This translation of the Theragāthā was made by Bhikkhu Sujato with Jessica Walton. It is based on the Mahāsaṅgīti edition of the Pali text.

The translation relies heavily on the translation and notes by K.R. Norman for the Pali Text Society, published as Elders’s Verses I, first published 1965. For a few verses we have also consulted translations by Bhikkhu Thanissaro and Bhikkhu Bodhi. In all cases, however, the final translation was made directly from the Pali text.

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Prepared for SuttaCentral by Bhikkhu Sujato.

Theragāthā

Verses of the Senior Monks

Chapter of the Twos

2.39. Usabha

I arranged a robe on my shoulder,
The colour of young mango sprouts;
Then I entered the village for alms,
While sitting on an elephant’s neck!

But when I dismounted from the elephant,
I was moved by inspiration—
At first I was burning, but then I was peaceful;
I realized the end of defilements.