Uruveḷakassapa (THAG6.1)

Verses of the Senior Monks 6.1

The Book of the Sixes

Chapter One

Uruveḷakassapa

Seeing the demonstrations

of the renowned Gotama

was not enough for me to bow to him—

I was blinded by jealousy and conceit.

Knowing my thoughts,

the trainer of men scolded me.

I was struck with a sense of urgency,

so astonishing and hair-raising!

Setting aside the petty powers

I had before as a matted-hair ascetic,

I then went forth

in the victor’s instruction.

I used to be content with sacrifice,

the realm of sensual pleasures was my priority.

But later I eradicated desire,

and hatred and also delusion.

I know my past lives;

my clairvoyance is clarified;

I have psychic powers, and know the minds of others;

I have attained clairaudience.

I’ve attained the goal

for the sake of which I went forth

from the lay life to homelessness—

the ending of all fetters.