ nigacchasi. |
you’ll fall into suffering. |
Na ve aggi cetayati, |
Though a fire doesn’t think: |
ahaṃ bālaṃ ḍahāmīti; |
‘I’ll burn the fool!’ |
Bālova jalitaṃ aggiṃ, |
Still the fool who attacks |
āsajja naṃ paḍayhati. |
the fire gets burnt. |
Evamevaṃ tuvaṃ māra, |
In the same way, Māra, |
āsajja naṃ tathāgataṃ; |
in attacking the Realized One, |
Sayaṃ ḍahissasi attānaṃ, |
you’ll only burn yourself, |
bālo aggiṃva samphusaṃ. |
like a fool touching the flames. |
Apuññaṃ pasavī māro, |
Māra’s done a bad thing |
āsajja naṃ tathāgataṃ; |
in attacking the Realized One. |
Kiṃ nu maññasi pāpima, |
Wicked One, do you imagine that |
na me pāpaṃ vipaccati. |
your wickedness won’t bear fruit? |
Karato te cīyate pāpaṃ, |
Your deeds heap up wickedness |
cirarattāya antaka; |
that will last a long time, Terminator! |
Māra nibbinda buddhamhā, |
Forget about the Buddha, Māra! |
āsaṃ mākāsi bhikkhusu”. |
And give up your hopes for the mendicants!” |
“Iti māraṃ atajjesi, |
“That is how, in the Bhesekaḷā grove, |
bhikkhu bhesakaḷāvane; |
the mendicant rebuked Māra. |
Tato so dummano yakkho, |
That spirit, downcast, |
tatthevantaradhāyathā”ti. |
disappeared right there!” |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ āyasmā mahāmoggallāno thero gāthāyo abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that these verses were recited by the senior venerable Mahāmoggallāna. |
Saṭṭhinipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
theragāthā |
verses of the senior monks |
mahānipāta |
the great book |
paṭhamavagga |
chapter one |
21.1. Vaṅgīsattheragāthā |
21.1. Vaṅgīsa |
“Nikkhantaṃ vata maṃ santaṃ, |
“Now that I’ve gone forth |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
from the lay life to homelessness, |
Vitakkā upadhāvanti, |
I’m overrun |
pagabbhā kaṇhato ime. |
by the impudent thoughts of the Dark One. |
Uggaputtā mahissāsā, |
Even if a thousand mighty princes and great archers, |
sikkhitā daḷhadhammino; |
well trained, with strong bows, |
Samantā parikireyyuṃ, |
were to completely surround me; |
sahassaṃ apalāyinaṃ. |
I would never flee. |
Sacepi ettakā bhiyyo, |
And even if women come, |
āgamissanti itthiyo; |
many more than that, |
Neva maṃ byādhayissanti, |
they won’t scare me, |
dhamme samhi patiṭṭhito. |
for I stand firm in the teaching. |
Sakkhī hi me sutaṃ etaṃ, |
I heard this with my own ears |
buddhassādiccabandhuno; |
from the Buddha, Kinsman of the Sun, |
Nibbānagamanaṃ maggaṃ, |
about the path going to Nirvana; |
tattha me nirato mano. |
that’s what delights my mind. |
Evañce maṃ viharantaṃ, |
Wicked One, if you come near me |
pāpima upagacchasi; |
as I meditate like this, |
Tathā maccu karissāmi, |
I’ll make sure that you, Death, |
na me maggampi dakkhasi. |
won’t even see the path I take.” |
Aratiñca ratiñca pahāya, |
“Giving up discontent and desire, |
Sabbaso gehasitañca vitakkaṃ; |
along with all thoughts of the lay life, |
Vanathaṃ na kareyya kuhiñci, |
they wouldn’t get entangled in anything; |
Nibbanatho avanatho sa bhikkhu. |
unentangled, disentangled: that’s a real mendicant. |
Yamidha pathaviñca vehāsaṃ, |
Whether on this earth or in the sky, |
Rūpagataṃ jagatogadhaṃ kiñci; |
whatever in the world is included in form |
Parijīyati sabbamaniccaṃ, |
wears out, it is all impermanent; |
Evaṃ samecca caranti mutattā. |
the thoughtful live having comprehended this truth. |
Upadhīsu janā gadhitāse, |
People are bound to their attachments, |
Diṭṭhasute paṭighe ca mute ca; |
to what is seen, heard, felt, and thought. |
Ettha vinodaya chandamanejo, |
Unstirred, dispel desire for these things; |
Yo hettha na limpati muni tamāhu. |
for one called ‘a sage’ does not cling to them. |
Atha saṭṭhisitā savitakkā, |
Attached to the sixty wrong views, and full of their own opinions, |
Puthujjanatāya adhammā niviṭṭhā; |
ordinary people are fixed in wrong principles. |
Na ca vaggagatassa kuhiñci, |
But that mendicant wouldn’t join a sectarian group, |
No pana duṭṭhullagāhī sa bhikkhu. |
still less would they utter lewd speech. |
Dabbo cirarattasamāhito, |
Clever, long undistractible-&-lucid, |
Akuhako nipako apihālu; |
free of deceit, alert, without envy, |
Santaṃ padaṃ ajjhagamā muni, |
the sage has reached the state of peace; |
Paṭicca parinibbuto kaṅkhati kālaṃ. |
and because he’s Nirvana'd, he awaits his time.” |
Mānaṃ pajahassu gotama, |
“Give up conceit, Gotama! |
Mānapathañca jahassu asesaṃ; |
Completely abandon the different kinds of conceit! |
Mānapathamhi sa mucchito, |
Besotted with the different kinds of conceit, |
Vippaṭisārīhuvā cirarattaṃ. |
you’ve had regrets for a long time. |
Makkhena makkhitā pajā, |
Smeared by smears and slain by conceit, |
Mānahatā nirayaṃ papatanti; |
people fall into hell. |
Socanti janā cirarattaṃ, |
When people slain by conceit are reborn in hell, |
Mānahatā nirayaṃ upapannā. |
they grieve for a long time. |
Na hi socati bhikkhu kadāci, |
But a mendicant who practices rightly, |
Maggajino sammā paṭipanno; |
owning the path, never grieves. |
Kittiñca sukhañcānubhoti, |
They enjoy happiness and a good reputation, |
Dhammadasoti tamāhu tathattaṃ. |
and they rightly call him a ‘Seer of Truth’. |
Tasmā akhilo idha padhānavā, |
So don’t be hard-hearted, be energetic, |
Nīvaraṇāni pahāya visuddho; |
with hindrances given up, be pure. |
Mānañca pahāya asesaṃ, |
Then with conceit given up completely, |
Vijjāyantakaro samitāvī”. |
use knowledge to make an end, and be at peace.” |
“Kāmarāgena ḍayhāmi, |
“I’ve got a burning desire for pleasure; |
cittaṃ me pariḍayhati; |
my mind is on fire! |
Sādhu nibbāpanaṃ brūhi, |
Please, out of compassion, Gotama, |
anukampāya gotama”. |
tell me how to quench the flames.” |
“Saññāya vipariyesā, |
“Your mind is on fire |
cittaṃ te pariḍayhati; |
because of a perversion of perception. |
Nimittaṃ parivajjehi, |
Turn away from the feature of things |
subhaṃ rāgūpasaṃhitaṃ. |
that’s attractive, provoking lust. |