Theragāthā 5.8
Translators: sujato
Verses of the Senior Monks 5.8
Pañcakanipāta
The Book of the Fives
Paṭhamavagga
Chapter One
Vakkalittheragāthā
Vakkali
“Vātarogābhinīto tvaṁ,
“Struck by a wind ailment
viharaṁ kānane vane;
while dwelling in a forest grove,
Paviṭṭhagocare lūkhe,
you’ve entered a tough place for gathering alms—
kathaṁ bhikkhu karissasi”.
how will you get by, monk?”
“Pītisukhena vipulena,
“Pervading this bag of bones
pharamāno samussayaṁ;
with abundant rapture and happiness,
Lūkhampi abhisambhonto,
putting up with what’s tough,
viharissāmi kānane.
I’ll dwell in the forest.
Bhāvento satipaṭṭhāne,
Developing mindfulness 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,
Niccaṁ daḷhaparakkame;
always staunchly vigorous,
Samagge sahite disvā,
harmonious and united,
Viharissāmi kānane.
I’ll dwell in the forest.
Anussaranto sambuddhaṁ,
Recollecting the Buddha—
aggaṁ dantaṁ samāhitaṁ;
the best, the tamed, the serene—
Atandito rattindivaṁ,
tireless all day and night
viharissāmi kānane”ti.
I’ll dwell in the forest.”
… Vakkalitthero ….