The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Subhūti

thag1.1:1 Background Homage to him, the blessed one, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha! Like the lions of mighty fang who roar in mountain caves— hear now from those who’ve practiced well their own verses about themselves.

thag1.1:2 What their name, and what their clan, and how they lived by the teaching; how dedicated were those wise ones, as they meditated tirelessly.

thag1.1:3 Clearly discerning in every case, they reached the state that does not pass. Reviewing their completed task, they spoke about it in these words.

Subhūti

thag1.1:4 My hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind: so rain, heavens, as you please! My mind is serene and freed, I practice wholeheartedly: so rain, heavens! That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Subhūti.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Mahākoṭṭhita

thag1.2:1 Calm and still, thoughtful in counsel, not restless— he shakes off bad qualities as the gale shakes leaves off a tree. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Mahākoṭṭhita.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Revata the Doubter

thag1.3:1 See this wisdom of the Realized Ones! Like a fire blazing in the night, giving light, giving vision, they dispel the doubt of those who’ve come. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Revata the Doubter.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Puṇṇa (1st)

thag1.4:1 Associate only with the virtuous, the astute ones who see the goal. The attentive ones, diligent and clear-seeing, realize the goal so great and profound, hard to see, subtle, and very fine. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Puṇṇa son of Mantāṇī.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Dabba

thag1.5:1 Once hard to tame, now tamed himself; proficient, content, with doubt overcome; victorious since his fears have vanished: Dabba is steadfast, and has become fully quenched. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Dabba.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Sītavaniya

thag1.6:1 The monk who went to the Cool Grove is solitary, content and serene, victorious, with goosebumps vanished, guarding mindfulness of the body, steadfast. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Sītavaniya.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Bhalliya

thag1.7:1 He has cast aside the army of the King of Death, as a fragile bridge of reeds by a great flood. Victorious since his fears have vanished: tame and steadfast, he has become quenched. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Bhalliya.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Vīra

thag1.8:1 Once hard to tame, now tamed himself; a hero, content, with doubt overcome; victorious, with goosebumps vanished, Vīra is steadfast, and has become fully quenched. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Vīra.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Pilindavaccha

thag1.9:1 It was welcome, not unwelcome, the advice I got was good. Of the well-explained teachings, I arrived at the best. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Pilindavaccha.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter One

Puṇṇamāsa (1st)

thag1.10:1 A knowledge master, peaceful and self-controlled, is rid of concern for this world and the world beyond. Unsullied in the midst of all things, they’d know the arising and passing of the world. That is how this verse was recited by the senior venerable Puṇṇamāsa.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

Cūḷavaccha

thag1.11:1 A monk full of joy in the teaching proclaimed by the Buddha would realize the peaceful state, the blissful stilling of conditions.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

Mahāvaccha

thag1.12:1 Empowered by wisdom, <j>with precepts and observances intact, serene, loving absorption, mindful, eating just the needed food, one should await one’s time here, free of desire.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

Vanavaccha (1st)

thag1.13:1 Glistening, they look like blue stormclouds, with waters cool and streams so clear, and covered all in ladybugs: these rocky crags delight me!

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

The Novice Sivaka

thag1.14:1 My mentor said to me: “Let’s leave here, Sīvaka.” My body lives in the village, but my mind has gone to the wilderness. I go there even when lying down— you can’t chain those who know.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

Kuṇḍadhāna

thag1.15:1 Five to cut, five to drop, and five more to develop. When a mendicant slips five chains they’re said to have crossed the flood.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

Belaṭṭhasīsa

thag1.16:1 Just as a fine thoroughbred proceeds with ease, tail and mane flying in the wind; so my days and nights proceed with ease, full of joy not of the flesh.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

Dāsaka

thag1.17:1 One who gets drowsy from overeating, fond of sleep, rolling round the bed like a great hog stuffed with grain: that dullard returns to the womb again and again.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

Sigāla’s Father

thag1.18:1 There was an heir of the Buddha, a monk in Bhesakaḷā forest, who suffused the entire earth with the perception of bones. I think he will quickly get rid of sensual desire.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

Kula

thag1.19:1 While irrigators guide water, fletchers bend arrows straight, and carpenters bend timber straight, those true to their vows tame themselves.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Two

