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Bhaddekaratta Gâthâ
(Verses on a Well-Spent Day)
Atîtaü Nânvâgameyya Nappañikaïkhê Anâgataü Yadatîtam pahînantaü Appattañca
Anâgataü Paccuppannañca Yo Dhammaü Tattha Tattha Vipassati Asaïhiraü Asaïkuppaü
Taü Viddhâ Manubruhayê Ajjeva Kiccamâtappaü Ko Jaññâ Maraõaü Suvê Na Hi No
Saïgarantena Mahâsenena Maccunâ Êvaü Vihârimâtâpiü Ahorattamatanditaü Taü Vê
Bhaddekaratto ti Santo Âcikkhate Munî’ ti
Let not a man trace back the past or wonder what the future holds: the past is but the left-behind, the
future... but the yet-unreached. But in the present let him see with insight each and every dhammâ,
invincibly, unshakably, that can be pierced by practicing. Today the effort must be made, tomorrow death
may come — who knows? No bargain with His Deathliness can keep him and his hordes away. But one
who bide! Thus ardently, relentlessly, by day, by night -he the Tranquil Sage has called the ideal lover of
solitude *