ထေရဂါထာပါဠိ

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.1 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Subhūti Background Homage to him, the blessed one, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha! Like the lions of mighty fang who roar in mountain caves— hear now from those who’ve practiced well their own verses about themselves. What their name, and what their clan, and how they lived by the teaching; how dedicated were those wise ones, as they meditated tirelessly. Clearly discerning in every case, they reached the state that does not pass. Reviewing their completed task, they spoke about it in these words. Subhūti My hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind: so rain, heavens, as you please! My mind is serene and freed, I practice wholeheartedly: so rain, heavens! That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Subhūti.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.2 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Mahākoṭṭhita Calm and still, thoughtful in counsel, not restless— he shakes off bad qualities as the gale shakes leaves off a tree. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Mahākoṭṭhita.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.3 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Revata the Doubter See this wisdom of the Realized Ones! Like a fire blazing in the night, giving light, giving vision, they dispel the doubt of those who’ve come. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Revata the Doubter.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.4 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Puṇṇa (1st) Associate only with the virtuous, the astute ones who see the goal. The attentive ones, diligent and clear-seeing, realize the goal so great and profound, hard to see, subtle, and very fine. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Puṇṇa son of Mantāṇī.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.5 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Dabba Once hard to tame, now tamed himself; proficient, content, with doubt overcome; victorious since his fears have vanished: Dabba is steadfast, and has become fully quenched. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Dabba.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.6 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Sītavaniya The monk who went to the Cool Grove is solitary, content and serene, victorious, with goosebumps vanished, guarding mindfulness of the body, steadfast. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Sītavaniya.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.7 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Bhalliya He has cast aside the army of the King of Death, as a fragile bridge of reeds by a great flood. Victorious since his fears have vanished: tame and steadfast, he has become quenched. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Bhalliya.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.8 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Vīra Once hard to tame, now tamed himself; a hero, content, with doubt overcome; victorious, with goosebumps vanished, Vīra is steadfast, and has become fully quenched. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Vīra.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.9 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Pilindavaccha It was welcome, not unwelcome, the advice I got was good. Of the well-explained teachings, I arrived at the best. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Pilindavaccha.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.10 The Book of the Ones Chapter One Puṇṇamāsa (1st) A knowledge master, peaceful and self-controlled, is rid of concern for this world and the world beyond. Unsullied in the midst of all things, they’d know the arising and passing of the world. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Puṇṇamāsa.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.11 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two Cūḷavaccha A monk full of joy in the teaching proclaimed by the Buddha would realize the peaceful state, the blissful stilling of conditions.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.12 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two Mahāvaccha Empowered by wisdom, <j>with precepts and observances intact, serene, loving absorption, mindful, eating just the needed food, one should await one’s time here, free of desire.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.13 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two Vanavaccha (1st) Glistening, they look like blue stormclouds, with waters cool and streams so clear, and covered all in ladybugs: these rocky crags delight me!

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.14 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two The Novice Sivaka My mentor said to me: “Let’s leave here, Sīvaka.” My body lives in the village, but my mind has gone to the wilderness. I go there even when lying down— you can’t chain those who know.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.15 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two Kuṇḍadhāna Five to cut, five to drop, and five more to develop. When a mendicant slips five chains they’re said to have crossed the flood.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.16 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two Belaṭṭhasīsa Just as a fine thoroughbred proceeds with ease, tail and mane flying in the wind; so my days and nights proceed with ease, full of joy not of the flesh.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.17 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two Dāsaka One who gets drowsy from overeating, fond of sleep, rolling round the bed like a great hog stuffed with grain: that dullard returns to the womb again and again.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.18 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two Sigāla’s Father There was an heir of the Buddha, a monk in Bhesakaḷā forest, who suffused the entire earth with the perception of bones. I think he will quickly get rid of sensual desire.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.19 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two Kula While irrigators guide water, fletchers bend arrows straight, and carpenters bend timber straight, those true to their vows tame themselves.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.20 The Book of the Ones Chapter Two Ajita I do not fear death; nor do I long for life. I’ll lay down this body, aware and mindful.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.21 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Nigrodha I’m not afraid of fear, for our teacher is expert in freedom from death. Mendicants advance by the path where no fear remains.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.22 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Cittaka Crested peacocks with beautiful blue necks cry out in Karaṁvī. Stirred by a cool breeze, they wake the sleeper to practice absorption.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.23 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Gosāla I’ll eat honey and milk-rice in Veḷugumba. And then, dexterously probing the rise and fall of the aggregates, I’ll return to my forest hill and foster seclusion.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.24 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Sugandha See the excellence of the teaching! Just one rainy season after I went forth, I attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.25 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Nandiya Dark One, after attacking such a monk— one who has arrived at the fruit, and whose mind is always full of light— you’ll fall into suffering.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.26 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Abhaya Having heard the fine words of the Buddha, Kinsman of the Sun, I penetrated the subtle truth, like a hair-tip with an arrow.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.27 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Lomasakaṅgiya With my chest I’ll thrust aside the grasses, vines, canes, the vetiver, rushes and reeds, and foster seclusion.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.28 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Jambugāmikaputta Aren’t you obsessed with clothes? Don’t you just love jewelry? Is it not you—and no one else— who spreads the scent of virtue?

