Theragāthā — Versos dos Monges Anciãos — 10.6 — Upasena son of Vaṅgantā

1In order to go on retreat,
a monk should stay in lodgings
that are secluded and quiet,
frequented by beasts of prey.

2Having gathered scraps from rubbish heaps,
cemeteries and streets,
and making an outer robe from them,
one should wear that coarse robe.

3Humbling their heart,
a mendicant should walk for alms
from family to family indiscriminately,
with sense doors guarded, well-restrained.

4They should be content even with coarse food,
not hoping for lots of flavors.
The mind that’s greedy for flavors
doesn’t enjoy absorption.

5With few wishes, content,
a sage should live secluded,
mixing with neither
householders nor the homeless.

6They should present themselves
as if stupid or dumb;
an astute person would not speak overly long
in the midst of the Saṅgha.

7They would not insult anyone,
and would avoid causing damage.
Restrained in the monastic code,
they would eat in moderation.

8Expert in the arising of thought,
they would grasp well the pattern of the mind.
They would be devoted to practicing
serenity and discernment at the right time.

9Though endowed with energy and persistence,
and always devoted to meditation,
a wise person would not be too sure of themselves,
until they have attained the end of suffering.

10For a mendicant who meditates in this way,
longing for purification,
all their defilements wither away,
and they realize quenching.