Theragāthā 174

Verses of the Senior Monks 3.5

The Book of the Threes

Chapter One

Mātaṅgaputta

1 “It’s too cold, too hot,

too late,” they say.

When the young neglect their work like this,

opportunities pass them by.

2 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.

3 With my chest I’ll thrust aside

the grasses, vines, canes,

the vetiver, rushes and reeds,

and foster seclusion.