Thag 7.3

Bhaddattheragāthā

“Ekaputto ahaṁ āsiṁ, piyo mātu piyo pitu; Bahūhi vatacariyāhi, laddho āyācanāhi ca.

Bhadda

I was an only child, loved by my mother and father. They had me by practicing many supplications and observances.

Te ca maṁ anukampāya, atthakāmā hitesino; Ubho pitā ca mātā ca, buddhassa upanāmayuṁ.

Out of sympathy for me wishing me well and wanting the best for me, my mother and father took me to see the Buddha.

‘Kicchā laddho ayaṁ putto, sukhumālo sukhedhito; Imaṁ dadāma te nātha, jinassa paricārakaṁ’.

“We had this son with difficulty; he is delicate and pampered. We offer him to you, Lord, to attend upon the victor.”

Satthā ca maṁ paṭiggayha, ānandaṁ etadabravi; ‘Pabbājehi imaṁ khippaṁ, hessatyājāniyo ayaṁ’.

The teacher, having accepted me, declared to Ānanda: “Quickly give him the going-forth— this one will be a thoroughbred!”

Pabbājetvāna maṁ satthā, vihāraṁ pāvisī jino; Anoggatasmiṁ sūriyasmiṁ, tato cittaṁ vimucci me.

After he, the Teacher, had sent me forth, the victor entered his dwelling. Before the sun set my mind was freed.

Tato satthā nirākatvā, paṭisallānavuṭṭhito; ‘Ehi bhaddā’ti maṁ āha, sā me āsūpasampadā.

Consequently, the Teacher didn’t neglect me; when he came out from seclusion, he said: “Come Bhadda!” That was my ordination.

Jātiyā sattavassena, laddhā me upasampadā; Tisso vijjā anuppattā, aho dhammasudhammatā”ti.

At seven years old I received ordination. I’ve attained the three knowledges; oh, the clear rightness of the teaching!