Verses of the Senior Monks 2.16 The Book of the Twos Chapter Two Mahākāḷa (THAG2.16)

1.1

“Kāḷī itthī brahatī dhaṅkarūpā,

There’s a big black woman who looks like a crow.

1.2

Satthiñca bhetvā aparañca satthiṁ;

She broke off thigh-bones, first one then another;

1.3

Bāhañca bhetvā aparañca bāhaṁ,

she broke off arm-bones, first one then another;

1.4

Sīsañca bhetvā dadhithālakaṁva;

she broke off a skull like a curd-bowl, and then

1.5

Esā nisinnā abhisandahitvā.

arranged them and sat nearby.

2.1

Yo ve avidvā upadhiṁ karoti,

When an ignorant person builds up attachments,

2.2

Punappunaṁ dukkhamupeti mando;

that dullard returns to suffering again and again.

2.3

Tasmā pajānaṁ upadhiṁ na kayirā,

So let one who understands <j>not build up attachments:

2.4

Māhaṁ puna bhinnasiro sayissan”ti.

may I never again lie with a broken skull!

2.5

… Mahākāḷo thero ….