Mahākāḷa Thera
The Joy of Renunciation https://thegentlelaw.wordpress.com/
The Theragāthā is a collection of inspiring verses composed by early Buddhist monks who attained awakening. One of its shortest yet profound verses comes from Mahākāḷa Thera, a monk who rejoiced in the monastic path of renunciation. Let us explore his words, their meaning, and the significance of renunciation in the Buddhist tradition.
The Poem
Pāli:
Sabbaḥā gahetvāna, pattañ ca parissāvanañ ca,\nLaddhāna piṭaṁ sake agāre, eko santārimha pabbataṁ.
English Translation:
Having taken my robes, my bowl, and my water strainer,
Receiving alms at my own home,
Alone, I crossed the mountain in peace.
Background and Context
Mahākāḷa was an elder monk who, like many in the early Saṃgha, renounced worldly life to embrace the simplicity of monastic discipline. This verse conveys the essence of renunciation (nekkhamma), a key value in Buddhism.
The image presented is simple: a monk with only the bare essentials, leaving behind his home after receiving alms from his own family, and crossing a mountain in solitude. Yet, beneath this simplicity lies a profound sense of freedom and joy in letting go.
Terminology and Analysis
Sabbaḥā – This word means "all possessions" or "everything." Here, it refers to the monk’s minimal belongings, symbolizing detachment from material life.
Pattañ ca parissāvanañ ca – These refer to the monk’s alms bowl (patta) and water strainer (parissāvana), the essential requisites for survival. In Buddhist monasticism, monks were encouraged to rely only on what was necessary.
Laddhāna piṭaṁ sake agāre – “Receiving alms at my own home” is a poignant moment. It suggests that Mahākāḷa, before departing into solitude, visited his family one last time, illustrating the contrast between worldly and renunciant life.
Eko santārimha pabbataṁ – “Alone, I crossed the mountain in peace.” The mountain can be both literal and symbolic: an actual landscape or the internal ‘mountain’ of defilements one must overcome in spiritual practice.
The Deeper Meaning of Renunciation
Mahākāḷa's verse highlights a recurring theme in the Theragāthā: the joy of leaving behind worldly burdens. Many might perceive renunciation as a loss, but in Buddhism, it is the ultimate gain—liberation from attachment and suffering.
The sense of solitude (eko) in the verse is not loneliness but rather the deep contentment of being self-sufficient and at peace. This reflects the Buddha’s teachings on viveka (seclusion) and paviveka (mental solitude), which are essential for wisdom to arise.
Modern Relevance
In today’s fast-paced world, Mahākāḷa’s words invite us to consider what we truly need. Though we may not physically renounce everything, we can cultivate inner renunciation—letting go of unnecessary distractions, attachments, and mental clutter. The mountain he crosses is one we all face: the journey towards clarity, simplicity, and peace.
Let us reflect: What ‘mountains’ are we crossing? What unnecessary burdens can we release? The path of renunciation may not be for everyone, but its wisdom is universal.
What are your thoughts on this verse? How does renunciation manifest in your life? Share your reflections below.