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← Theragāthā

The Novice Sivaka

Thag 1.14 · Sivakasāmaṇeragāthā

Rain nourishes small fern shoots growing from dark woodland soil.

My mentor said to me: “Let’s leave here, Sīvaka.” My body lives in the village, but my mind has gone to the wilderness. I go there even when lying down—you can’t chain those who know.

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About this edition

Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato and Jessica Walton · SuttaCentral · CC0

This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.

Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.

The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.