Thag 2.1 The Verses of Arahant Uttara
121. No existence is permanent. No formation is everlasting. Again and again your five aggregates of clinging will arise and cease repeatedly.
122. I realized this danger. I don’t need anything that belongs to existence. I am detached from all sensual pleasures. I achieved enlightenment.
These verses were said by Arahant Uttara.
Thag 2.2 The Verses of Arahant Piṇḍolabhāradvāja
123. This life doesn’t continue without food, but food does not produce peace for the heart. Food just helps to sustain the body. Having understood this fact, I go on my alms round.
124. Superior people such as Buddhas considered the gain and homage that came to them from families to be like a pile of mud. Desire for such things is like a fine dart that is hard to pull out. Inferior people never give up gains and honours.
These verses were said by Arahant Piṇḍolabhāradvāja.
Thag 2.3 The Verses of Arahant Valliya
125. There is a cage with five doors. In that cage, there is a monkey. From time to time this monkey looks out of each door to gain contact with the outside world.
126. Hey monkey! Stand still! Do not run! Now your cage is not how it used to be. With restrained faculties and developed wisdom you have been controlled now. From now on you can’t journey in this saṁsāra anymore.
These verses were said by Arahant Valliya.
Thag 2.4 The Verses of Arahant Gaṅgātīrya
127. I live on the bank of the Ganges River. There my hut is made out of three palm leaves. My bowl is like a funeral pot which is used to sprinkle water on dead bodies. I wear rag robes.
128. For two years I only spoke one word. In the third year after I became a monk, I split and destroyed the darkness of ignorance.
These verses were said by Arahant Gaṅgātīrya.
Thag 2.5 The Verses of Arahant Ajina
129. If one achieves the Triple Knowledge, he is a person who has ended death and removed completely all taints. But foolish people who don’t know the significance of this noble person despise him by saying he’s not famous.
130. But if a certain person in this world receives delicious food and drink, even though his life is evil, foolish people still honour that person.
These verses were said by Arahant Ajina.
Thag 2.6 The Verses of Arahant Meḷajina
131. From the very first day I heard the Buddha teaching this excellent Dhamma, I am not aware of having any doubt in the All-seeing, Unconquered Buddha.
132. The Supreme Buddha is the great Caravan Leader who helps beings cross over saṁsāra. I don’t have any doubt in the Great Hero, the best tamer among teachers who tame others. I don’t have any doubt in the excellent path or the training leading to Nibbāna.
These verses were said by Arahant Meḷajina.
Thag 2.7 The Verses of Arahant Rādha
133. Just as the rain penetrates a badly roofed house, so desire penetrates an undeveloped mind.
134. Just as the rain cannot penetrate a well roofed house, so desire cannot penetrate a well-developed mind.
These verses were said by Arahant Rādha.
Thag 2.8 The Verses of Arahant Surādha
135. My rebirth is now destroyed. The great victor’s instruction has been fully followed by me. I have removed completely the ignorance that is like a net covering one’s eyes. Craving that binds one to future existence is uprooted.
136. Abandoning household life, I became a monk in the Buddha’s path, expecting a great goal. That goal, the perfect realization of the true nature of life, Nibbāna has been achieved by me. All fetters are removed completely.
These verses were said by Arahant Surādha.
Thag 2.9 The Verses of Arahant Gotama
137. Sages sleep very peacefully since they are not attached to women. Truly these women, who always should be guarded, tell true words very rarely.
138. Hey! Desire for sensual pleasures! We have destroyed you. Now we are not in your debt. Now we are going to Supreme Nibbāna where, having gone, one does not grieve.
These verses were said by Arahant Gotama.
Thag 2.10 The Verses of Arahant Vasabha
139. An evil person first harms himself then harms others. There is a hunter who has a bird named Vitaṁsa. Using his own bird, this hunter lures other birds. Having first been harmed, it then harms others.
140. One doesn’t become a Brāhmin just by outer appearance. One becomes a true Brāhmin through good inner qualities. God Sakka! If evil deeds are seen in one’s life, one is truly an evil person.
These verses were said by Arahant Vasabha.
