Theragāthā 238

Verses of the Senior Monks 10.6

The Book of the Tens

Chapter One

Upasena son of Vaṅgantā

1 In order to go on retreat,

a monk should stay in lodgings

that are secluded and quiet,

frequented by beasts of prey.

2 Having gathered scraps from rubbish heaps,

cemeteries and streets,

and making an outer robe from them,

one should wear that coarse robe.

3 Humbling their heart,

a mendicant should walk for alms

from family to family indiscriminately,

with sense doors guarded, well-restrained.

4 They should be content even with coarse food,

not hoping for lots of flavors.

The mind that’s greedy for flavors

doesn’t enjoy absorption.

5 With few wishes, content,

a sage should live secluded,

mixing with neither

householders nor the homeless.

6 They should present themselves

as if stupid or dumb;

an astute person would not speak overly long

in the midst of the Saṅgha.

7 They would not insult anyone,

and would avoid causing damage.

Restrained in the monastic code,

they would eat in moderation.

8 Expert in the arising of thought,

they would grasp well the pattern of the mind.

They would be devoted to practicing

serenity and discernment at the right time.

9 Though endowed with energy and persistence,

and always devoted to meditation,

a wise person would not be too sure of themselves,

until they have attained the end of suffering.

10 For a mendicant who meditates in this way,

longing for purification,

all their defilements wither away,

and they realize quenching.