Ajita

thag1.20:1 I do not fear death; nor do I long for life. I’ll lay down this body, aware and mindful.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Nigrodha

thag1.21:1 I’m not afraid of fear, for our teacher is expert in freedom from death. Mendicants advance by the path where no fear remains.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Cittaka

thag1.22:1 Crested peacocks with beautiful blue necks cry out in Karaṁvī. Stirred by a cool breeze, they wake the sleeper to practice absorption.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Gosāla

thag1.23:1 I’ll eat honey and milk-rice in Veḷugumba. And then, dexterously probing the rise and fall of the aggregates, I’ll return to my forest hill and foster seclusion.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Sugandha

thag1.24:1 See the excellence of the teaching! Just one rainy season after I went forth, I attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Nandiya

thag1.25:1 Dark One, after attacking such a monk— one who has arrived at the fruit, and whose mind is always full of light— you’ll fall into suffering.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Abhaya

thag1.26:1 Having heard the fine words of the Buddha, Kinsman of the Sun, I penetrated the subtle truth, like a hair-tip with an arrow.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Lomasakaṅgiya

thag1.27:1 With my chest I’ll thrust aside the grasses, vines, canes, the vetiver, rushes and reeds, and foster seclusion.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Jambugāmikaputta

thag1.28:1 Aren’t you obsessed with clothes? Don’t you just love jewelry? Is it not you—and no one else— who spreads the scent of virtue?

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Hārita (1st)

thag1.29:1 Straighten yourself, like a fletcher an arrow. When your mind is upright, Hārita, break ignorance to bits!

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Three

Uttiya (1st)

thag1.30:1 When I was ill in the past, mindfulness arose in me. Now I am ill once more— it’s time for me to be heedful.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Gahvaratīriya

thag1.31:1 Pestered by flies and mosquitoes in the wilds, the formidable forest, one should mindfully endure, like an elephant at the head of the battle.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Suppiya

thag1.32:1 I’ll swap old age for the unaging, burning for quenching— the ultimate peace, the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Sopāka (1st)

thag1.33:1 Just as a mother would be good to her beloved only child; so, to creatures all and everywhere, let one be good.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Posiya

thag1.34:1 It’s always better for a smart person to avoid sharing a seat with such women. I went from the village to the wilderness; from there I entered a house. Though I was there to be fed, I got up and left without taking leave.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Sāmaññakāni

thag1.35:1 Seeking happiness, they find it through this practice. They get a good reputation and grow in fame, those who develop the direct route: the noble eightfold path to realize freedom from death.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Kumāputta

thag1.36:1 Learning is good, living well is good, the life without abode is always good. Questions on the meaning, actions that are skillful: this is the ascetic life for one who has nothing.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Kumāputtasahāyaka

thag1.37:1 Some travel to different countries, wandering undisciplined. If they lose their meditation, what will such rotten conduct achieve? So you should dispel aggression, practicing absorption undistracted.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Gavampati

thag1.38:1 His psychic power made the Sarabhū River stand still; Gavampati is unbound and unperturbed. The angels honor that great sage, <j>who has slipped all chains, and attained salvation.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Tissa (1st)

thag1.39:1 Like they’re struck by a sword, like their head was on fire, a mendicant should wander mindful to give up sensual desire.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Four

Vaḍḍhamāna

thag1.40:1 Like they’re struck by a sword, like their head was on fire, a mendicant should wander mindful, to give up craving for worldly life.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Sirivaḍḍha

thag1.41:1 Lightning flashes down on the cleft of Vebhāra and Paṇḍava. But in the mountain cleft he is absorbed in jhāna— the son of the Buddha, inimitable and unaffected.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Revata of the Acacia Wood

thag1.42:1 Cālā, Upacālā, Sīsupacālā— meditate mindfully! I’ve come to you like a hair-splitter.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Sumaṅgala

thag1.43:1 Well freed! Well freed! I’m very well freed from three crooked things: my sickles, my ploughs, and my little hoes. Even if they were here, right here— I’d be done with them, done! Practice absorption Sumaṅgala! <j>Practice absorption Sumaṅgala! Stay heedful, Sumaṅgala!

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Sānu

thag1.44:1 Mum, they weep for the dead, or for one who’s alive but missing. I’m alive and you can see me, so mum, why do you weep for me?

