Discover SN SN 1–11 SN 1SN 1.17

A deity engages the Buddha in verse on hard to do, exploring a teaching on suffering, liberation, and the law of kamma.

SN 1.17 Hard to Do

“Dukkaraṁ duttitikkhañca,
abyattena ca sāmaññaṁ;
Bahūhi tattha sambādhā,
yattha bālo visīdatī”ti.

“Katihaṁ careyya sāmaññaṁ,
cittañce na nivāraye;
Pade pade visīdeyya,
saṅkappānaṁ vasānugoti.

Kummova aṅgāni sake kapāle,
Samodahaṁ bhikkhu manovitakke;
Anissito aññamaheṭhayāno,
Parinibbuto nūpavadeyya kañcī”ti.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Dukkaraṁ duttitikkhañca,

“Hard to do, hard to endure,

abyattena ca sāmaññaṁ;

is the ascetic life for the inept,

Bahūhi tattha sambādhā,

for it has many narrow passes

yattha bālo visīdatī”ti.

where the fool founders.”

“Katihaṁ careyya sāmaññaṁ,

“How many days could an ascetic live

cittañce na nivāraye;

without controlling the mind?

Pade pade visīdeyya,

They’d founder with each step,

saṅkappānaṁ vasānugoti.

under the sway of thoughts.

Kummova aṅgāni sake kapāle,

A mendicant should collect their thoughts

Samodahaṁ bhikkhu manovitakke;

as a tortoise draws its limbs into its shell.

Anissito aññamaheṭhayāno,

Independent, not disturbing others,

Parinibbuto nūpavadeyya kañcī”ti.

quenched: they wouldn’t blame anyone.”