← Sutta collectionTHAG13.1Verses of the Senior Monks 13.1SuttaCentral (Bhikkhu Sujato translation)Select any verse to keep it — saved passages go to your Dhamma Deck, the same one the app uses.Verses of the Senior Monks 13.1The Book of the ThirteensChapter OneSoṇakoḷivisaHe who was special in the kingdom,the footman to the king of Aṅga,today is special in the Dhamma—Soṇa has gone beyond suffering.Five to cut, five to drop,and five more to develop.When a mendicant slips five chainsthey’re said to have crossed the flood.If a monk is insolent and negligent,concerned only with externals,their ethics, immersion, and wisdomdo not become fulfilled.They disregard what should be done,and do what should not be done.For the insolent and the negligent,their defilements only grow.Those that have properly undertakenconstant mindfulness of the body,don’t cultivate what should not be done,but always do what should be done.Mindful and aware,their defilements come to an end.The straight path has been explained—go on it and don’t turn back.Urge yourself onand take yourself to extinguishment.When my energy was over-exerted,the supreme Teacher in the worldcreated the simile of the arched harp for me.The Clear-eyed One taught the Dhamma,and when I heard what he said,I happily did his bidding.Practicing serenity of mindfor the attainment of the highest goal.I’ve attained the three knowledgesand fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.When you’re dedicated to renunciationand seclusion of the heart;when you’re dedicated to kindnessand the end of grasping;when you’re dedicated to the ending of cravingand clarity of heart;and you’ve seen the arising of the senses,your mind is rightly freed.For that one, rightly freed,a mendicant with peaceful mind,there’s nothing to be improved,and nothing more to do.As the wind cannot stira solid mass of rock,so too sights, tastes, sounds,smells, and touches—the lot—and ideas, whether liked or disliked,don’t disturb the unaffected one.Their mind is steady and unfetteredas they observe disappearance.