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thig.5.10 Therigatha

Patacara

[I thought:]
"Plowing the field with plows,
sowing the ground with seed,
supporting their wives & children,
young men gather up wealth.

So why is it that I,
consummate in virtue,
a doer of the teacher's bidding,
don't gain Unbinding?
I'm not lazy or proud."

Washing my feet, I noticed
the water.
And in watching it flow from high
to low,

my heart was composed
like a fine thoroughbred steed.
Then taking a lamp, I entered the hut,
checked the bedding,
sat down on the bed.

And taking a pin, I pulled out the wick:
Like the flame's unbinding
was the liberation
of awareness.

- Translator: Thanissaro Bhikkhu

- Editor: Ayya Kathrin Vimalañāṇī