Thera 1.6: Sīta-Vaniya

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Adapted from the Archaic Translation by Mrs. C.A.F. Rhys Davids

= 1.6 Sīta-Vaniya (6) = This is the saying(gatha) of the venerable Monk Sambhūta. He was reborn at Rājagaha as the son of an eminent [12]brahmin(priest), and named Sambhūta..[1] With his three frienda, Bhūmija, Jeyyasena and Abhirādana, he heard the Exalted One(Buddha) preach the Path(Dhamma), and left the world to enter the (monk’s)Order. While practising the systematic meditation of 'mindfulness respecting the body,' he stayed continually in Sīta-Vana (Cold Woodland), and thus became known as Sīta-Vaniya(Cold-Woodland dweller).

And seeing bhikkhus(monks) passing by on their way to see the Exalted One(Buddha), he said: 'Friends, worship the Exalted One for me with speech of mine, and say to him thus' (showing the Lord(Buddha) his uninterrupted concern with the Path(Dhamma)):

[6] There is a Monk who to Cold Woodland gone did live Alone, content, in meditative ecstasy, Victorious, no more by creeping dread dismayed, He mindful watchs over sense with courage high.

Thus verily did the venerable Monk Sīta-vaniya utter his saying(gatha).

[1] This cannot be the Sambhūta of CXCII, verse 9. Of the friends, we meet (probably) only with Bhūmija in Saŋy., ii. 39.