Theragāthā

Verses of the Senior Monks

Chapter of the Threes

3.1. Aṅgaṇika­bhārad­vāja

Seeking purity the wrong way,
I worshipped the sacred fire in a grove.
Not knowing the path to purity,
I mortified my flesh in search of immortality.

I’ve gained this happiness by means of happiness:
See the excellence of the Dhamma!
I’ve attained the three knowledges,
And fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

In the past I was related to Brahmā,
But now I’m really a brahmin:
I have the three knowledges, I’m cleansed,
I’m an initiate, and I’m accomplished in sacred knowledge.