Mahākotthita Thera’s Verse

Cutting the Roots of Delusion

The Theragāthā preserves the voices of the earliest disciples of the Buddha, many of whom illuminate the path to awakening through their concise, powerful verses. Among them, Mahākotthita Thera stands out for his unwavering clarity and strength in cutting through delusion and wrong view.

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The Poem

Pāli:
Yato ahaṁ pabbajito, sammā dhammaṁ vipassato;
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṁsāro, natthi'dāni punabbhavo.

English Translation:
Since I went forth, seeing clearly the Dhamma,
The cycle of rebirth has been cut off—
Now, there is no more becoming for me.

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Background and Context

Mahākotthita Thera was a prominent disciple of the Buddha, often noted for his wisdom and sharp analytical mind. He is frequently mentioned in the Suttas as engaging in deep philosophical dialogues, particularly about the nature of consciousness and liberation. His verses in the Theragāthā reflect his deep realization and his role as a teacher of clarity and discernment.

This verse is brief but profound, encapsulating the very heart of Buddhist liberation: the end of saṁsāra, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Mahākotthita affirms that through vipassanā (clear seeing), he has realized the nature of existence so thoroughly that no further rebirth is possible.

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