Theragāthā 219

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.10

The Book of the Sixes

Chapter One

Sumana (2nd)

1 I was only seven years old

and had just gone forth

when I overcame the mighty serpent king

with my psychic powers.

2 I brought water for my mentor

from the great lake Anotatta.

When he saw me,

my teacher declared:

3 “Sāriputta, see this

young boy coming,

carrying a water pot,

serene inside himself.

4 His conduct inspires confidence,

he is of lovely deportment:

he is Anuruddha’s novice,

self-assured in psychic powers.

5 Made a thoroughbred by a thoroughbred,

made good by the good,

educated and trained by Anuruddha,

who has completed his task.

6 Having attained ultimate peace

and witnessed the unshakable,

that novice Sumana has the wish:

‘May no one find me out!’”