• Verses of the Senior Monks 4.11 Theragāthā 4.11
  • The Book of the Fours Catukkanipāta
  • Chapter One Paṭhamavagga

Sappaka Sappakattheragāthā

When the crane with its beautiful white wings, “Yadā balākā sucipaṇḍaracchadā, startled by fear of the dark cloud, Kāḷassa meghassa bhayena tajjitā; flees, seeking shelter—Palehiti ālayamālayesinī, then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me. Tadā nadī ajakaraṇī rameti maṁ.

When the crane, so pure and white, Yadā balākā suvisuddhapaṇḍarā, startled by fear of the dark rcloud, Kāḷassa meghassa bhayena tajjitā; seeks a cave to shelter in, but can’t see one—Pariyesati leṇamaleṇadassinī, then the River Ajakaraṇī delights me. Tadā nadī ajakaraṇī rameti maṁ.

Who wouldn’t be delighted Kaṁ nu tattha na ramenti, by the black plum trees jambuyo ubhato tahiṁ; that adorn both banks of the river, Sobhenti āpagākūlaṁ, there, behind my cave? mama leṇassa pacchato.

Rid of snakes, that death-mad swarm, Tāmatamadasaṅghasuppahīnā, the lazy frogs croak: Bhekā mandavatī panādayanti; “Today isn’t the time to stray from mountain streams; ‘Nājja girinadīhi vippavāsasamayo, Ajakaraṇī is safe, pleasant, and delightful.” Khemā ajakaraṇī sivā surammā’”ti.

… Sappako thero ….