ထေရဂါထာပါဠိ

This is my normal state while staying alone in a frightful hole: I’ve no fear, no dread, no goosebumps.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.36 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Nitaka Whose mind is like a rock, steady, never trembling— free of desire for desirable things, not getting annoyed when things are annoying? From where will suffering strike one whose mind is developed like this?

My mind is like a rock, steady, never trembling— free of desire for desirable things, not getting annoyed when things are annoying. From where will suffering strike me whose mind is developed like this?

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.37 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Soṇapoṭiriya Night, with her garland of stars, is not only for sleeping. For those who know, this night is really for waking.

Were I to fall from the back of an elephant, trampled by the tuskers that follow, better for me to die in battle, than to live on in defeat.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.38 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Nisabha One who’s given up the five sensual stimuli, so pleasing and delightful, and who’s left the home life out of faith— let them make an end to suffering!

I don’t long for death; I don’t long for life; I await my time, aware and mindful.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.39 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Usabha (2nd) Arranging a robe over my shoulder, the color of young mango sprouts, I entered the village for alms sitting on an elephant’s neck!

But when I dismounted from the elephant, I was struck with a sense of urgency. I burned with shame, but then I found peace, and attained the ending of defilements.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.40 The Book of the Twos Chapter Four Kappaṭakura This chap, “Rag-rice”, he sure is a rag! Into the vase of freedom from death, <j>polished and overflowing, sufficient teaching has been poured; the path to build up absorptions has been laid out.

Don’t nod off, Rag— I’ll smack your ear! You know no limit, nodding off in the midst of the Saṅgha!

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.41 The Book of the Twos Chapter Five Kassapa the Prince Oh, the Buddhas! Oh, the Dhammas! Oh, the accomplishments of the Teacher! Here a disciple may realize such a teaching for themselves.

Through countless eons they obtained substantial forms. This is their last, their very final body in the transmigration through births and deaths; now there’ll be no more future lives.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.42 The Book of the Twos Chapter Five Dhammapāla The young monk who is devoted to the teaching of the Buddha, wakeful while others sleep— his life is not in vain.

So let the wise devote themselves to faith, ethical behavior, confidence, and insight into the teaching, remembering the instructions of the Buddhas.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.43 The Book of the Twos Chapter Five Brahmāli Whose faculties have become serene, like horses tamed by a charioteer? With conceit and defilements given up, who is such as envied by even the gods?

My faculties have become serene, like horses tamed by a charioteer. With conceit and defilements given up, I am such as envied by even the gods.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.44 The Book of the Twos Chapter Five Mogharāja “Your skin is nasty but your heart is good; Mogharāja, you’re always immersed in samādhi. But in the nights of winter, so dark and cold, how will you get by, monk?”

“I’ve heard that all the Magadhans have an abundance of grain. I’ll make my bed under a thatched roof, just like those who live in comfort.”

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.45 The Book of the Twos Chapter Five Visākhapañcālaputta One should not suspend others from the Saṅgha, <j>nor raise objections against them; and neither disparage nor raise one’s voice against <j>one who has crossed to the further shore. One should not praise oneself among the assemblies, not restless, measured in speech, <j>and true to your vows.

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 2.46 The Book of the Twos Chapter Five Cūḷaka The peacocks cry out with their fair crests and tails, their lovely blue necks and fair faces, <j>their beautiful song and their call. This broad earth is lush with grass and dew, and the firmament is full of beautiful clouds.

One practicing absorption is happy in mind, <j>and their appearance is uplifting; going forth in the teaching of the Buddha <j>is easy for a good person. Realize that supreme state that does not pass, so very pure, subtle, and hard to see.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.47 The Book of the Twos Chapter Five Anūpama The conceited mind, addicted to pleasure, impales itself on its own stake. It always goes where there’s a stake, a chopping board.

I declare you the loser mind! I declare you the insidious mind! You’ve found the Teacher so hard to find— don’t lead me away from the goal.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.48 The Book of the Twos Chapter Five Vajjita Transmigrating for such a long time, I’ve cycled through various states of rebirth, not seeing the noble truths, a blind, unenlightened person.

But when I became heedful, transmigrations were mown down. All states of rebirth are cut off; now there’ll be no more future lives.

Verses of the Senior Monks 2.49 The Book of the Twos Chapter Five Sandhita Beneath the Bodhi Tree, bright green and growing, being mindful, my perception became one with the Buddha.

