Theragāthā 201

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.4

The Book of the Fives

Chapter One

Sumana (1st)

1 My mentor helped me to learn,

hoping I would practice those teachings.

Aspiring to freedom from death,

I’ve done what had to be done.

2 I’ve realized the Dhamma,

witnessing it for myself, not based on legends.

With purified knowledge, free of doubt,

I declare it in your presence.

3 I know my past lives,

my clairvoyance is purified,

I’ve realized my heart’s goal,

and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

4 Being diligent in the training,

I learned your teachings well.

All my defilements are ended;

now there’ll be no more future lives.

5 You advised me in noble observances;

sympathetic, you helped teach me.

Your instruction was not in vain—

I, your pupil, am fully trained.