Theragatha
Chapter III — The Threes

174

Matangaputta

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

For free distribution only.

 

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It's too cold,
too hot,
too late in the evening --
people who say this,
shirking their work:
    the moment passes them by.
Whoever regards cold and heat
as no more than grass,
doing his manly duties,
    won't fall away
    from ease.
With my chest
I push through wild grasses --
    spear-grass,
    ribbon-grass,
    rushes --
cultivating
        a seclusion heart.