Vaṅgīsa Thera's Verses

The Poet of Insight

Once a gifted court poet, Vaṅgīsa brought his eloquence into the service of the Dhamma. His verses blend poetic beauty with sharp insight, offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual transformation of a man who turned from worldly praise to the path of liberation.

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The Poem

Pāli:
Pāsādike vaṇṇupatheva sandisaṁ,
Nārīgaṇehi parivārayantiyo;
Tā mām avaṇṇāpayayuṁ rathesabhaṁ,
Gacchaṁ imaṁ maggamanokkamitvā.

Evaṁ ahaṁ pabbajito asaññato,
Citto ca me hadaye vasī kato;
Sohaṁ visuddho suvimuttamānaso,
Na cāpi me santikā edisiyo.

English Translation:
They tried to distract me, like beautiful courtesans on a splendid road,
Surrounding me, enticing me to stray from my path.

But I, though once untrained, went forth into homelessness;
Now my mind is mastered, purified, and fully liberated.
Such temptations no longer dwell near me.

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Background and Context

Vaṅgīsa was not an ordinary monk. Before his ordination, he was a renowned poet whose talent for composing spontaneous verses earned him fame. But as with many who follow the Buddha’s path, he grew disillusioned with worldly success and sought a deeper, more lasting truth.

This poem reflects a critical moment in Vaṅgīsa’s journey: the confrontation with desire and temptation. The vivid imagery of seductive women trying to lure him away symbolizes the persistent pull of sensual pleasure. Yet through insight and discipline, he overcomes these distractions and declares his total inner freedom.

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Terminology and Analysis