Discover SN SN 1–11 SN 1SN 1.46

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

SN 1.46 Nymphs

“Accharāgaṇasaṅghuṭṭhaṁ,
pisācagaṇasevitaṁ;
Vanantaṁ mohanaṁ nāma,
kathaṁ yātrā bhavissatī”ti.

“Ujuko nāma so maggo,
abhayā nāma sā disā;
Ratho akūjano nāma,
dhammacakkehi saṁyuto.

Hirī tassa apālambo,
satyassa parivāraṇaṁ;
Dhammāhaṁ sārathiṁ brūmi,
sammādiṭṭhipurejavaṁ.

Yassa etādisaṁ yānaṁ,
itthiyā purisassa vā;
Sa ve etena yānena,
nibbānasseva santike”ti.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Accharāgaṇasaṅghuṭṭhaṁ,

“It’s resounding with a group of nymphs,

pisācagaṇasevitaṁ;

but haunted by a gang of goblins!

Vanantaṁ mohanaṁ nāma,

This grove is called ‘Deluding’.

kathaṁ yātrā bhavissatī”ti.

How will I keep going?”

“Ujuko nāma so maggo,

“That path is called ‘the direct way’,

abhayā nāma sā disā;

and it’s headed for the place called ‘fearless’.

Ratho akūjano nāma,

The chariot is called ‘unswerving’,

dhammacakkehi saṁyuto.

fitted with wheels of the teaching.

Hirī tassa apālambo,

Conscience is its bench-back,

satyassa parivāraṇaṁ;

mindfulness its upholstery.

Dhammāhaṁ sārathiṁ brūmi,

I say the teaching is the driver,

sammādiṭṭhipurejavaṁ.

with right view running out in front.

Yassa etādisaṁ yānaṁ,

Any woman or man

itthiyā purisassa vā;

who has such a vehicle,

Sa ve etena yānena,

by means of this vehicle

nibbānasseva santike”ti.

has drawn near to extinguishment.”