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.29 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Hārita (1st) Straighten yourself, like a fletcher an arrow. When your mind is upright, Hārita, break ignorance to bits!

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.30 The Book of the Ones Chapter Three Uttiya (1st) When I was ill in the past, mindfulness arose in me. Now I am ill once more— it’s time for me to be heedful.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.31 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Gahvaratīriya Pestered by flies and mosquitoes in the wilds, the formidable forest, one should mindfully endure, like an elephant at the head of the battle.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.32 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Suppiya I’ll swap old age for the unaging, burning for quenching— the ultimate peace, the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.33 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Sopāka (1st) Just as a mother would be good to her beloved only child; so, to creatures all and everywhere, let one be good.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.34 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Posiya It’s always better for a smart person to avoid sharing a seat with such women. I went from the village to the wilderness; from there I entered a house. Though I was there to be fed, I got up and left without taking leave.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.35 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Sāmaññakāni Seeking happiness, they find it through this practice. They get a good reputation and grow in fame, those who develop the direct route: the noble eightfold path to realize freedom from death.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.36 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Kumāputta Learning is good, living well is good, the life without abode is always good. Questions on the meaning, actions that are skillful: this is the ascetic life for one who has nothing.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.37 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Kumāputtasahāyaka Some travel to different countries, wandering undisciplined. If they lose their meditation, what will such rotten conduct achieve? So you should dispel aggression, practicing absorption undistracted.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.38 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Gavampati His psychic power made the Sarabhū River stand still; Gavampati is unbound and unperturbed. The gods bow to that great sage, <j>who has slipped all chains, and gone beyond rebirth.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.39 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Tissa (1st) Like they’re struck by a sword, like their head was on fire, a mendicant should wander mindful to give up sensual desire.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.40 The Book of the Ones Chapter Four Vaḍḍhamāna Like they’re struck by a sword, like their head was on fire, a mendicant should wander mindful, to give up desire for rebirth.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.41 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Sirivaḍḍha Lightning flashes down on the cleft of Vebhāra and Paṇḍava. But in the mountain cleft he is absorbed in jhāna— the son of the Buddha, inimitable and unaffected.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.42 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Revata of the Acacia Wood Cālā, Upacālā, Sīsupacālā— meditate mindfully! I’ve come to you like a hair-splitter.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.43 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Sumaṅgala Well freed! Well freed! I’m very well freed from three crooked things: my sickles, my ploughs, and my little hoes. Even if they were here, right here— I’d be done with them, done! Practice absorption Sumaṅgala! <j>Practice absorption Sumaṅgala! Stay heedful, Sumaṅgala!

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.44 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Sānu Mum, they weep for the dead, or for one who’s alive but missing. I’m alive and you can see me, so mum, why do you weep for me?

