Theragāthā 240

Verses of the Senior Monks 11.1

The Book of the Elevens

Chapter One

Saṅkicca

1 “What good does it do you to be in the grove, my dear?

You’re like a little bird in the monsoon!

The city of Verambhā is nice for you—

seclusion is for meditators.”

2 “Just as the wind in Verambhā

scatters the monsoon clouds as they pour down,

so the city scatters

my perception of seclusion.”

3 “It’s all black and born of an egg—

the crow whose abode is the charnel ground

rouses my mindfulness,

based on dispassion for the body.”

4 “He who is not guarded by others,

and who does not guard others,

truly sleeps at ease, mendicant,

unconcerned for sensual pleasures.”

5 “The water’s clear and the rocks are broad,

monkeys and deer are all around;

festooned with dewy moss,

these rocky crags delight me!

6 I’ve stayed in the wilderness,

in caves and caverns

and remote lodgings

frequented by beasts of prey.

7 ‘May these beings be killed!

May they be slaughtered! May they suffer!’—

I’m not aware of having any such

ignoble, hateful thoughts.

8 I’ve served the Teacher

and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

The heavy burden is laid down,

the leash to existence is eradicated.

9 I’ve attained the goal

for the sake of which I went forth

from the lay life to homelessness—

the ending of all fetters.

10 I don’t long for death;

I don’t long for life;

I await my time,

like a worker waiting for their wages.

11 I don’t long for death;

I don’t long for life;

I await my time,

aware and mindful.”