Psalms of the Brethren CCXXXVI: Cula-Panthaka

Sluggish and halt the progress that I made,
And therefore was I held in small esteem.
My brother judged I should be turned away,
And bade me, saying: ‘Now do thou go home.’

So I, dismissed and miserable, stood
Within the gateway of the Brethren’s Park,
Longing at heart within the Rule to stay.

And there he came to me, the Exalted One,
And laid his hand upon my head; and took
My arm, and to the garden led me back.

To me the Master in his kindness gave
A napkin for the feet and bade me thus:
‘Fix thou thy mind on this clean thing, the while
Well concentrated thou dost sit apart.’

And I who heard his blessed Word abode
Fain only and alway to keep his Rule.
Achieving concentrated thought and will,
That I might win the crown of all my quest.

And now I know the where and how I lived,
And clearly shines the Eye Celestial;
The Threefold Wisdom have I made my own,
And what the Buddha bids us do is done.

In thousand different shapes did Panthaka
Himself by power abnormal multiply;
And seated in the pleasant Mango-Grove,
Waited until the hour should be revealed.

Then did the Master send a messenger,
Who came revealer of the hour to me,
And at th’ appointed time I flew to Him.

Low at his feet I worshipped; then aside
I sat me down; and me so seated near
Whenas he had discerned, the Master then
Suffered that men should do him ministry.

High altar He where all the world may give,
Receiver of th’ oblations of mankind,
Meadow of merit for the sons of men,
He did accept the gifts of piety.