Thag 2.11 The Verses of Arahant Mahācunda
141. In one who desires to listen to the Dhamma, knowledge of Dhamma increases. His wisdom grows through that knowledge of Dhamma. Reality can be understood through that wisdom. Realizing the truth brings true happiness.
142. One should live in remote and solitary monasteries. One should practice the Dhamma with the intention of freeing oneself from the bondage of saṁsāra. But if one doesn’t like to live in a forest far away, guarding his faculties well and establishing mindfulness well, one should live under respected senior monks.
These verses were said by Arahant Mahācunda.
Thag 2.12 The Verses of Arahant Jotidāsa
143. There are some cruel people who kill others brutally, beating their heads and punishing them severely. These cruel people are the ones that will suffer. The results of bad kamma will not just disappear without ripening.
144. Whatever good or evil action a person does and accumulates, he inherits the result of that action.
These verses were said by Arahant Jotidāsa.
Thag 2.13 The Verses of Arahant Heraññakāni
145. Days and nights pass by very quickly. Life will come to an end very soon. The lives of people are reaching an end like the water of small streams.
146. But foolish evil doers don’t understand this. In the end, they will have to suffer. Truly the result of evil action is also very evil.
These verses were said by Arahant Heraññakāni.
Thag 2.14 The Verses of Arahant Somamitta
147. Just as one climbing on to a small piece of wood would sink in the great ocean, even so one who lives a virtuous life sinks in saṁsāra if he associates with a lazy person. Therefore one should avoid those who are lazy and have little energy.
148. There are wise noble ones who meditate in solitary places, practise the Dhamma with great effort, develop Jhānas, and strive all the time energetically. One should associate with such wise ones.
These verses were said by Arahant Somamitta.
Thag 2.15 The Verses of Arahant Sabbamitta
149. People are bound to people by craving. People associate with the same people. People are hurt by the same people. Those people hurt other people.
150. Those people who are born from people are useless to me. Therefore, I will leave all these people and the lust and hate that trouble them. I will go towards Nibbāna.
These verses were said by Arahant Sabbamitta.
Thag 2.16 The Verses of Arahant Mahākāla
151. Her name is Kāli. Her fat body is the same color as a crow. Two thighs of her dead body were stuck together. Two hand of her dead body were also stuck together. The split head of her dead body is like a curds-bowl.
152. Only an ignorant person would have a desire for this body. That fool comes to pain again and again. Therefore, one who understands this reality doesn’t have desire for this body. May I never lie again like this, with a split head.
These verses were said by Arahant Mahākāla.
Thag 2.17 The Verses of Arahant Tissa
153. When a monk with a shaved head, wearing a double robe gains plenty of food, drink, robes and shelter, he also gains a lot of enemies at the same time.
154. Seeing this danger, the wise monk is afraid of honours. So, little gain is good enough. Then he will live mindfully without increasing defilements.
These verses were said by Arahant Tissa.
Thag 2.18 The Verses of Arahant Kimbila
155. That forest is called Pacinavaṁsa. There is a group of companion monks of the Sākya clan in that forest. They became monks having given up great wealth. They practice the Dhamma with delight, being happy eating whatever they receive on their alms round.
156. Those monks are very energetic, extremely energetic. Dhamma practice is their first priority. Their own life is the second. Having given up worldly enjoyment, they delight in spiritual enjoyment connected to Dhamma practice.
These verses were said by Arahant Kimbila.
Thag 2.19 The Verses of Arahant Nanda
157. Those days I followed a wrong thinking pattern. I was addicted to decorating my body. My mind was not peaceful because it was filled with obsession and sensual lust. I was conceited.
158. But the Supreme Buddha, the kinsman of the sun, is very strategic. With the help of the Buddha, I started to wisely investigate the truth. I was firm in the practice. My mind was drowning in existence: I pulled it out. I lifted my mind up towards Nibbāna.
These verses were said by Arahant Nanda.
Thag 2.20 The Verses of Arahant Sirimanta
159. It doesn’t matter how much others praise someone who doesn’t have a still mind. That praise is worthless because that person’s mind is not still.
160. It doesn’t matter how much others blame someone who does have a perfectly still mind. That blame is worthless because that person’s mind is perfectly still.
These verses were said by Arahant Sirimanta.
