Sappaka (THAG4.11)

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.11

The Book of the Fours

Chapter One

Sappaka

When the crane with its beautiful white wings,

startled by fear of the dark cloud,

flees, seeking shelter—

then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me.

When the crane, so very pure and white,

startled by fear of the dark rcloud,

seeks a cave to shelter in, but can’t see one—

then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me.

Who wouldn’t be delighted

by the black plum trees

that grace both banks of the river,

there, behind my cave?

Well rid of the pack of jackals, mad for the dead,¹

the lazy frogs croak:

“Today is no time to stray from mountain streams;

Ajakaraṇī is safe, pleasant, and delightful.”