GUIDE TO TIPITAKA

(8) The Thera Gæthæ Pæ¹i and

(9) The Therø Gæthæ Pæ¹i

These two treatises form a compilation of delightful verses uttered by some two hundred and sixty-four theras and seventy-three therøs through sheer exultation and joy that arise out of their religious devotion and inspiration These inspiring verses gush forth from the hearts of bhikkhus and bhikkhunøs after their attainment of Arahatship as an announcement of their achievement and also as statement of their effort which has led to their final enlightenment.

It may be learnt from these jubilant verses how a trifling incident in life, a trivial circumstance can become the starting point of spiritual effort which culminates in supreme liberation. But for some of the theras, the call has come early to them to forsake the homelife and take to the life of a homeless recluse. Their struggle has been hard because of the inner fight between the forces of good and evil. They have had a good fight and they have won by dint of resolution and ardent determination. The crippling bonds of greed, hatred and ignorance have been broken asunder and they are freed. In sheer exultation, they utter forth these inspiring verses, proclaiming their freedom and victory. Some of these theras reach the sublime height of poetic beauty when they recount their solitary life in the quiet glades and groves of forest, the beauteous nature that forms their surroundings, and the peace and calm that have facilitated their meditation.

Although the verses in the Therø Gæthæ lack the poetic excellence and impassioned expression of love of solitude that characterise the verses in the Thera Gæthæ, they nevertheless reflect the great piety and unflinching resolution with which the therøs have struggled to reach the goal. One distinguishing feature of the struggle of the therøs is that many of them receive the final impetus to seek solace in holy life through emotional imbalance they have been subject to, for example, loss of the dear ones as in the case of Pa¥æcærø, or through intense personal suffering over the death of a beloved son as suffered by Kisæ Gotamø.

Both the Thera Gæthæ and the Therø Gæthæ provide us with shining, inspiring models of excellence, so consoling and so uplifting, so human and true to life, leading us on to the path of the holy life, stimulating us when our spirit drops, our mind flags, and guiding us through internal conflicts and set-backs.

These gæthæs may be enjoyed simply as beautiful poems with exquisite imagery and pleasing words or they may be contemplated on as inspiring messages with deep meaning to uplift the mind to the highest levels of spiritual attainment.

“Rain god! My abode has a roofing now for my comfortable living; it will shield me from the onset of wind and storm. Rain god! Pour down to thy heart’s content; my mind is calm and unshakeable, free from fetters. I dwell striving strenuously with untiring zeal. Rain god! Pour down to thy heart’s content.” (Verse 325)

The bhikkhu has now his ‘abode’ of the five khandhas well protected by ‘the roofing and walls’ of sense restraints and paññæ. He lives thus comfortably, well shielded from the rain and storm of lust, craving and attachments. Undisturbed by the pouring rain, and whirling wind of conceit, ignorance, hatred, he remains calm and composed, unpolluted. Although he lives thus in security and comfort of liberation and calm, he keeps alert and mindful, ever ready to cope with any emergency that may arise through lack of mindfulness.