Thag 5:8 Vakkali
Stricken by sharp, wind-like pains,
you, monk, living in the forest grove
—harsh, with limited range for alms—
what, what will you do?
Suffusing my body
with abundant rapture & joy,
& enduring what’s harsh,
I’ll stay in the grove.
Developing the establishings of mindfulness,
strengths, faculties,
the factors for awakening,1
I’ll stay in the grove.
Reflecting on those who are resolute,
their persistence aroused,
constantly firm in their effort,
united in concord,
I’ll stay in the grove.
Recollecting the One Self-awakened,
self-tamed & centered,
untiring both day & night,
I’ll stay
in the grove.
Note
1. On the four establishings of mindfulness, see DN 22 and SN 47:40; on the five strengths, AN 5:2; on the five faculties, SN 48:10; and on the seven factors for awakening, SN 46:51–52.