It’s been thirty one eons since I gained that perception; and it’s due to that perception that I’ve attained the ending of defilements.

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.1 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Aṅgaṇikabhāradvāja Seeking purity the wrong way, I served the sacred fire in a grove. Not knowing the path to purity, I practiced endless mortification.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.2 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Paccaya I went forth five days ago, a trainee, my heart’s desire unfulfilled. I entered my dwelling and resolved in my heart:

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.3 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Bakkula Whoever wishes to do afterwards what they should have done before has lost the causes for happiness, and afterwards they’re tormented by regrets.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.4 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Dhaniya If you wish to live in happiness, longing for the ascetic life, don’t look down on the Saṅgha’s robes, or its food and drinks.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.5 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Mātaṅgaputta “It’s too cold, too hot, too late,” they say. When the young neglect their work like this, opportunities pass them by.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.6 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Khujjasobhita “One of those monks who live in Pāṭaliputta— such brilliant speakers, and very learned— stands at the door: the old man, Khujjasobhita.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.7 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Vāraṇa Anyone among men who harms other creatures: that person will fall both from this world and the next.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.8 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Vassika I was the only one in my family who had faith and wisdom. It’s good for my relatives that I’m firm in principle, and ethical.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.9 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Yasoja “With knobbly knees, thin and veiny, eating and drinking but little— this person’s spirit is undaunted.”

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.10 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Sāṭimattiya In the past you had faith, today you have none. What’s yours is yours alone— I’ve done nothing wrong.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.11 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Upāli One newly gone forth, who has left their home out of faith, should mix with spiritual friends, who are tireless and pure of livelihood.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.12 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Uttarapāla I was, indeed, an astute scholar, competent to think on the meaning. The five kinds of sensual stimulation in the world, so delusory, were my downfall.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.13 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Abhibhūta Listen up, all my relatives, those who have gathered here: I’ll teach you Dhamma! Painful is birth again and again.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.14 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Gotama (2nd) Transmigrating, I went to hell, and to the ghost realm time and again. Many times I dwelt long in the animal realm, so full of pain.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.15 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Hārita (2nd) Whoever wishes to do afterwards tasks they should have done before has lost the causes for happiness, and afterwards they’re tormented by regrets.

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.16 The Book of the Threes Chapter One Vimala (2nd) Shunning bad friends, associate with the supreme individual. Stick to the advice he gave you, aspiring to unshakable happiness.

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 4.1 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Nāgasamāla Adorned with jewelry and all dressed up, with garlands, and sandalwood makeup piled on, along the main street is a lady— a dancer dancing as the music plays.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.2 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Bhagu Overwhelmed by drowsiness, I left my dwelling. Stepping up to the path for walking meditation, I fell to the ground right there.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.3 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Sabhiya When others do not understand, let us, who do understand this, restrain ourselves in this regard; for that is how conflicts are laid to rest.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.4 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Nandaka (2nd) Curse you mortal frame, you stink! You’re on Māra’s side, you fester! O body, you have nine streams that are flowing all the time.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.5 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Jambuka For fifty-five years I wore dust and dirt. Eating one meal a month, I tore out my hair and beard.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.6 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Senaka It was so welcome for me during the Gayā spring festival to see the Awakened One teaching the supreme Dhamma.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.7 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Sambhūta Hurrying when it’s time to dawdle; dawdling when it’s time to hurry; being so disorganized a fool falls into suffering.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.8 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Rāhula I am known as “Fortunate Rāhula”, because I’m accomplished in both ways: I am the son of the Buddha, whose eye sees clearly in all things.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.9 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Candana Covered over with gold, surrounded by all her maids, with my son upon her hip, my wife came to me.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.10 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Dhammika “Dhamma surely protects <j>one who practices Dhamma. The teaching brings happiness when practiced well. This is the benefit of practicing Dhamma: one doesn’t go to a bad destination.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.11 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Sappaka When the crane with its beautiful white wings, startled by fear of the dark cloud, flees, seeking shelter— then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me.

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.12 The Book of the Fours Chapter One Mudita I went forth to save my life. But I embraced faith after receiving full ordination. I strove, strong in effort:

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.1 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Rājadatta I, a monk, went to a charnel ground and saw a woman’s body abandoned there, dumped in a cemetery, full of worms that devoured.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.2 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Subhūta When a person, wishing for a certain outcome, applies themselves where they ought not; not achieving what they worked for, they say: “That’s a sign of my bad luck.”

