Theragāthā 186

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.1

The Book of the Fours

Chapter One

Nāgasamāla

1 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.

2 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.

3 Then the realization

came upon me—

the danger became clear,

and I grew firmly disillusioned.

4 Then my mind was freed—

behold the clear rightness of the teaching!

I’ve attained the three knowledges

and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.