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.45 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Ramaṇīyavihārin Though a fine thoroughbred may stumble, it soon stands firm again. Even so is one accomplished in vision, a disciple of the Buddha.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.46 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Samiddhi I went forth out of faith from the lay life to homelessness. My mindfulness and wisdom have grown, my mind is serene. Make whatever illusions you want, it doesn’t bother me.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.47 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Ujjaya Homage to you, O Buddha, O hero, freed in every way! Meditating in the fruits of your practice, I live without defilements.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.48 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Sañjaya Since I went forth from the lay life to homelessness, I’ve not been aware of any thought that is ignoble and hateful.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.49 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Rāmaṇeyyaka Even with all the sounds, the chirping and cheeping of the birds, my mind doesn’t flounder, for I’m devoted to oneness.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.50 The Book of the Ones Chapter Five Vimala (1st) The celestial lake Dharaṇī pours, <j>the heavenly gale blows, and lightning flashes across the sky! But my thoughts are stilled, my mind is serene.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.51 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Godhika The heavens rain like a sweet song; my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. My mind is serene: so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.52 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Subāhu The heavens rain like a sweet song; my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. My mind is immersed in my body: so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.53 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Valliya (1st) The heavens rain like a sweet song; my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. I meditate there, diligent: so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.54 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Uttiya (2nd) The heavens rain like a sweet song; my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. I dwell there without a partner: so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.55 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Añjanavaniya I plunged into the Añjana wood and made a hut to live in. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.56 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Kuṭivihārin (1st) “Who is in this hut?” “A monk is in this hut, free of lust, his mind serene. Reverend, you should know this: your hut wasn’t built in vain.”

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.57 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Kuṭivihārin (2nd) This was your old hut, but you still want a new hut. Let go of hope for a hut, monk! A new hut will only bring more suffering.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.58 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Ramaṇīyakuṭika My hut is pleasing, delightful, a gift given in faith. I’ve no need of girls: go, ladies, to those in need!

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.59 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Kosalavihārin I went forth out of faith and built a hut in the wilderness. I’m heedful, ardent, aware, and mindful.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.60 The Book of the Ones Chapter Six Sīvali My wishes—the purpose I had for entering this hut—came true. Seeking knowledge and liberation, I gave up the tendency to conceit.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.61 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Vappa One who sees sees those who see and those who don’t. One who doesn’t see sees neither.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.62 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Vajjiputta (1st) We dwell alone in the wilderness, like a log dumped in a forest. Lots of people are jealous of me, as beings in hell are of one going to heaven.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.63 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Pakkha They fall, collapsed and fallen; greedy, they return. The work is done, the joyful is enjoyed, happiness is found through happiness.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.64 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Vimalakoṇḍañña I arose from the one named after a tree; I was born of the one whose banner shines. The banner killer has destroyed the great banner, by means of the banner itself.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.65 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Ukkhepakatavaccha Vaccha has tossed away what he built over many years. Sitting comfortably, uplifted with joy, he teaches this to householders.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.66 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Meghiya He counseled me, the great hero, the one who has gone beyond all things. When I heard his teaching I stayed close by him, mindful. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.67 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Ekadhammasavanīya My defilements have been burnt away <j>by practicing absorption— rebirth into all states of existence is eradicated, transmigration through births is finished, now there’ll be no more future lives.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.68 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Ekudāniya A sage of higher consciousness, diligent, training in the ways of sagacity: there are no sorrows for the unaffected, calm and ever mindful.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.69 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Channa Hearing the sweet Dhamma taught by the master, all-knowing, of superb knowledge, I’ve entered the path to realize freedom from death— he is the expert on the road to sanctuary from the yoke.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.70 The Book of the Ones Chapter Seven Puṇṇa (2nd) Ethical conduct is best in this life, but one with wisdom is supreme. Someone with both virtue and wisdom is victorious among men and gods.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.71 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Vacchapāla For one who sees the meaning <j>so very subtle and fine; who is skilled in thought and placid in manner; who has cultivated mature ethics, it’s not hard to gain extinguishment.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.72 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Ātuma A young bamboo is hard to extract when the point is grown and become all woody. That’s how I feel with the wife <j>who was arranged for me. Give me permission—now I’ve gone forth.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.73 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Māṇava Seeing an old person, and one suffering from disease, and a corpse come to the end of life, I went forth, becoming a wanderer, and giving up the pleasures of the senses.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.74 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Suyāmana Sensual desire, ill will, dullness and drowsiness, restlessness, and doubt are not found in a monk at all.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.75 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Susārada Good is the sight of those who’ve practiced well: doubt is cut off and intelligence grows— even a fool grows wise! That’s why it’s good to meet good people.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.76 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Piyañjaha Settle down when others spring up; spring up when others settle down. Remain when others have departed; don’t delight when others delight.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.77 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Hatthārohaputta In the past my mind wandered how it wished, where it liked, as it pleased. Now I’ll carefully guide it, as a trainer with a hook guides a rutting elephant.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.78 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Meṇḍasira Transmigrating through countless rebirths, I’ve journeyed without reward. I’ve suffered, but now the mass of suffering has fallen away.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.79 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Rakkhita All my lust is given up, all my hate is eradicated, all my delusion is gone: I’m cooled, quenched.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.80 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eight Ugga Any deeds I have done, a little or a lot, are all completely exhausted: now there’ll be no more future lives.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.81 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Samitigutta Any bad things I’ve done in previous lives, are to be experienced right here, not in any other place.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.82 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Kassapa Go, child, to any place where there’s plenty of food, where it’s safe and free of peril— may you not be overcome by sorrow!

