[376] One should understand one's own good,
and should examine the teaching (pāvacana),
and whatever here would be fitting
for one who has taken up the ascetic life (sāmañña).
A good friend right here,
the undertaking of the training in full,
and deference to one's teachers—
this is fitting for an ascetic (samaṇa).
Respect toward the Buddhas,
reverence for the Dhamma as it really is (yathābhūtaṃ),
and esteem for the Saṅgha—
this is fitting for an ascetic.
Devotion to proper conduct and resort (ācāra-gocara),
a livelihood purified, beyond reproach,
and the steadying of the mind (citta)—
this is fitting for an ascetic.
Observance and avoidance (cāritta, vāritta),
deportment in the postures (iriyāpatha) that inspires confidence,
and application to the higher mind (adhicitta)—
this is fitting for an ascetic.
Forest lodgings,
remote and of little noise,
should be resorted to by the sage (muni)—
this is fitting for an ascetic.
Virtue and great learning,
investigation of dhammas as they really are,
and penetration of the truths—
this is fitting for an ascetic.
One should develop the perception "impermanent,"
the perception of non-self and the perception of foulness,
and non-delight in the world—
this is fitting for an ascetic.
One should develop the factors of awakening (bojjhaṅga),
the bases for success (iddhipāda), the faculties and the powers,
and the noble eightfold path—
this is fitting for an ascetic.
The sage should abandon craving (taṇhā),
should shatter the taints (āsava) together with their root,
and should dwell fully released—
this is fitting for an ascetic.
The Elder Gotama.
Summary (uddāna):
The elder Kāḷudāyī, and Ekavihārī, and Kappina,
Cūḷapanthaka and Kappa, Upasena and Gotama—
these seven elders are in the Chapter of the Tens,
and the verses here are seventy.
The Chapter of the Tens (Dasakanipāta) is finished.
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Theragāthā: The Chapter of the Elevens (Ekādasakanipāta)
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.