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← Theragāthā

Uttara (1st)

Thag 2.1 · Uttarattheragāthā

Flat stepping stones cross a clear stream toward a grassy bank.

No life is permanent, and no conditions last forever. The aggregates are reborn and pass away, again and again.

Knowing this danger, I have no need for another life. I’ve escaped all sensual pleasures, and attained the ending of defilements.

That is how these verses were recited by the senior venerable Uttara.

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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.