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.83 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Sīha Meditate diligently, Sīha, tireless all day and night. Develop skillful qualities, and quickly discard this bag of bones.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.84 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Nīta Sleeping all night, happily socializing by day, when will the simpleton make an end of suffering?

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.85 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Sunāga Skilled in the patterns of the mind, understanding the nectar of seclusion, practicing absorption, alert, mindful: such a person would realize pleasure not of the flesh.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.86 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Nāgita Elsewhere there are many other doctrines; paths that, unlike this, don’t lead to extinguishment. For the Buddha himself instructs the Saṅgha; the Teacher shows the palms of his hands.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.87 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Paviṭṭha The aggregates are seen as they truly are; all rebirths are shattered; transmigration through births is finished; now there’ll be no more future lives.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.88 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Ajjuna I was able to lift myself up from the water to the shore. While being swept away by the great flood, I penetrated the truths.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.89 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Devasabha (1st) I’ve crossed the bogs, I’ve avoided the chasms, I’m freed from floods and ties, and I’ve wiped out all conceit.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.90 The Book of the Ones Chapter Nine Sāmidatta The five aggregates are fully understood; they remain, but their root is cut. Transmigration through births is finished, now there’ll be no more future lives.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.91 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Paripuṇṇaka What I consumed today is considered better than delicious grain of a hundred flavors— the Dhamma taught by the Buddha, Gotama of infinite vision.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.92 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Vijaya One whose defilements have ended; who’s not attached to food; whose range is the liberation of the signless and the empty: their track is hard to trace, like birds in the sky.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.93 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Eraka Sensual pleasures are suffering, Eraka! Sensual pleasures aren’t happiness, Eraka! One who enjoys sensual pleasures enjoys suffering, Eraka! One who doesn’t enjoy sensual pleasures doesn’t enjoy suffering, Eraka!

