The Perfection of Renunciation (4th)

“Then again when I was

in the capital citadel of Kāsi,

a sister and seven brothers

were born in a learned family.

I was the first-born of them all,

furnishing with pure conscience.

Seeing rebirth as fearful,

I longed for renunciation.

Sent for by my mother and father,

my friends with one mind

invited me to enjoy sensual pleasures, saying:

‘Maintain the family lineage.’

The words they said

about the ways a householder can find happiness,

were hard for me to hear,

like a heated ploughshare.

When I turned down their proposal,

they asked me what I wished for:

‘My dear, what is it that you wish,

since you do not long for sensual pleasures?’

I spoke to my beneficiaries,

wanting what is best.

‘I wish not for the householder’s state,

I long for renunciation.’

Hearing my words,

they told my mother and father .

My parents said this:

‘Sirs, let all of us go forth!’

So both my mother and father,

sister and seven brothers,

discarding countless riches,

entered the great forest.”