Mudita

Thag 4.12 · Muditattheragāthā

Small amber embers glow between dry twigs on dark earth.

I went forth to save my life. But I embraced faith after receiving full ordination. I strove, strong in effort:
Gladly, let this body be broken! Let this scrap of meat disintegrate! Let both my legs fall off at the knees!
I won’t eat, I won’t drink, I won’t leave my dwelling, nor will I lie down on my side, until the dart of craving is plucked.
As I meditate like this, see my energy and vigor! I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Connections

Collection & context

TheragāthāThe collection containing this text
The Pāli canonCanonical collection in which this edition is preserved
Theravāda traditionsTransmission and study context
The early Buddhist communityHistorical and traditional setting

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.