Verses of the Senior Monks 4.1

The Book of the Fours

Chapter One

Nāgasamāla

Adorned with jewelry and all dressed up,
with garlands, and sandalwood makeup piled on,
along the main street is a lady—
a dancer dancing as the music plays.

I entered for alms,
and while walking along I glanced at her,
adorned with jewelry and all dressed up,
like a snare of death laid down.

Then the realization
came upon me—
the danger became clear,
and I grew firmly disillusioned.

Then my mind was freed—
see the excellence of the teaching!
I’ve attained the three knowledges
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.