Thergatha

The provided text is the Pali version of the Theragatha, a Buddhist scripture containing verses attributed to senior monks (Theras). The text is an anthology of poems by monks who had attained the status of Arhats, describing their spiritual experiences and insights before their final parinirvana.

Here's a breakdown of what the text contains based on the provided pages:

• Title and Authorship: The title is "Theragatha" (थेर-गाथा). It is indicated as being compiled by Rahul Sankrityayan, Ananda Kausalyayan, and Jagdish Kashyap, and published by Uttam Bhikkhu. The publication year is mentioned as 2481 Buddha-vachara (1937 A.C.).

• Purpose and Foreword (Page 4): The foreword (प्राङिनवेदनम्) highlights the importance of printing Pali literature in Devanagari script. It explains that the difference in scripts between Sanskrit and Pali makes it difficult for those familiar with Sanskrit to access Pali texts. This edition aims to bridge that gap. It also mentions that the text includes variant readings found in footnotes, largely sourced from the Pali Text Society editions. The foreword expresses gratitude to Uttam Sthavira for his assistance.

• Content Structure: The main body of the text is organized into Nipatas (groups) and Vaggas (chapters). Each chapter contains verses (gathas) attributed to specific elder monks (Theras).

  • Nipatas: These are categories based on the number of verses in a monk's attributed collection, starting from Ek-nipato (one verse), then Duka-nipato (two verses), Tika-nipato (three verses), and so on, up to Maha-nipato (large collections). The table of contents (विषय-सूची) on page 6 lists these Nipatas and provides page numbers.
  • Vaggas: Within each Nipata, the verses are further divided into Vaggas (chapters), typically named after the first monk or a theme.

• Key Themes and Content: The verses generally express:

  • Experiences of Spiritual Attainment: Monks describe their journey to enlightenment, the eradication of defilements (kilesas), the attainment of liberation (vimutti), and the cessation of rebirth.
  • Insights into Buddhist Doctrine: The verses often reflect on core Buddhist teachings such as impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), non-self (anatta), the aggregates (khandhas), dependent origination (paticcasamuppada), the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path.
  • Personal Reflections: Monks recount their past lives, their struggles with desires and attachments, their renunciation of worldly pleasures, and their final peace in Nirvana.
  • Praise for the Buddha and the Dhamma: Many verses express deep reverence for the Buddha and his teachings.
  • Specific Monks: The text is a collection of the individual testimonies of numerous elder monks, each with their unique spiritual insights and narrative.

• Examples of Monks and Verses: The pages display names of various monks such as Subhuti Thero, Mahakothika Thero, Kakareva Thero, Mantaniputta Thero, Dabba Thero, Seetavaniya Thero, Bhalliya Thero, Vira Thero, Pilindavachha Thero, Punnamaso Thero, Culavachchha Thero, Mahavachchha Thero, Vanavachchha Thero, Kundadhana Thero, Velatthasisa Thero, Dasaka Thero, Sigalapita Thero, Kulo Thero, Ajita Thero, Nygrodha Thero, Cittaka Thero, Gosala Thero, Sugandha Thero, Nandiya Thero, Abhaya Thero, Kosamakangiya Thero, Jambugamiputta Thero, Harita Thero, Uttiya Thero, and many others, spanning through the various Nipatas and Vaggas. The verses are often short, poetic, and filled with metaphorical language.

• Overall Significance: The Theragatha is a vital source for understanding the lives and spiritual achievements of the early disciples of the Buddha. It offers a personal and deeply moving perspective on the path to liberation and the fruits of practicing the Dhamma. The compilation aims to inspire future generations of practitioners by showcasing the diverse paths and profound realizations of those who followed the Buddha's teachings.

In essence, the provided text is a comprehensive collection of the poetic utterances of enlightened elder monks, offering a glimpse into their spiritual journey and ultimate liberation.