Theragāthā 225

Verses of the Senior Monks 7.2

The Book of the Sevens

Chapter One

Bhaddiya the Dwarf

1 Bhaddiya has plucked out craving, root and all,

and in a jungle thicket

on the far side of the Wild Mango Monastery,

he practices absorption; he is truly well-favored.

2 Some delight in clay drums,

in arched harps, and in cymbals.

But here, at the foot of a tree,

I delight in the Buddha’s teaching.

3 If the Buddha were to grant me one wish,

and I were to get what I wished for,

I’d choose for the whole world

constant mindfulness of the body.

4 Those who’ve judged me on appearance,

and those swayed by my voice,

are full of desire and greed;

they don’t know me.

5 Not knowing what’s inside,

nor seeing what’s outside,

the fool shut in on every side,

gets carried away by a voice.

6 Not knowing what’s inside,

but discerning what’s outside,

seeing the fruit outside,

they’re also carried away by a voice.

7 Understanding what’s inside,

and discerning what’s outside,

of unhindered vision,

they don’t get carried away by a voice.