When I first saw the Teacher
who fears nothing from any quarter,
I was struck with a sense of urgency,
seeing the supreme among men.
Anyone who, having found such a Teacher,
would lose them again,
is like one who, when approached by Lady Luck,
would ward her off with their hands and feet.
Then I left behind my children and wives,
my riches and my grain;
I had my hair and beard cut off,
and went forth to homelessness.
Endowed with the monastic training and livelihood,
my sense faculties well-restrained,
paying homage to the Buddha,
I meditated undefeated.
Then a wish occurred to me,
my heart’s truest wish:
I wouldn’t sit down, not even for a short while,
until the dart of craving was plucked.
As I meditate like this,
see my energy and vigor!
I’ve attained the three knowledges,
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.
I know my past lives,
my clairvoyance is clarified;
I’m perfected, worthy of offerings,
liberated, free of attachments.
Then, at the end of the night,
as the rising of the sun drew near,
all craving was dried up,
so I sat down cross-legged.