Verses of the Senior Monks 4.1

The Book of the Fours

Chapter One

Nāgasamāla

Adorned with jewelry and all dressed up,

with garlands, and sandalwood makeup piled on,

along the main street is a lady—

a dancer dancing as the music plays.

I entered for alms,

and while walking along I glanced at her,

adorned with jewelry and all dressed up,

set up like a snare of death.

Then the realization

came upon me—

the danger became clear,

and I grew firmly disillusioned.

Then my mind was freed—

behold the clear rightness of the teaching!

I’ve attained the three knowledges

and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.