Sopāka

I saw the most excellent person,
Walking meditation in the shade of the terrace,
So I approached,
And bowed to the most excellent man.
Arranging my robe over one shoulder,
And clasping my hands together,
I walked meditation alongside that stainless one,
Most excellent of all beings.
The wise one, skilled in questions,
Questioned me.
Brave and fearless,
I answered the teacher.
When all his questions were answered,
The Tathāgata congratulated me.
Looking around the monastic Saṅgha,
He said this:
“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 full ordination.”
At seven years old
I received full ordination.
I bear my final body—
Oh, the excellence of the Dhamma!