In the twenty-five years 
since I went forth, 
I have not found peace of mind, 
even as long as a finger-snap. 

Since I couldn’t get my mind unified, 
I was racked by desire for pleasures of the senses. 
Wailing, with outstretched arms, 
I left my dwelling. 

Shall I … or shall I commit suicide? 
What’s the point of living? 
For how on earth can one such as me die 
after resigning the training? 

Then I picked up a razor, 
I sat on a cot: 
the razor was ready 
to slice my vein. 

Then the realization 
came upon me—
the danger became clear, 
and I was firmly disillusioned. 

Then my mind was freed—
see the excellence of the teaching! 
I’ve attained the three knowledges, 
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.