In the present one monk has almost given up on the struggle. The Buddha tells him a story about a forester who acted as a guide for a merchant and was willing to lay down his life to ensure his client was delivered to his destination safely.

1. “Disvā khurappe dhanuveganunne,
Khagge gahīte tikhiṇe teladhote,
Tasmiṁ bhayasmiṁ maraṇe viyūḷhe,
Kasmā nu te nāhu chambhitattan-ti.”

“Seeing arrows impelled with speed from bow, the sharp, tempered Lit: cleaned with oil, but it seems to mean they had been tempered. swords that were held aloft, when there was an imminent fear of death, why did you not speak about your terror?”

2. “Disvā khurappe dhanuveganunne,
Khagge gahīte tikhiṇe teladhote,
Tasmiṁ bhayasmiṁ maraṇe viyūḷhe,
Vedaṁ alatthaṁ vipulaṁ uḷāraṁ.

“Seeing arrows impelled with speed from bow, the sharp, tempered swords that were held aloft, when there was an imminent fear of death, I received broad, noble inspiration.

3. So vedajāto ajjhabhaviṁ amitte,
Pubbeva me jīvitam-āsi cattaṁ,
Na hi jīvite ālayaṁ kubbamāno
Sūro kayirā sūrakiccaṁ kadācī ti.”

Being inspired I conquered all my foes, formerly I abandoned this my life, being attached to his life, the hero sometimes does not do a hero’s duty.”

In this connection, I received ... inspiration means I received satisfaction and happiness.

Broad means a lot of.

Noble means supreme.

I conquered means abandoning life, I conquered.

Formerly I abandoned this my life, formerly I abandoned this my life by accepting the payment from your hand.

Being attached to his life, one who has desire for his life, sometimes does not do a man’s duty.

 

last updated: November 2022