Vakkalittheragāthā

Theragāthā 5.8

Verses of the Senior Monks 5.8

Pañcakanipāta

The Book of the Fives

Paṭhamavagga

Chapter One

Vakkalittheragāthā

Vakkali

“Vātarogābhinīto tvaṁ,

“Struck by a wind ailment

viharaṁ kānane vane;

while dwelling in a forest grove,

Paviṭṭhagocare lūkhe,

you’ve entered a tough place for gathering alms—

kathaṁ bhikkhu karissasi”.

how will you get by, monk?”

“Pītisukhena vipulena,

“Pervading this bag of bones

pharamāno samussayaṁ;

with abundant rapture and happiness,

Lūkhampi abhisambhonto,

putting up with what’s tough,

viharissāmi kānane.

I’ll dwell in the forest.

Bhāvento satipaṭṭhāne,

Developing mindfulness meditation,

indriyāni balāni ca;

the faculties and the powers,

Bojjhaṅgāni ca bhāvento,

developing the factors of awakening,

viharissāmi kānane.

I’ll dwell in the forest.

Āraddhavīriye pahitatte,

Having seen those who are energetic, resolute,

Niccaṁ daḷhaparakkame;

always staunchly vigorous,

Samagge sahite disvā,

harmonious and united,

Viharissāmi kānane.

I’ll dwell in the forest.

Anussaranto sambuddhaṁ,

Recollecting the Buddha—

aggaṁ dantaṁ samāhitaṁ;

the best, the tamed, the serene—

Atandito rattindivaṁ,

tireless all day and night

viharissāmi kānane”ti.

I’ll dwell in the forest.”

… Vakkalitthero ….