PSALMS OF THE BRETHREN

Canto II.
Psalms of Two Verses

CXXV.
Ajina

Translated from the Pali by Mrs. C.A.F. Rhys Davids.

Public Domain

[Pali]

 

Reborn in this Buddha-age at Sāvatthī, in the family of a certain poor brahmin, he was wrapt at birth in an antelope's skin, and was hence named Antelope (Ajina). Growing up in poverty, he saw the Jeta Grove presented, and the power and majesty of the Buddha. And gaining faith he left the world, and not long after acquired supernormal thought. When he had moreover won arahantship, he, in consequence of past deeds, remained unhonoured and unknown. And some worldly novices among the bhikkhus despised him for this. Then the Thera agitated them with these verses:

[129] E'en though a man have gained the Triple Lore,
Have vanquished death and purged th' intoxicants,
Yet, let him be to fame unknown, poor fools
May in their ignorance look down on him.

[130] But let him get the good things of this world,
Then though he be of evil breed, natheless
Service and honour will they render him.