Udāna
3 1: Kamma Suttaɱ

Former Action

Translated from the Pali by John D. Ireland.
©1997 Buddhist Publication Society.
From The Udana: Inspired Utterances of the Buddha, (Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1997). Copyright © 1997 Buddhist Publication Society. Used with permission.

 

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[III-1.1][than]Thus have I heard. At one time the Lord was staying near Sāvatthi in the Jeta Wood at Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. On that occasion a certain bhikkhu was sitting cross-legged not far from the Lord, holding his body erect, mindful and clearly comprehending, enduring without complaint feelings that were painful, acute, sharp and severe, the ripening of former action.

The Lord saw that bhikkhu sitting cross-legged not far away... enduring without complaint feelings that were painful, acute, sharp and severe, the ripening of former action.

Then, on realizing its significance, the Lord uttered on that occasion this inspired utterance:

A bhikkhu who has left behind all action,
Shaking off the dust of former deeds.
The stable one, unselfish, steady,
Has no need to address people.