PSALMS OF THE BRETHREN
Canto I.
Psalms of Single Verses
XCIX
Uttiya
Translated from the Pali by Mrs. C.A.F. Rhys Davids.
Public Domain
Reborn in this Buddha-age at Kapilavatthu in the family of a Sakiyan rāja, he was named Uttiya.[1] Come to years of discretion, he witnessed the power of the Buddha when the latter came to visit his kin,[2] believed in him, and entered the Order. As a student he visited the village one day for alms, and on the way he heard a woman singing, and his concentration gave way, desire and passion arising in him. Checking himself by the power of reflection, he [93] entered the Vihāra much agitated, and seating himself for siesta-meditation, he so developed insight that he won arahantship. Thereupon he mentioned his release from the ills of rebirth, through disgust at the corruptions, in this verse:
[99] Sound of sweet voice bewildering self-control,
If one but think upon the image dear,
The heart inflamed in feeling doth o'erflow
And clinging stayeth. Thus in him do grow
The deadly taints that bring Saṅsāra[3] near.
[1] The Commentary (Br.) has both Uttiya and Uttariya.
Saṅsāra. Saṅ = on, own, with, one's own; sarati: to go, flow, run, move along. On-flow, own-flow. Another case where the 'saṅ' would be well-served by being translated 'own'. The identification with an aspect (a living being) in the on going flow of existence.
— p.p.
[3] Pronounced Sangsara, 'continual going'; the stream or cycle of rebirth, new life and death.
