Khuddaka Nikāya


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PSALMS OF THE BRETHREN

Canto III.
Psalms of three Verses

CLXXXI
Uttarapāla

Translated from the Pali by Mrs. C.A.F. Rhys Davids.

Public Domain

[idx][Pali]

 

Reborn in this Buddha-age at Sāvatthī in a brahmin family, he was named Uttarapāla.[1] He saw the Twin Miracle,[2] and believing, entered the Order, and pursued his studies. One day, amid desultory recollections, sensual desires beset him, but after a violent mental struggle, he arrested the corrupting moods (kilesa's), and in earnest meditation won arahantship.

Thereupon reflecting on his victory, he uttered a 'lion-roar':

[252] Me seeming wise, forsooth, and spent enough
In pondering on the things that make for good,
Me overthrew fivefold desires of sense,
Bewilderers [of the reason] of the world.

[253] Though lodged in Māra's reach, by mighty dart
Assailed, yet did my strength suffice to win
From snare set by the King of Death release.

[254] Now are all sense-desires put far away!
Now are all rebirths shattered once for aye!
Destroyed is birth-and-death's eternity!
Now cometh nevermore rebirth for me!

 


[1] = Guardian of the North.

[2] See p. 36, n. 1.

 


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