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.3 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Girimānanda The heavens rain like a sweet song; my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. I meditate there, peaceful: so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.4 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Sumana (1st) My mentor helped me to learn, hoping I would practice those teachings. Aspiring to freedom from death, I’ve done what had to be done.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.5 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Vaḍḍha Oh so well was the goad shown to me by my mother, on hearing whose words, advised by my mother, energetic and resolute, I realized supreme awakening.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.6 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Nadīkassapa It was truly for my benefit that the Buddha went to the Nerañjara River. When I heard his teaching, I shunned wrong view.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.7 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Gayākassapa Three times a day— morning, midday, and evening— I plunged into the water at Gayā for the Gayā spring festival.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.8 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Vakkali “Struck by a wind ailment while dwelling in a forest grove, you’ve entered a tough place for gathering alms— how will you get by, monk?”

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.9 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Vijitasena I’ll cage you, mind, like an elephant in a stockade. Born of the flesh, that net of the senses, I won’t urge you to do bad.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.10 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Yasadatta With fault-finding mind, the simpleton listens to the victor’s instruction. They’re as far from the true teaching as the earth is from the sky.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.11 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Soṇa of the Sharp Ears I’ve received ordination; I am liberated, without defilements; I’ve seen the Blessed One myself, and even stayed together with him.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.12 The Book of the Fives Chapter One Kosiya Whatever attentive one, <j>understanding their teacher’s words, stays with them, their fondness growing; that astute person is indeed devoted— knowing the teachings, they’re distinguished.

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.1 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Uruveḷakassapa Seeing the demonstrations of the renowned Gotama was not enough for me to bow to him— I was blinded by jealousy and conceit.

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

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

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

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

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 6.2 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Tekicchakāri “The rice has been harvested and gathered on the threshing-floor— but I don’t get any almsfood! How will I get by?”

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.3 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Mahānāga Whoever has no respect for their spiritual companions falls away from the true teaching, like a fish in a little puddle.

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.4 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Kulla I, Kulla, went to a charnel ground and saw a woman’s body abandoned there, dumped in a cemetery, full of worms that devoured.

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.5 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Māluṅkyaputta (1st) When a man lives heedlessly, craving grows in them like a camel’s foot creeper. They jump from one thing to the next, like a langur greedy for fruit in a forest grove.

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.6 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Sappadāsa In the twenty-five years since I went forth, I have not found peace of mind, even as long as a finger-snap.

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.7 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Kātiyāna Get up, Kātiyāna, and sit! Don’t sleep too much, be wakeful. Don’t be lazy and let the kinsman of the negligent, the King of Death, catch you in his trap.

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.8 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Migajāla It was well-taught by the Clear-eyed One, the Buddha, Kinsman of the Sun, who has transcended all fetters, and destroyed all rolling-on.

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.9 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Jenta, the High Priest’s Son I was drunk with the pride of birth and wealth and authority. I wandered about intoxicated with my own gorgeous body.

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.10 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Sumana (2nd) I was only seven years old and had just gone forth when I overcame the mighty serpent king with my psychic powers.

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.11 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Nhātakamuni “Struck by a wind ailment while dwelling in a forest grove, you’ve entered a tough resort for gathering alms— how will you get by, monk?”

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.12 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Brahmadatta Whence anger for one free of anger, tamed, living justly, freed by right knowledge, peaceful and unaffected?

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.13 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Sirimaṇḍa The rain saturates things that are covered up; it doesn’t saturate things that are open. Therefore you should open up a covered thing, so the rain will not saturate it.

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

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

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

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

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

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.14 The Book of the Sixes Chapter One Sabbakāmi This two-legged body is dirty and stinking, full of different carcasses, and oozing all over the place— but still it is cherished!

Like a lurking deer by a trick, like a fish by a hook, like a langur by tar— they trap an ordinary person.

Sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touches so delightful: these five kinds of sensual stimulation are seen in a woman’s body.

Those ordinary people, their minds full of lust, who pursue those women: they swell the horrors of the charnel ground, piling up future lives.

One who, being mindful, avoids them like a snake’s head with their foot, gets over clinging to the world.

Seeing the danger in sensual pleasures, seeing renunciation as sanctuary, I’ve escaped all sensual pleasures, and attained the ending of defilements.