Theragāthā 196

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.11

The Book of the Fours

Chapter One

Sappaka

1 When the crane with its beautiful white wings,

startled by fear of the dark cloud,

flees, seeking shelter—

then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me.

2 When the crane, so very pure and white,

startled by fear of the dark rcloud,

seeks a cave to shelter in, but can’t see one—

then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me.

3 Who wouldn’t be delighted

by the black plum trees

that grace both banks of the river,

there, behind my cave?

4 Well rid of the pack of jackals,

mad for the dead,

the lazy frogs croak:

“Today is no time to stray from mountain streams;

Ajakaraṇī is safe, pleasant, and delightful.”