Thag 2.21 The Verses of Arahant Uttara
161. I understood the suffering of the five aggregates of clinging completely. My craving has been completely rooted out. The Enlightenment Factors have been developed by me. I have attained enlightenment.
162. Because I completely understood the suffering of the five aggregates of clinging, craving has been completely rooted out and the Enlightenment Factors have been developed by me. I will attain final extinguishing at passing away without taints.
These verses were said by Arahant Uttara.
Thag 2.22 The Verses of Arahant Bhaddaji
163. That king was called Panāda. He had a golden mansion. Its height was two hundred and fifty kilometers. Its width was five kilometers.
164. The mansion had a thousand roofs with flags on each of them. In the mansion, six thousand dancers were always dancing. I was king Panāda at that time.
These verses were said by Arahant Bhaddaji.
Thag 2.23 The Verses of Arahant Sobhita
165. I’m a very energetic, wise and mindful monk. I could recollect five hundred eons back like I recollect one night.
166. I developed the Four Establishments of Mindfulness, the Seven Enlightenment Factors and the Noble Eightfold Path. That is why I could recollect five hundred eons back like I recollect one night.
These verses were said by Arahant Sobhita.
Thag 2.24 The Verses of Arahant Valliya
167. What is to be done by one with strong energy to gain enlightenment, that I will definitely do. I will not miss it. See my energy and effort!
168. Bhante, teach me the straight path that leads to Nibbāna. I too will reach that Nibbāna, the goal of the sages, by following the sages’ path, like the stream of a river quickly flowing into the ocean.
These verses were said by Arahant Valliya.
Thag 2.25 The Verses of Arahant Vītasoka
169. That day the barber approached me to shave my head. Then, taking the mirror, I looked at my body.
170. My body appeared to be something empty. The darkness of ignorance is abandoned. Rags of ignorance have been torn out. There is no more rebirth for me.
These verses were said by Arahant Vītasoka.
Thag 2.26 The Verses of Arahant Puṇṇamāsa
171. I abandoned the five hindrances. I took the Mirror of Dhamma, the knowledge of insight, only with the intention of attaining Nibbāna.
172. Using that Mirror of Dhamma, I investigated this life inside and out. Both inside and outside of this life seemed empty to me.
These verses were said by Arahant Puṇṇamāsa.
Thag 2.27 The Verses of Arahant Nandaka
173. Just as the best type of noble ox, having stumbled, stands firm again with a deep sense of urgency, with great determination, he continues to carry heavy loads on his back.
174. So too should you consider me as the best type of person possessed of noble insight, a disciple of the fully enlightened Buddha. Consider me as the Buddha’s son born from the Blessed One’s heart.
These verses were said by Arahant Nandaka.
Thag 2.28 The Verses of Arahant Bharata
175. Come dear Nandaka, let us go into the presence of the preceptor, the Great Teacher, the Supreme Buddha. Let’s roar the lion’s roar in the presence of the Buddha.
176. Out of compassion, the Buddha ordained us in order to give a great thing. We have achieved that great goal. All fetters that bind us to saṁsāra have been removed completely.
These verses were said by Arahant Bharata.
Thag 2.29 The Verses of Arahant Bhāradvāja
177. Sages are like the lions who roar in the mountain caves; they are very wise and energetic. They defeated Māra and his army. They roar a lion’s roar because they won the battle over defilements.
178. The Great Teacher’s instruction has been respectfully followed by me. I was able to respect the Dhamma and the Saṅgha. When I see the Supreme Buddha’s sons free from defilements, my heart is filled with spiritual joy.
These verses were said by Arahant Bhāradvāja.
Thag 2.30 The Verses of Arahant Kaṇhadinna
179. I was fortunate enough to associate with superior people and to listen to the Dhamma frequently. Since I lived according to the Dhamma I heard, I entered the path to Nibbāna.
180. I live constantly with mindfulness. Desire for rebirth was removed completely by me. Desire for existence will never arise in me again. From the day I realized the Dhamma, I didn’t have any defilements. They will not arise in the future. In the present too, they are not found in me. I know this very well.
These verses were said by Arahant Kaṇhadinna.
