Psalms of the Brethren CCXIX: Sumana

When newly made a brother seven years old,
By supernormal power I overcame
The wondrous potence of the serpent king,

Whenas I water for my teacher’s use
From the great lake of Anotatta fetched.
Me coming thus the Master saw and spake:

See, Sariputta, how the little lad
Holding his jar of water comes along,
Rapt all his being, utterly intent.

Noble his carriage on his gracious quest,
And well-matured in supernormal power,
This novice of our Anuruddha’s band.

By trainer of high breeding highly bred,
By the proficient made throughly expert,
By perfect competence made competent,
By Anuruddha taught and disciplined:

He having won the highest peace and good
And realized the influctuate, even he —
This novice Sumana — [would hide his power]
And thus: Let no man know me! doth
desire.