I was an only child,
loved by my mother and father.
They had me by practicing
many prayers and observances.

Out of sympathy for me
wishing me well and wanting the best for me,
my mother and father
took me to see the Buddha.

“We had this son with difficulty;
he is delicate and dainty.
We offer him to you, Lord,
to attend upon the victor.”

The teacher, having accepted me,
declared to Ānanda:
“Quickly give him the going-forth—
this one will be a thoroughbred!”

After he, the teacher, had sent me forth,
the victor entered his dwelling.
Before the sun set
my mind was freed.

The teacher didn’t neglect me;
when he came out from seclusion,
he said: “Come Bhadda!”
That was my ordination.

At seven years old
I received ordination.
I’ve attained the three knowledges;
oh, the excellence of the teaching!

The Minor Discourses

|_【8】 Verses of the Senior Monks