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Ramaṇīyavihārin

thag1.45:1 Though a fine thoroughbred may stumble, it soon stands firm again. Even so is one accomplished in vision, a disciple of the Buddha.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Samiddhi

thag1.46:1 I went forth out of faith from the lay life to homelessness. My mindfulness and wisdom have grown, my mind is serene. Make whatever illusions you want, it doesn’t bother me.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Ujjaya

thag1.47:1 Homage to you, O Buddha, O hero, freed in every way! Meditating in the fruits of your practice, I live without defilements.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Sañjaya

thag1.48:1 Since I went forth from the lay life to homelessness, I’ve not been aware of any thought that is ignoble and hateful.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Rāmaṇeyyaka

thag1.49:1 Even with all the sounds, the chirping and cheeping of the birds, my mind doesn’t flounder, for I’m devoted to oneness.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Five

Vimala (1st)

thag1.50:1 The celestial lake Dharaṇī pours, <j>the heavenly gale blows, and lightning flashes across the sky! But my thoughts are stilled, my mind is serene.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Godhika

thag1.51:1 The heavens rain like a sweet song; my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. My mind is serene: so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Subāhu

thag1.52:1 The heavens rain like a sweet song; my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. My mind is immersed in my body: so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Valliya (1st)

thag1.53:1 The heavens rain like a sweet song; my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. I meditate there, diligent: so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Uttiya (2nd)

thag1.54:1 The heavens rain like a sweet song; my hut is roofed and pleasant, sheltered from the wind. I dwell there without a partner: so rain forth, heavens, if you wish.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Añjanavaniya

thag1.55:1 I plunged into the Añjana wood and made a hut to live in. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Kuṭivihārin (1st)

thag1.56:1 “Who is in this hut?” “A monk is in this hut, free of lust, his mind serene. Reverend, you should know this: your hut wasn’t built in vain.”

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Kuṭivihārin (2nd)

thag1.57:1 This was your old hut, but you still want a new hut. Let go of hope for a hut, monk! A new hut will only bring more suffering.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Ramaṇīyakuṭika

thag1.58:1 My hut is pleasing, delightful, a gift given in faith. I’ve no need of girls: go, ladies, to those in need!

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Kosalavihārin

thag1.59:1 I went forth out of faith and built a hut in the wilderness. I’m heedful, ardent, aware, and mindful.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Six

Sīvali

thag1.60:1 My wishes—the purpose I had for entering this hut—came true. Seeking knowledge and liberation, I gave up the tendency to conceit.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Vappa

thag1.61:1 One who sees sees those who see and those who don’t. One who doesn’t see sees neither.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Vajjiputta (1st)

thag1.62:1 We dwell alone in the wilderness, like a log dumped in a forest. Lots of people are jealous of me, as beings in hell are of one going to heaven.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Pakkha

thag1.63:1 They fall, collapsed and fallen; greedy, they return. The work is done, the joyful is enjoyed, happiness is found through happiness.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Vimalakoṇḍañña

thag1.64:1 I arose from the one named after a tree; I was born of the one whose banner shines. The banner killer has destroyed the great banner, by means of the banner itself.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Ukkhepakatavaccha

thag1.65:1 Vaccha has tossed away what he built over many years. Sitting comfortably, uplifted with joy, he teaches this to householders.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Meghiya

thag1.66:1 He counseled me, the great hero, the one who has gone beyond all things. When I heard his teaching I stayed close by him, mindful. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Ekadhammasavanīya

thag1.67:1 My defilements have been burnt away <j>by practicing absorption— craving for all states of existence is eradicated, the bondage of worldly life is finished, now I await only my return to God.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Ekudāniya

thag1.68:1 A sage of higher consciousness, diligent, training in the ways of sagacity: there are no sorrows for the unaffected, calm and ever mindful.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Channa

thag1.69:1 Hearing the sweet Dhamma taught by the master, all-knowing, of superb knowledge, I’ve entered the path to realize freedom from death— he is the expert on the road to sanctuary from the yoke.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Seven