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.94 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Mettaji Homage to that Blessed One, the glorious Sakyan! Having reached the best, he beautifully taught the best teaching.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.95 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Cakkhupāla I’m blind, my eyes are ruined, I’m traveling a desolate road. Even if I have to crawl I’ll keep going— though not with wicked companions.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.96 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Khaṇḍasumana I offered a single flower and then amused myself in heavens for 800 million years; with what’s left over I’ve become quenched.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.97 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Tissa (2nd) Giving up a hundred ounces of bronze, and a hundred grains of gold, I took a bowl made of clay: this is my second initiation.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.98 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Abhaya When you see a sight, mindfulness is lost as you focus on a pleasant feature. Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, you keep clinging to it. Your defilements grow, leading to the root of rebirth.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.99 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Uttiya (3rd) When you hear a sound, mindfulness is lost as you focus on a pleasant feature. Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, you keep clinging to it. Your defilements grow, leading to transmigration.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.100 The Book of the Ones Chapter Ten Devasabha (2nd) Accomplished in the four right efforts, mindfulness meditation is your range; festooned with the flowers of liberation, undefiled, you’ll be fully quenched.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.101 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Belaṭṭhānika He’s given up the household life, <j>but is far from perfect. Living for his belly, lazy, <j>he uses his snout as a plow, like a great hog stuffed with grain. That dullard is reborn again and again.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.102 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Setuccha Deceived by conceit, defiled among conditions, oppressed by gain and loss, they don’t reach immersion.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.103 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Bandhura I have no need of this— I’m happy and satisfied with the sweet teaching. I’ve drunk the best, the supreme nectar: I won’t go near poison.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.104 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Khitaka Hey! My body is light, full of so much rapture and happiness. My body feels like it’s floating, like cotton in a gale.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.105 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Malitavambha Dissatisfied, one should not stay; and even if happy, one should leave. One who sees clearly wouldn’t stay in a place that was not conducive to the goal.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.106 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Suhemanta Though the meaning has a hundred facets, and bears a hundred characteristics, the simpleton sees only one factor, while the sage sees a hundred.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.107 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Dhammasava After investigating, I went forth from the lay life to homelessness. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.108 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Dhammasavapitu At 120 years old I went forth to homelessness. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.109 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Saṅgharakkhita Even on retreat he doesn’t heed the counsel of the one with supreme compassion for his welfare. He lives with unrestrained faculties, like a young deer in the woods.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.110 The Book of the Ones Chapter Eleven Usabha (1st) The trees on the mountain tops have grown tall, freshly sprinkled by towering clouds. For Usabha, who loves seclusion, <j>and who thinks only of wilderness, goodness flourishes more and more.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.111 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Jenta Going forth is hard; living at home is hard; Dhamma is profound; money is hard to come by. Getting by is difficult for we <j>who accept whatever comes, so we should always think about impermanence.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.112 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Vacchagotta I am a master of the three knowledges, <j>I’m a great meditator, an expert in serenity of heart. I’ve realized my heart’s goal and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.113 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Vanavaccha (2nd) The water’s clear and the rocks are broad, monkeys and deer are all around; festooned with dewy moss, these rocky crags delight me!

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.114 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Adhimutta (1st) Your body is uncomfortably heavy, and life is running out; greedy for physical pleasure, how can you find happiness as an ascetic?

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.115 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Mahānāma By Mount Nesādaka, with its famous covering of abundant shrubs and trees, you’re found deficient.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.116 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Pārāsariya (1st) I’ve given up the six spheres of sense-contact, my sense doors are guarded and well restrained; I’ve ejected the root of gloom and attained the ending of defilements.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.117 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Yasa I’m well-anointed and well-dressed, adorned with all my jewelry. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.118 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Kimbila (1st) Old age falls like a curse; it’s the same body, but it seems like someone else’s. I remember myself as if I were someone else, but I’m still the same, I haven’t been away.

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.119 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Vajjiputta (2nd) You’ve left for the jungle, the root of a tree, having laid extinguishment in your heart. Meditate, Gotama, don’t be negligent! What use is this hullabaloo to you?

Verses of the Senior Monks 1.120 The Book of the Ones Chapter Twelve Isidatta The five aggregates are fully understood, they remain, but their root is cut. I have reached the end of suffering and attained the ending of defilements.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.1 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Uttara (1st) No life is permanent, and no conditions last forever. The aggregates are reborn and pass away, again and again.

Knowing this danger, I have no need for another life. I’ve escaped all sensual pleasures, and attained the ending of defilements. That is how these verses were recited by the senior venerable Uttara.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.2 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Bhāradvāja the Alms-Gatherer You can’t live by fasting, but food doesn’t lead to peace of heart. Seeing how this bag of bones is sustained by food, I wander, seeking.

They know it’s just a swamp, this homage and veneration in respectable families. Honor is a subtle dart, hard to extract, and hard for a reprobate to give up. That is how these verses were recited by the senior venerable Bhāradvāja the Alms-Gatherer.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.3 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Valliya (2nd) A monkey went up to the little hut with five doors. He circles around, knocking on each door, again and again.

