[Verse 1]
The Buddha, Dhamma, and the Teacher's light
Guide the heart to see what is true.
Do not let life simply pass away
With empty days and nights passing through.
[Verse 2]
Dhammapala calls us to awake,
While others sleep, keep walking on.
With faith and virtue, hold the path,
And keep the Dhamma in the heart.
[Chorus]
Awaken, heart, do not waste the passing days,
Life is short, do not be lost in dreams.
Train the mind and watch each moment clearly,
When truth is seen, suffering slowly leaves.
[Verse 3]
Brahmali teaches the senses to be trained,
So the mind remains steady and clear.
Mogharaja shows that even when the body suffers,
A peaceful mind can remain without fear.
[Verse 4]
A teacher of Dhamma should not praise himself,
Nor put another person down.
Culaka looks upon the earth and sky,
And turns that beauty toward wisdom.
[Chorus]
Awaken, heart, do not waste the passing days,
Life is short, do not be lost in dreams.
Train the mind and watch each moment clearly,
When truth is seen, suffering slowly leaves.
[Verse 5]
Anupama warns the mind not to follow harm;
Leave every path that brings it pain.
Vajjita sees the Noble Truths clearly,
And breaks the cycle of becoming again.
[Verse 6]
Usabha calls for courage on the path,
Kappatakura says, “Do not fall asleep.”
The deathless water of the Dhamma is near;
Do not let this precious chance disappear.
[Ending]
Ten ancient voices leave one message:
Practice well and live with care.
Awaken from confusion and delusion;
When the mind knows itself, peace is there.
Theragatha Vagga V: Ten Elders Highlight Diligence, Mental Discipline, and the Path to Freedom
The Vagga V of the Theragatha Dukanipata in Book 26 of the Sutta Pitaka presents the teachings of ten Buddhist elders. Their verses emphasize faith, perseverance, mindfulness, disciplined faculties, mental clarity, insight into the Noble Truths, and awareness of impermanence as essential steps toward liberation.
The Theragatha Dukanipata, Vagga V, in Book 26 of the Sutta Pitaka, Khuddaka Nikaya, brings together the verses of ten elders: Kumarakassapa, Dhammapala, Brahmali, Mogharaja, Visakhapancaliputta, Culaka, Anupama, Vajjita, Usabha, and Kappatakura. The collection presents a progression of spiritual practice, from faith and diligence to mental discipline, insight, and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
Kumarakassapa Thera begins the section by praising the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the qualities of the Teacher. His verse expresses the culmination of spiritual practice: the end of the body, the end of the cycle of birth and death, and the absence of a new existence.
Dhammapala Thera emphasizes that a life devoted to diligent practice is not wasted. While others may remain asleep, the dedicated practitioner remains awake in the Dhamma. Faith, moral discipline, confidence, and repeated contemplation of the Dhamma are presented as important foundations of a meaningful life.
Brahmali Thera focuses on the disciplined senses. He compares a well-trained practitioner to a horse properly trained by a skilled charioteer. When the faculties are brought under control and conceit is abandoned, the mind becomes steady and peaceful.
Mogharaja Thera illustrates the distinction between physical condition and the state of the mind. The body may be worn or uncomfortable while the mind remains bright and firmly established. The teaching therefore points toward inner stability rather than dependence on external comfort.
Visakhapancaliputta Thera sets out qualities expected of a speaker of the Dhamma. Such a person should not praise himself, belittle others, provoke conflict, or use religious teaching to seek personal gain. Instead, the teacher should speak moderately, possess insight into subtle matters, maintain humility and virtue, and follow the example of the Buddha.
Culaka Thera connects the beauty of nature with meditation. Images of peacocks, green grass, water, and clouds provide a peaceful setting for the practice of deep contemplation and the pursuit of a refined and unchanging Dhamma.
Anupama Thera offers a direct warning to the mind itself. Whatever mental state causes harmful delight or damages the mind should be firmly abandoned. The verse reminds practitioners not to waste the rare opportunity of encountering and practicing the Buddha's teaching.
Vajjita Thera focuses on insight into the Noble Truths. Before understanding them, a person remains confused and continues wandering through the cycle of existence. With mindfulness and insight, that cycle can be brought to an end, leaving no need for another existence.
Usabha Thera represents the strength and determination required on the spiritual path. The broader message of the section is that genuine progress requires perseverance and a mind that does not surrender to carelessness or defilement.
Finally, Kappatakura Thera closes the section with a vivid warning against drowsiness and spiritual negligence. The Dhamma is compared to immortal water that is already available, yet the practitioner becomes sleepy instead of making use of the opportunity to listen and practice.
Taken together, the ten elders present a coherent spiritual progression:
Faith → Perseverance → Diligence → Discipline → Mental Training → Insight → Awareness of Impermanence → Liberation.
Their message remains highly relevant in modern society. In an age filled with distractions, pressure, and endless streams of information, mindfulness means more than simply avoiding external dangers. It also means refusing to let the mind fall asleep through craving, habit, distraction, and carelessness.
The central lesson of Vagga V is therefore clear: when the mind awakens, sees reality clearly, and refuses to live carelessly, the path toward peace begins within.
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