In order to go on retreat, a monk should stay in lodgings that are secluded and quiet, frequented by beasts of prey.
Having gathered scraps from rubbish heaps, cemeteries and streets, and making an outer robe from them, one should wear that coarse robe.
Humbling their heart, a mendicant should walk for alms from family to family indiscriminately, with sense doors guarded, well-restrained.
They should be content even with coarse food, not hoping for lots of flavors. The mind that’s greedy for flavors doesn’t enjoy absorption.
With few wishes, content, a sage should live secluded, mixing with neither householders nor the homeless.
They should present themselves as if stupid or dumb; an astute person would not speak overly long in the midst of the Saṅgha.
They would not insult anyone, and would avoid causing damage. Restrained in the monastic code, they would eat in moderation.
Expert in the arising of thought, they would grasp well the pattern of the mind. They would be devoted to practicing serenity and discernment at the right time.
Though endowed with energy and persistence, and always devoted to meditation, a wise person would not be too sure of themselves, until they have attained the end of suffering.
For a mendicant who meditates in this way, longing for purification, all their defilements wither away, and they realize quenching.
Upasena son of Vaṅgantā
Thag 10.6 · Vaṅgantaputtaupasenattheragāthā
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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.
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