Stand still monkey, don’t run! Things are different now; you’ve been caught by wisdom— you won’t go far.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.4 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Gaṅgātīriya My hut on the bank of the Ganges is made from three palm leaves. My alms-bowl is a funeral pot, my robe is cast-off rags.

In my first two rainy seasons I spoke only one word. In my third rainy season the mass of darkness was shattered.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.5 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Ajina Even a master of the three knowledges, undefiled, conqueror of death, is looked down upon for being unknown by ignorant fools.

But any individual here who gets food and drink is honored by them, even if they are of bad character.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.6 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Meḷajina When I heard the Teacher speaking Dhamma, I wasn’t aware of any doubt in the all-knowing, unconquered one,

the caravan leader, the great hero, the most excellent of charioteers. I have no doubt in the path or practice.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.7 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Rādha Just as rain seeps into a poorly roofed house, lust seeps into an undeveloped mind.

Just as rain doesn’t seep into a well roofed house, lust doesn’t seep into a well-developed mind.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.8 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Surādha Rebirth is ended for me; the victor’s instruction is fulfilled; what they call a “net” is given up; the leash to existence is eradicated.

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.9 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Gotama (1st) Sages sleep at ease when they’re not bound to women. For the truth is hard to find among them and one must always be guarded.

Sensual pleasure, you’ve been slain! We’re not in your debt any more. Now we go to extinguishment, where there is no sorrow.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.10 The Book of the Twos Chapter One Vasabha First one kills oneself, then one kills others. One kills oneself, really dead, like one who kills birds using a dead bird as a decoy.

A brahmin’s color is not on the outside; a brahmin is colored on the inside. Whoever harbors bad deeds is truly a dark one, Sujampati.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.11 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Mahācunda It’s from eagerness to learn that learning grows; when you’re learned, wisdom grows; by wisdom, you know the goal; knowing the goal brings happiness.

You should frequent remote lodgings and practice to be released from fetters. If you don’t find enjoyment there, live in the Saṅgha, self-protected and mindful.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.12 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Jotidāsa People who act harshly— attacking people, binding them with rope, hurting them in all kinds of ways— they’re treated in the same way; their deeds don’t vanish.

Whatever deeds a person does, whether good or bad, they are the heir to each and every deed they do.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.13 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Heraññakāni The days and nights rush by, and then life is cut short. The life of mortals wastes away, like the water in tiny streams.

But while doing bad deeds the fool doesn’t realize— it’ll be bitter later on; for the result will be bad for them.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.14 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Somamitta If you’re lost in the middle of a great sea, and you clamber up on a little log, you’ll sink. So too, a person who lives well sinks by relying on a lazy person. Hence you should avoid such a lazy person who lacks energy.

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.15 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Sabbamitta People are attached to people; people depend on people; people are hurt by people; and people hurt people.

So what’s the point of people, or those born of people? Go, abandon these people, who’ve hurt so many people.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.16 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Mahākāḷa There’s a big black woman who looks like a crow. She broke off thigh-bones, first one then another; she broke off arm-bones, first one then another; she broke off a skull like a curd-bowl, and then arranged them and sat nearby.

When an ignorant person builds up attachments, that dullard returns to suffering again and again. So let one who understands <j>not build up attachments: may I never again lie with a broken skull!

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.17 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Tissa (3rd) A shaven one wrapped in the outer robe gets many enemies when they receive food and drink, clothes and bedding.

Knowing this danger, this great fear in honors, a mendicant should wander mindful, with few possessions, not festering.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.18 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Kimbila (2nd) In the Park of the East-Raftered Hall the Sakyan friends, having given up great wealth, are happy with the scraps in their bowls.

Energetic, resolute, always staunchly vigorous; having given up mundane delights, they enjoy the delights of the Dhamma.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.19 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Nanda Because of focusing on the wrong things, I was addicted to ornamentation. I was vain, fickle, racked by desire for pleasures of the senses.

But with the help of the Buddha, the Kinsman of the Sun, so skilled in means, I practiced rationally and extracted attachment to continued existence from my mind.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.20 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Sirima If others praise one who has no immersion, they praise in vain, as one has no immersion.