Puṇṇa (2nd)

thag1.70:1 Ethical conduct is best in this life, but one with wisdom is supreme. Someone with both virtue and wisdom is victorious among men and angels.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Vacchapāla

thag1.71:1 For one who sees the meaning <j>so very subtle and fine; who is skilled in thought and placid in manner; who has cultivated mature ethics, it’s not hard to gain extinguishment.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Ātuma

thag1.72:1 A young bamboo is hard to extract when the point is grown and become all woody. That’s how I feel with the wife <j>who was arranged for me. Give me permission—now I’ve gone forth.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Māṇava

thag1.73:1 Seeing an old person, and one suffering from disease, and a corpse come to the end of life, I went forth, becoming a wanderer, and giving up the pleasures of the senses.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Suyāmana

thag1.74:1 Sensual desire, ill will, dullness and drowsiness, restlessness, and doubt are not found in a monk at all.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Susārada

thag1.75:1 Good is the sight of those who’ve practiced well: doubt is cut off and intelligence grows— even a fool grows wise! That’s why it’s good to meet good people.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Piyañjaha

thag1.76:1 Settle down when others spring up; spring up when others settle down. Remain when others have departed; don’t delight when others delight.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Hatthārohaputta

thag1.77:1 In the past my mind wandered how it wished, where it liked, as it pleased. Now I’ll carefully guide it, as a trainer with a hook guides a rutting elephant.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Meṇḍasira

thag1.78:1 Wandering long in error, I’ve journeyed without reward. I’ve suffered, but now the mass of suffering has fallen away.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Rakkhita

thag1.79:1 All my lust is given up, all my hate is eradicated, all my delusion is gone: I’m cooled, quenched.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eight

Ugga

thag1.80:1 Any deeds I have done, a little or a lot, are all completely exhausted: now I await only my return to God.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Samitigutta

thag1.81:1 Any bad things I’ve done in previous lives, are to be experienced right here, not in any other place.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Kassapa

thag1.82:1 Go, child, to any place where there’s plenty of food, where it’s safe and free of peril— may you not be overcome by sorrow!

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Sīha

thag1.83:1 Meditate diligently, Sīha, tireless all day and night. Develop skillful qualities, and quickly discard this bag of bones.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Nīta

thag1.84:1 Sleeping all night, happily socializing by day, when will the simpleton make an end of suffering?

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Sunāga

thag1.85:1 Skilled in the patterns of the mind, understanding the nectar of seclusion, practicing absorption, alert, mindful: such a person would realize pleasure not of the flesh.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Nāgita

thag1.86:1 Elsewhere there are many other doctrines; paths that, unlike this, don’t lead to extinguishment. For the Buddha himself instructs the Saṅgha; the Teacher shows the palms of his hands.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Paviṭṭha

thag1.87:1 The aggregates are seen as they truly are; all bonds of becoming are shattered; the bondage of worldly life is finished; now I await only my return to God.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Ajjuna

thag1.88:1 I was able to lift myself up from the water to the shore. While being swept away by the great flood, I penetrated the truths.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Devasabha (1st)

thag1.89:1 I’ve crossed the bogs, I’ve avoided the chasms, I’m freed from floods and ties, and I’ve wiped out all conceit.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Nine

Sāmidatta

thag1.90:1 The five aggregates are fully understood; they remain, but their root is cut. The bondage of worldly life is finished, now I await only my return to God.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Paripuṇṇaka

thag1.91:1 What I consumed today is considered better than delicious grain of a hundred flavors— the Dhamma taught by the Buddha, Gotama of infinite vision.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Vijaya

thag1.92:1 One whose defilements have ended; who’s not attached to food; whose range is the liberation of the signless and the empty: their track is hard to trace, like birds in the sky.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Eraka

thag1.93:1 Sensual pleasures are suffering, Eraka! Sensual pleasures aren’t happiness, Eraka! One who enjoys sensual pleasures enjoys suffering, Eraka! One who doesn’t enjoy sensual pleasures doesn’t enjoy suffering, Eraka!

