23. Self (Atma) (UV-KG23)

Learn what has been well explained, associate only with Śramanas, (live) in seclusion and with only a single mat, and thy mind will be at rest.

He who has but a single mat, one resting-place (the earth?), who is without indolence, who dwells alone in a forest, he will learn to control himself.

He who conquers a thousand times a thousand men in battle, a greater conqueror than he is he who conquers himself.

He who by continual control has conquered himself has by this one conquest gained so great a victory that that over the rest of mankind could not add to it.

The Bhixu who has conquered through knowledge, Māra and Brahmā cannot defeat him, nor can a Deva or a Gandharva.

If one in the first place has done that which is right, he can afterwards discipline others to be like himself; if one in the first place has done that which is right, afterwards the wise man and those he shall have disciplined will be free from suffering.

If a man make others as he has made himself, then, being subdued and at rest, he can educate others to be happy.

If a man would make others as he has made himself, ah! let yourself be well subdued, for it is difficult to subdue one's self.

One must give up what is beneficial to the multitude for what is for one's own good; when one has found that which is so greatly beneficial to himself, let him make his own welfare his chief concern.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? The wise man who has become master of himself finds great profit.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? The wise man who has become master of himself finds the law.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? The wise man who has become master of himself finds what is glorious.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? The wise man who has become master of himself finds happiness.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? The wise man who has become master of himself finds how to reach felicity.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? The wise man who has become master of himself will find joy for a long time in heaven.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? The wise man who has become master of himself is a beacon to his relatives.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? He who has become master of himself will find no pain in the midst of sorrow.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? He who has become master of himself cuts off all bonds.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? He who has become master of himself casts off all evil births.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? He who has become master of himself finds a patron in himself.

Self is the lord of self; what other lord could there be? He who becomes master of himself draws nigh unto nirvāṇa itself (or unto the real destruction of sorrow).

Chapter on “The Self,” the Twenty-third.

Translated by Woodville Rockhill.

1975, Udânavarga: a collection of verses from the Buddhist canon compiled by Dharmatrâta, Oriental Press, Amsterdam (reprint of original from 1883).

Translated (into Tibetan) by the Indian Pandit Vidyaprabhakara and the Lotsāva Bande-rin-tchen-mtchog; revised and arranged by the corrector, the Lotsāva Bande-dpal-brtsegs.

Original taken from University of Oslo, faculty of humanities.

Prepared for SuttaCentral by Yasoj and Ayya Vimala.