PSALMS OF THE BRETHREN
Canto III.
Psalms of three Verses
CLXXXI
Uttarapāla
Translated from the Pali by Mrs. C.A.F. Rhys Davids.
Public Domain
Reborn in this Buddha-age at Sāvatthī in a brahmin family, he was named Uttarapāla.[1] He saw the Twin Miracle,[2] and believing, entered the Order, and pursued his studies. One day, amid desultory recollections, sensual desires beset him, but after a violent mental struggle, he arrested the corrupting moods (kilesa's), and in earnest meditation won arahantship.
Thereupon reflecting on his victory, he uttered a 'lion-roar':
[252] Me seeming wise, forsooth, and spent enough
In pondering on the things that make for good,
Me overthrew fivefold desires of sense,
Bewilderers [of the reason] of the world.
[253] Though lodged in Māra's reach, by mighty dart
Assailed, yet did my strength suffice to win
From snare set by the King of Death release.
[254] Now are all sense-desires put far away!
Now are all rebirths shattered once for aye!
Destroyed is birth-and-death's eternity!
Now cometh nevermore rebirth for me!
[1] = Guardian of the North.
[2] See p. 36, n. 1.
