[352] 6. "Twenty-five years have passed since I went forth,
yet not even for the mere duration of a finger-snap
did I attain peace of mind (cetosanti).
Having gained no one-pointedness of mind (cittassa ekaggaṃ),
afflicted by sensual lust (kāmarāga),
wailing with upraised arms,
I went out from my dwelling, [thinking:]
'I shall take the knife [to myself] —
what use is life to me?
For how could one such as I make an end,
having renounced the training (sikkhā)?'
Then, taking a razor,
I sat down upon a bed;
the razor had been brought to bear,
to sever my own vein.
Thereupon careful attention (yoniso manasikāra) arose in me:
the danger (ādīnava) became manifest,
disenchantment (nibbidā) was firmly established.
Then my mind was liberated —
behold the excellence of the Dhamma!
The three true knowledges (tisso vijjā) have been attained;
the Buddha's teaching has been done."
[Thus spoke] the Elder Sappadāsa.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.