Theragatha
Chapter XVIII — The Forties

261

Maha Kassapa Thera: At Home in the Mountains (excerpt)

Translated from the Pali by Andrew Olendzki.
For free distribution only.

 

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Andrew OlendzkiStrung with garlands of flowering vines,
This patch of earth delights the mind;
The lovely calls of elephants sound —
These rocky crags do please me so!

The shimmering hue of darkening clouds,
Cool waters in pure streams flowing;
Enveloped by Indra's ladybugs —
These rocky crags do please me so!

Like the lofty peaks of looming clouds,
Like the most refined of palaces;
The lovely calls of tuskers sound —
These rocky crags do please me so!

The lovely ground is rained upon,
The hills are full of holy seers;
Resounding with the cry of peacocks —
These rocky crags do please me so!

Being clothed in flaxen flowers,
As the sky is covered in clouds;
Strewn with flocks of various birds —
These rocky crags do please me so!

Not occupied by village folk,
But visited by herds of deer;
Strewn with flocks of various birds —
These rocky crags do please me so!

With clear waters and broad boulders,
Holding troops of monkey and deer;
Covered with moist carpets of moss —
These rocky crags do please me so!

[But] there is not so much contentment
For me in the five-fold music,
As in truly seeing Dhamma
With a well-concentrated mind.