Thag 2.31 The Verses of Arahant Migasira
181. Since I became a monk in the Buddha’s path, cleansing my mind from defilements, I rose up. I overcame the sensual realm.
182. One day the Supreme Buddha, possessed of the Four Divine Abodes, was looking at me. At that moment my mind was liberated from all defilements. My liberation is unshakeable. All fetters are removed completely.
These verses were said by Arahant Migasira.
Thag 2.32 The Verses of Arahant Sīvaka
183. The house of saṁsāra that is built again and again in this existence is impermanent. I should discover that house builder. Rebirth again and again is painful.
184. Hey house builder! I have seen you! You will not be able to build a house for me again. I have broken all of the rafters in the house you have built. The center beam is split and destroyed. The mind, made free of boundaries will cease in this very life.
These verses were said by Arahant Sīvaka.
Thag 2.33 The Verses of Arahant Upavāna
185. The greatest Arahant, the follower of the Noble Path, our Great Sage, the Buddha, is sick, troubled by winds. Brāhmin, if there is hot water; please give it to me for my Great Sage.
186. Our Great Sage is honoured by those who are to be honoured, revered by those who are to be revered, respected by those who are to be respected. I truly wish for my Great Sage’s recovery.
These verses were said by Arahant Upavāna.
Thag 2.34 The Verses of Arahant Isidinna
187. I have seen some lay followers who are experts in the Dhamma. They say, “Sensual pleasures are impermanent,” but they cling to jewellery, wives and children. They wish for them again and again.
188. Truly these lay followers don’t know the Dhamma as it really is. Even though they say, “Sensual pleasures are impermanent,” they have no power to cut off their desire. Because of that they are mingled with children, wives and wealth.
These verses were said by Arahant Isidinna.
Thag 2.35 The Verses of Arahant Sambulakaccāna
189. It is raining. The water flows with a musical sound. I am alone in this fearful cave. Even though I am alone in that fearful cave, I don’t have any fear, terror, or hair raising at all.
190. When I live in this fearful cave alone, I do not have any fear, terror or hair raising at all because fearlessness is a natural law in my life.
These verses were said by Arahant Sambulakaccāna.
Thag 2.36 The Verses of Arahant Khitaka
191. Whose mind is still and unshaken like a rocky mountain? Whose mind is unattached to lustful objects? Whose mind is not irritated at irritated objects? If one has developed his mind in the Dhamma like this, how could suffering come to him?
192. My mind is still and unshaken like a rocky mountain. My mind is unattached to lustful object. My mind is not irritated at irritating objects. My mind has been developed in the Dhamma to this stage. So how could suffering come to me?
These verses were said by Arahant Khitaka.
Thag 2.37 The Verses of Arahant Selissariya
193. Garlands of stars shine in this delightful night. It’s not yet the time to sleep. This night is ideal to meditate without sleeping for those who see the true nature of this life.
194. That day when I fell down from the back of the elephant, if it had stepped on me, I wouldn’t have been living today. But death would be better for me than to live, having been defeated in battle with the defilements.
These verses were said by Arahant Selissariya.
Thag 2.38 The Verses of Arahant Nisabha
195. The one who becomes a monk out of faith, having given up house and sensual pleasures that are delightful and pleasing to the mind, can end this suffering.
196. I don’t long for death. I don’t long for life. With clear mindfulness and awareness I am awaiting the day to attain final extinguishing at passing away.
These verses were said by Arahant Nisabha.
Thag 2.39 The Verses of Arahant Usabha
197. I had a very strange dream. I was wearing a robe that had the colour of a young mango leaf. I went to the village to beg for food while sitting on the back of an elephant.
198. I felt ashamed and agitated in the midst of people. As soon as I got off the elephant, I woke up. At that time I felt a great shame. Those days I was intoxicated with conceit. But now I have attained enlightenment.
These verses were said by Arahant Usabha.
Thag 2.40 The Verses of Arahant Kappaṭakura
199. This Kappaṭakura monk still thinks about rags. He is on the bank of deathlessness. He is a monk just for the name. But he is able to attain Jhānas well.
200. Dear Kappaṭakura, don’t try to sleep like that. May your cheek not get hit by this hand. Dear Kappaṭa, you sleep in the midst of the Saṅgha; you don’t even know the limit of sleeping.
