Theragatha
Chapter II — Pairs of Verses

136

Mahakala

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

For free distribution only.

 

---

 

This swarthy woman
[preparing a corpse for cremation]
    -- crow-like, enormous --
breaking a thigh and then the other
    thigh,
breaking an arm and then the other
            arm,
cracking open the head,
    like a pot of curds,
she sits with them heaped up beside her.

Whoever, unknowing,
makes acquisitions
    -- the fool --
returns over and over
to suffering and stress.
So, discerning,
don't make acquisitions.
    May I never lie
    with my head cracked open
        again.