Chapter One

I saw the supreme man

walking mindfully in the shade of the terrace,

so I approached,

and bowed to the supreme among men.

Arranging my robe over one shoulder

and clasping my hands together,

I walked alongside that stainless one,

supreme among all beings.

The wise one, expert in questions,

questioned me.

Brave and fearless,

I answered the teacher.

When all his questions were answered,

the Realized One congratulated me.

Looking around the mendicant Saṅgha,

he said the following:

“It is a blessing for the people of Aṅga and Magadha

that this person enjoys their

robe and almsfood,

requisites and lodgings,

their respect and service—

it’s a blessing for them,” he declared.

“Sopāka, from this day on

you are invited to come and see me.

And Sopāka, let this

be your ordination.”

At seven years old

I received ordination.

I bear my final body—

oh, the clear rightness of the teaching!