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Mettaji

thag1.94:1 Homage to that Blessed One, the glorious Sakyan! Having reached the best, he beautifully taught the best teaching.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Cakkhupāla

thag1.95:1 I’m blind, my eyes are ruined, I’m traveling a desolate road. Even if I have to crawl I’ll keep going— though not with wicked companions.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Khaṇḍasumana

thag1.96:1 I offered a single flower and then was rewarded with delight in the Garden for a very long time; with what’s left over I’ve become quenched.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Tissa (2nd)

thag1.97:1 Giving up a hundred ounces of bronze, and a hundred grains of gold, I took a bowl made of clay: this is my second initiation.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Abhaya

thag1.98:1 When you see a sight, mindfulness is lost as you focus on a pleasant feature. Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, you keep clinging to it. Your defilements grow, leading to the root of misery.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Uttiya (3rd)

thag1.99:1 When you hear a sound, mindfulness is lost as you focus on a pleasant feature. Experiencing it with a mind full of desire, you keep clinging to it. Your defilements grow, leading to ruin.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Ten

Devasabha (2nd)

thag1.100:1 Accomplished in the four right efforts, mindfulness meditation is your range; festooned with the flowers of liberation, undefiled, you’ll be fully quenched.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Belaṭṭhānika

thag1.101:1 He’s given up the household life, <j>but is far from perfect. Living for his belly, lazy, <j>he uses his snout as a plow, like a great hog stuffed with grain. That dullard returns again and again to his folly.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Setuccha

thag1.102:1 Deceived by conceit, defiled among conditions, oppressed by gain and loss, they don’t reach immersion.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Bandhura

thag1.103:1 I have no need of this— I’m happy and satisfied with the sweet teaching. I’ve drunk the best, the supreme nectar: I won’t go near poison.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Khitaka

thag1.104:1 Hey! My body is light, full of so much rapture and happiness. My body feels like it’s floating, like cotton in a gale.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Malitavambha

thag1.105:1 Dissatisfied, one should not stay; and even if happy, one should leave. One who sees clearly wouldn’t stay in a place that was not conducive to the goal.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Suhemanta

thag1.106:1 Though the meaning has a hundred facets, and bears a hundred characteristics, the simpleton sees only one factor, while the sage sees a hundred.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Dhammasava

thag1.107:1 After investigating, I went forth from the lay life to homelessness. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Dhammasavapitu

thag1.108:1 At 120 years old I went forth to homelessness. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Saṅgharakkhita

thag1.109:1 Even on retreat he doesn’t heed the counsel of the one with supreme compassion for his welfare. He lives with unrestrained faculties, like a young deer in the woods.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Eleven

Usabha (1st)

thag1.110:1 The trees on the mountain tops have grown tall, freshly sprinkled by towering clouds. For Usabha, who loves seclusion, <j>and who thinks only of wilderness, goodness flourishes more and more.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Jenta

thag1.111:1 Going forth is hard; living at home is hard; Dhamma is profound; money is hard to come by. Getting by is difficult for we <j>who accept whatever comes, so we should always think about impermanence.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Vacchagotta

thag1.112:1 I am a master of the three knowledges, <j>I’m a great meditator, an expert in serenity of heart. I’ve realized my heart’s goal and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Vanavaccha (2nd)

thag1.113:1 The water’s clear and the rocks are broad, monkeys and deer are all around; festooned with dewy moss, these rocky crags delight me!

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Adhimutta (1st)

thag1.114:1 Your body is uncomfortably heavy, and life is running out; greedy for physical pleasure, how can you find happiness as an ascetic?

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Mahānāma

thag1.115:1 By Mount Nesādaka, with its famous covering of abundant shrubs and trees, you’re found deficient.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Pārāsariya (1st)

thag1.116:1 I’ve given up the six spheres of sense-contact, my sense doors are guarded and well restrained; I’ve ejected the root of gloom and attained the ending of defilements.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Yasa

thag1.117:1 I’m well-anointed and well-dressed, adorned with all my jewelry. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Kimbila (1st)

thag1.118:1 Old age falls like a curse; it’s the same body, but it seems like someone else’s. I remember myself as if I were someone else, but I’m still the same, I haven’t been away.

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Vajjiputta (2nd)

thag1.119:1 You’ve left for the jungle, the root of a tree, having laid extinguishment in your heart. Meditate, Gotama, don’t be negligent! What use is this hullabaloo to you?

The Book of the Ones

Chapter Twelve

Isidatta

thag1.120:1 The five aggregates are fully understood, they remain, but their root is cut. I have reached the end of suffering and attained the ending of defilements.