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### Samyutta Nikaya I.9

# Arañña Sutta

# The Wilderness

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.

Standing to one side, a devata addressed the Blessed One with a verse:

> Living in the wilderness,
> staying peaceful, remaining chaste,
> eating just one meal a day:
> why are their faces
> so bright & serene?

[The Buddha:]

> They don't sorrow over the past,
> don't long for the future.
> They survive on the present.
> That's why their faces
> are bright & serene.

> From longing for the future,
> from sorrowing over the past,
> fools wither away
> like a green reed cut down.

Revised: Wed 16 May 2001