Rāhula (THAG4.8)

Verses of the Senior Monks 4.8

The Book of the Fours

Chapter One

Rāhula

I am known as “Fortunate Rāhula”,

because I’m accomplished in both ways:

I am the son of the Buddha,

whose eye sees clearly in all things.

Since my defilements have ended,

since there are no more future lives—

I’m perfected, worthy of offerings,

master of the three knowledges, seer of freedom from death.

Blinded by sensual pleasures, trapped in a net,

they are smothered over by craving;

bound by the kinsman of the negligent,

like a fish caught in a funnel-net trap.

Having thrown off those sensual pleasures,

having cut Māra’s bond,

and having plucked out craving, root and all:

I’m cooled, quenched.