Psalms of the Brethren CCXXXIX: Gotama

Let the recluse discern his own real good,
And let him well consider all the Word
He heareth preached, and what therein beseems
The holy life whereunto he hath come.

Religious friendships in the Rule, a course
Of ample training, and the wish to hear
Men fit to teach this the recluse beseems.

For Buddhas reverence; towards the Norm
Honour sincere; for the Fraternity
Care and esteem this the recluse beseems.

Adjusted well: — this the recluse beseems.

In what he does and what he leaves undone
Using deportment that doth favour find;
To higher training of the heart and mind
Fervently given: — this the recluse beseems.

Haunts of the forest, lone, remote, where sounds
May hardly come, ’mong these the earnest sage
Should make his choice: — this the recluse beseems.

And virtue, and much learning, and research
To know how in themselves things really are,
Grasp of the Truths: — this the recluse beseems.

To meditate upon the Impermanent,
And on the absence of all soul, and on
The foul, and in the world to find no charm
To bind the heart: — this the recluse beseems.

To meditate on Wisdom’s seven arms,
On paths to mystic potency, on powers
And forces five, and on the eightfold Path,
The Ariyan: — this the recluse beseems.

Let the true sage put Craving far away;
Let him uproot and crush the Intoxicants;
Let him live Free: — this the recluse beseems.