An Abscess

Translated from the Pali
by Sister Upalavanna

[1[pts][than] I heard thus.

At that time The Blessed One was abiding in Sāvatthi.

'Bhikkhus, like an abscess of many years,
which has nine openings, not opened.

Whatever drips from it is excreta,
evil smell and loathsome things.

Whatever comes out of it,
is excreta,
evil smell and loathsome things.

Bhikkhus, abscess is a synonym for this body of the four great elements,
brought forth by mother and father
supported on rice and bread.

Changeful with anointing,
rubbing
abrasion
and destruction.

To that abscess there are nine openings,
not opened.

Whatever drips from it is excreta,
evil smell
and loathsome things.

Whatever comes out of it,
is excreta,
evil smell
and loathsome things.

Therefore bhikkhus, turn away from the body.'