Theragāthā 239

Verses of the Senior Monks 10.7

The Book of the Tens

Chapter One

Another Gotama

1 You should understand your own goal,

and consider the dispensation carefully,

as well as what’s appropriate

for one who has entered the ascetic life.

2 Good friendship in the community,

undertaking plenty of training,

eagerness to learn from the teachers—

this is appropriate for an ascetic.

3 Respect for the Buddha,

reverence for the Dhamma as it really is,

esteem for the Saṅgha—

this is appropriate for an ascetic.

4 Commitment to good conduct and alms-resort,

a livelihood that is pure and blameless,

and stilling the mind—

this is appropriate for an ascetic.

5 An impressive deportment

in things that should be done,

and in those better avoided;

commitment to the higher mind—

this is appropriate for an ascetic.

6 Wilderness lodgings,

remote and quiet,

fit for use by a sage—

this is appropriate for an ascetic.

7 Ethics, learning,

investigation of teachings in line with the truth,

and penetration of the truths—

this is appropriate for an ascetic.

8 Developing the perceptions

of impermanence, non-self, and unattractiveness,

and dissatisfaction with the whole world—

this is appropriate for an ascetic.

9 Developing the awakening factors,

the bases for psychic power, the faculties and powers,

and the noble eightfold path—

this is appropriate for an ascetic.

10 A sage should abandon craving,

defilements shattered, root and all,

they should live liberated—

this is appropriate for an ascetic.