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Thag 6.10

Sumana (2nd)

Sumanattheragāthā

from: The Book of the Sixes

Chapter One

Sumana (2nd)

I was only seven years old
and had just gone forth
when I overcame the mighty adder king
with my psychic powers.

I brought water for my mentor
from the great lake Anotatta.
When he saw me,
my teacher declared:

“Sāriputta, see this
young boy coming,
carrying a water pot,
serene inside himself.

His conduct inspires confidence,
he is of lovely deportment:
he is Anuruddha’s novice,
assured in psychic powers.

Made a thoroughbred by a thoroughbred,
made good by the good,
educated and trained by Anuruddha,
who has completed his task.

Having attained ultimate peace
and witnessed the unshakable,
that novice Sumana has the wish:
‘May no-one find me out!’”

Translation: German (Ayyā Sabbamittā), English (Bhikkhu Sujato). Source: SuttaCentral / Bilara (public domain, CC0).

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