If others criticize one who does have immersion, they criticize in vain, as one does have immersion.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.21 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Uttara (2nd) I’ve fully understood the aggregates; I’ve eradicated craving; I’ve developed the factors of awakening, I’ve attained the ending of defilements.

Having fully understood the aggregates, having plucked out the weaver of the web, having developed the factors of awakening, being undefiled, I will be fully extinguished.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.22 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Bhaddaji There was a king named Panāda who had a sacrificial post all golden. Its height was sixteen times its width, and the top was a thousandfold.

It had a thousand panels and a hundred ball-caps, all adorned with banners, and made of sun gold. There danced the centaurs, numbering seven times six thousand.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.23 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Sobhita As a monk, mindful and wise, empowered and full of energy, I recollected five hundred eons in a single night.

Developing the four mindfulness meditations, the seven factors of awakening, <j>and the eightfold path, I recollected five hundred eons in a single night.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.24 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Valliya (3rd) The duty of one whose energy is strong; the duty of one who longs to wake up: that I’ll do, I won’t fail— see my energy and vigor!

Teach me the path, the direct route whose objective is freedom from death. I’ll know it with wisdom, as the Ganges knows the ocean.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.25 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Vītasoka The barber approached to shave my head. I picked up a mirror and examined my body.

My body appeared hollow; I once was blind, but the darkness disappeared. My fancy hairdo has been cut off: now there’ll be no more future lives.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.26 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Puṇṇamāsa (2nd) I gave up the five hindrances for the sake of sanctuary from the yoke. I took Dhamma as a mirror for knowing and seeing myself.

I examined this body, all of it, inside and out. Internally and externally my body appeared hollow.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.27 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Nandaka (1st) Though a fine thoroughbred may stumble, it soon stands firm again. It gains even more urgency, and draws its load undeterred.

Even so is one accomplished in vision, a disciple of the Buddha. Remember me as a thoroughbred, the Buddha’s bosom son.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.28 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Bharata Come, Nandaka, let’s go to visit our preceptor. We’ll roar our lion’s roar before the best of Buddhas.

The sage gave us the going forth out of compassion, so we could realize the ending of all fetters— now we have reached that goal.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.29 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Bhāradvāja This is how the wise roar: like lions in mountain caves, heroes, triumphant in battle, having vanquished Māra with his legions.

I’ve served the Teacher; I’ve honored the Dhamma and the Saṅgha; I’m happy and joyful, because I’ve seen my son free of defilements.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.30 The Book of the Twos Chapter Three Kaṇhadinna I regularly sat close by true persons and learnt the teaching. What I learned, I practiced, the direct route whose objective is freedom from death.

I’ve slain the desire for continued existence, it won’t be found in me again. It was not, and it won’t be in me, and it isn’t found in me now.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.31 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Migasira When I had gone forth in the teaching of the Buddha, while letting go, I rose up; escaping the sensual realm.

Then, as the supreme one looked on, my mind was freed. My freedom is unshakable with the ending of all fetters.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.32 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Sivaka Houses are impermanent— on and on, life after life. I’ve been searching for the house-builder— painful is birth again and again.

I’ve seen you, house-builder! You won’t build a house again. Your rafters are all broken, your ridgepole is shattered. My mind is without boundaries: in this very life it will dissipate.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.33 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Upavāṇa The perfected one, the Holy One in the world, the sage is afflicted by winds. If there’s hot water, give it to the sage, brahmin.

I wish to bring it to the one who is esteemed by the estimable, honored by the honorable, and venerated by the venerable.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.34 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Isidinna I’ve seen lay disciples <j>who have memorized discourses, saying, “Sensual pleasures are impermanent”. But they’re obsessed with jeweled earrings, concerned for their partners and children.

To be honest, they don’t know Dhamma, even though they say <j>“Sensual pleasures are impermanent”. They don’t have the power to cut their lust, so they cling to children, wives, and wealth.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.35 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Sambulakaccāna The heavens rain, the heavens pour, I’m staying alone in a frightful hole. But while I’m staying alone in that frightful hole, I’ve no fear, no dread, no goosebumps.