[Verse 1]
Do not be lost in wealth or fame,
Do not let pleasure hide the way.
Without wisdom, riches fade,
And worldly treasures cannot save.
[Verse 2]
Do not be angry, do not hold the blame,
Do not deceive, do not speak in shame.
Guard your virtue, choose friends who are wise,
Let the Dhamma become your guiding light.
[Pre-Chorus]
When the world is restless and loud,
Turn your heart within the crowd.
Learn contentment, learn to let go,
And let the path of wisdom glow.
[Chorus]
Remove the arrow of craving,
Release what binds the heart.
Let wisdom be your guidance,
Let perseverance be your strength.
Walk upon the Buddha's path,
Until all suffering ends.
[Verse 3]
When there is goodness, let it be done,
Do not waste the passing sun.
Even when possessions disappear,
Wisdom remains forever near.
[Bridge]
Faith and virtue, wisdom and friends,
Light the path where confusion ends.
Release anger, release desire,
Train the heart and rise higher.
[Final Chorus]
Remove the arrow of craving,
Release what you held so tight.
Let wisdom guide your footsteps,
Let perseverance bring the light.
Walk upon the Buddha's path,
Find peace beyond the night,
Find freedom, find liberation,
Where the heart is truly bright.
The Eight-Verse Collection: Teachings on Wisdom, Restraint, and Liberation
In Volume 26 of the Tipitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Khuddaka Nikaya, Theragatha, the Aṭṭhaka Nipāta, or the “Eight-Verse Collection,” preserves the teachings of three eminent elders: Venerable Mahākaccāyana, Venerable Sirimitta, and Venerable Mahāpanthaka. Each elder is represented by eight verses, making a total of 24 verses.
Venerable Mahākaccāyana: Do Not Become Attached to Gain and Honor
The verses of Venerable Mahākaccāyana emphasize a simple and disciplined way of life. A monk should not become excessively occupied with worldly activities or become attached to food, material gain, or offerings.
The verses warn that honor, respect, and offerings can become difficult attachments to remove. A person should neither commit wrongdoing nor encourage others to do evil, because each individual inherits the consequences of his or her own actions.
The teaching also emphasizes wisdom over wealth. A wise person can survive even after losing material possessions, while wealth without wisdom cannot guarantee a meaningful life.
True wisdom also means knowing when to remain silent and restrained. Even when one possesses good sight, hearing, intelligence, or physical strength, these abilities should be used wisely and appropriately. When something truly beneficial arises, however, one should act for that benefit without delay.
Venerable Sirimitta: Freedom from Anger and Deception
Venerable Sirimitta emphasizes the qualities of a disciplined mind: not being easily angered, not holding grudges, not being deceptive, not engaging in slander, maintaining virtue, associating with good friends, and cultivating wisdom.
A person who develops these qualities becomes inwardly stable and is not overcome by future sorrow.
The teaching further highlights unwavering confidence in the Buddha, beautiful and respected moral conduct, confidence in the Sangha, and right understanding. Such a person is described as spiritually rich rather than poor. The wise should therefore cultivate faith, virtue, confidence, and continuous contemplation of the Dhamma.
Venerable Mahāpanthaka: Perseverance and the Removal of Craving
Venerable Mahāpanthaka describes his transformation after encountering the Buddha. He renounced family possessions, wealth, and worldly life and entered the monastic path.
His teaching places particular emphasis on effort and perseverance. One should not waste time while the “arrow of craving” remains within the mind.
Through sustained effort and determination, he attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha's teaching. He became an arahant, liberated from craving and attachment.
The Common Message of the Aṭṭhaka Nipāta
The three teachings can be summarized in five principles:
- Let go of attachment to wealth, status, praise, and sensual pleasures.
- Guard body, speech, and mind through ethical discipline.
- Develop wisdom and good friendship as foundations for spiritual growth.
- Persevere rather than allowing life to pass without purpose.
- Seek liberation by removing craving and the causes of suffering.
The Aṭṭhaka Nipāta therefore offers a timeless message: a meaningful life is not measured by possessions or recognition, but by the degree to which one can master the mind, cultivate wisdom, and become free from craving.
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