PSALMS OF THE BRETHREN

Canto I.
Psalms of Single Verses

XII
Gavaccha Major

Translated from the Pali by Mrs. C.A.F. Rhys Davids.

[idx][pali]

Public Domain

 

He was reborn in this Buddha's days as the son of Samiddhi, a brahmin of the village of Nālaka in Magadha. And he entered the Order because Sāriputta^[1] had done so, and he knew that Sāriputta was very wise. After he had attained arahantship, and was enjoying the bliss of emancipation, he uttered his psalm to encourage his fellow-disciples to make efforts:

[12] In wisdom strong, guided by virtue's rule, intent,
To concentration's rapture given, yet vigilant;
Partaking of such fare as brings thee only good:
So in the faith,^[2] with passions quenched, await the hour.

 

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^[1] His fellow-townsman. See CCLIX.; Sisters, p. 98.

^[2] Idha; lit. 'here,' 'here below,' is technically used as above, and is so interpreted.