These verses were said by Arahant Kappaṭakura.
Thag 2.41 The Verses of Arahant Kumārakassapa
201. Truly Supreme Buddhas are amazing. This excellent Dhamma is amazing. The guidance of this greatest teacher is amazing. That is why disciples have the chance to realize this excellent Dhamma.
202. I have obtained this life of five aggregates of clinging for innumerable eons. Among all these lives, only this has become the last. This is my final body. There is no more rebirth for me in this cycle of birth and death.
These verses were said by Arahant Kumārakassapa.
Thag 2.42 The Verses of Arahant Dhammapāla
203. There is a young monk who follows the Buddha’s path very energetically. He practices meditation diligently. When the whole world is sleeping, he isn’t. He meditates in the night. His life is not in vain.
204. Therefore, a wise monk is faithful, virtuous and confident in the Triple Gem. He realizes this Dhamma. That is why he strives hard recollecting the Buddha’s message.
These verses were said by Arahant Dhammapāla.
Thag 2.43 The Verses of Arahant Brahmāli
205. Who has calmed faculties like a horse well-tamed by a charioteer? Who has an unagitated, taintless and pride-free mind? Who do even the gods adore?
206. I have calmed faculties like a horse well-tamed by a charioteer. I have an unagitated, taintless and pride-free mind. Even the gods adore me.
These verses were said by Arahant Brahmāli.
Thag 2.44 The Verses of Arahant Mogharāja
207. The colour of his skin is not beautiful but he has a beautiful mind. Dear Mogharāja, you have a perfectly calm mind. Being a monk, how did you spend the cold dark nights in winter?
208. I have heard that all the people of Magadha province have plenty of rice. So, like other people who live in comfort, I spend the nights in a straw hut.
These verses were said by Arahant Mogharāja.
Thag 2.45 The Verses of Arahant Visākha Pañcālaputta
209. He doesn’t exalt himself nor does he put others down. He doesn’t go against enlightened ones. He doesn’t praise himself in the assemblies. He is not agitated. He speaks knowing the limit. He has good behavior.
210. Noble senior monks are obedient to the Dhamma. They understand very profound and subtle meanings of the Dhamma. They are very skilled in gaining wisdom. For a monk who associates with such noble monks, it is not hard to achieve Nibbāna.
These verses were said by Arahant Visākha Pañcālaputta.
Thag 2.46 The Verses of Arahant Cūḷaka
211. Those peacocks’ necks are blue. They have beautiful tail feathers. Their beaks are also beautiful. They sing beautiful songs. This great earth is well-covered in grass. The blue flowing water is very beautiful. The clouds in this sky are also very beautiful.
212. The life of one with a beautiful mind is also like this. Therefore, meditate. How wonderful is it to be liberated from defilements based upon the Buddha’s path? One should experience the most pure, subtle, and very hard to see Nibbāna.
These verses were said by Arahant Cūḷaka.
Thag 2.47 The Verses of Arahant Anūpama
213. This mind has wondered on a long journey seeking happiness in existence. The mind is as if standing on a spear. Without any benefit, this mind is attached where there is the spear of suffering.
214. I call you “witch mind”! I call you “rogue mind”! Now you have met the greatest teacher who is hard to find. Now do not take me on the wrong path.
These verses were said by Arahant Anūpama.
Thag 2.48 The Verses of Arahant Vajjita
215. For a long time I have been journeying in this saṁsāra through good worlds and bad worlds. It was because I was a blind ordinary person without an understanding of the Four Noble Truths.
216. But by practicing the Dhamma diligently, the journey of saṁsāra was brought to an end. Journey through good and bad worlds is cut out completely. There is no more rebirth for me.
These verses were said by Arahant Vajjita.
Thag 2.49 The Verses of Arahant Sanbhita
217. That well-grown fig tree was full of green leaves. I meditated at the foot of that tree. There, mindfully I developed the perception of the recollection of the qualities of the Supreme Buddha.
218. I practised that very same perception thirty-one eons ago. By using the same meditation, I was able to attain enlightenment.
These verses were said by Arahant Sanbhita.
