Theragāthā
Verses of the Senior Monks
Chapter of the Fives
5.7. Gayākassapa
Three times a day—
Morning, midday, and evening—
I went down into the water at Gayā,
For the Gayā spring festival.“Whatever bad things I’ve done
In previous births,
I’ll now wash away right here”—
This is the view I previously held.Having heard the well-spoken words
Regarding the Dhamma and the goal,
I wisely reflected
On the true, essential goal.I’ve washed away all bad things
I’m stainless, cleansed, pristine;
The pure heir of the pure one,
A rightful son of the Buddha.When I plunged into the eight-fold stream,
All bad things were washed away.
I’ve attained the three knowledges,
And fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.