Theragatha
Chapter VI — The Sixes
219
Sumana the Novice
Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.
When I was seven
and newly gone forth,
having conquered with my power
the great powerful serpent,
I was fetching water for my preceptor
from the great lake, Anotatta,[1]
when the Teacher saw me and said:
"Look, Sāriputta, at that one,
the young boy coming there,
carrying a pot of water,
well-centered within,
his practices -- inspiring;
his bearing -- admirable.
He's Anuruddha's novice,
mature in his powers,
made thoroughbred by a thoroughbred,
good by one who is good,
tamed by Anuruddha,
trained by one whose task
is done.
He, having reached the highest peace
and realized the unshakable,
Sumana the novice
wants this:
'Don't let anyone know me.'"
[1]Anotatta: A fabulous lake located in the Himalayas, famed for the purity of its cool waters. Sumana would have had to use his psychic powers to fetch water from there.
