Theragāthā 226

Verses of the Senior Monks 7.3

The Book of the Sevens

Chapter One

Bhadda

1 I was an only child,

loved by my mother and father.

They had me by practicing

many supplications and observances.

2 Out of sympathy for me

wishing me well and wanting the best for me,

my mother and father

took me to see the Buddha.

3 “We had this son with difficulty;

he is delicate and pampered.

We offer him to you, Lord,

to attend upon the victor.”

4 The teacher, having accepted me,

declared to Ānanda:

“Quickly give him the going-forth—

this one will be a thoroughbred!”

5 After he, the Teacher, had sent me forth,

the victor entered his dwelling.

Before the sun set

my mind was freed.

6 Consequently, the Teacher didn’t neglect me;

when he came out from seclusion,

he said: “Come Bhadda!”

That was my ordination.

7 At seven years old

I received ordination.

I’ve attained the three knowledges;

oh, the clear rightness of the teaching!