PSALMS OF THE BRETHREN
Canto I.
Psalms of Single Verses
CX
Usabha
Translated from the Pali by Mrs. C.A.F. Rhys Davids.
Public Domain
[Pali]
Reborn in this Buddha-age in a wealthy family, in the kingdom of Kosala, he found faith in the Master when the latter accepted the gift of the Jeta Grove. Finishing his novitiate, he dwelt in the forest at the foot of the mountain. Now at the time of the rains, the clouds had emptied themselves in the crests of the hills and trees; bushes and creepers became filled with dense foliage. Then the Thera, going forth one day from his cave, saw the loveliness of the woods and the mountains, and considered seriously: 'These trees and creepers are unconscious, yet by the season's fulfilment they have won growth. Why should not [100] I who have attained a suitable season win growth by good qualities?'[1] And he uttered this verse, which became his confession of aññā, for he fortnwith strove and won arahantship:
[110] The trees on high by towering cloud refreshed
With the new rain break forth in verdant growth.
To Usabha who for detachment longs,
And hath the forest sense of things,[2] doth come
[From this responsive spring] abundant good.
[1] Cf. Keble's autumnal pendant to this mood:
'Yet stay awhile and see the calm leaves float
Each to its rest beneath their parent shade,' etc.
[2] = araññasaññino.
