7.
The Book of the Sevens
1.
Verses of the Elder Sundarasamudda
With feet lacquered, having mounted sandals, the courtesan.
She spoke to me with smooth and soft words, having first smiled."
Enjoy human sensual pleasures, I give you wealth;
I promise you the truth, or I shall carry fire for you.
Both of us shall go forth, a winning throw in both respects."
Adorned, well-dressed, like a snare of Death laid out.
... Sundarasamudda the elder...
2.
Verses of the Elder Lakuṇḍakabhaddiya
Having uprooted craving with its root, there the auspicious one meditates.
But I at the root of a tree, delighted in the Buddha's Dispensation.
I would take for the whole world, constant mindfulness of the body.
Overcome by the power of desire and lust, those people do not know me.
The fool obstructed all around, he indeed is carried away by sound.
Seeing the fruit externally, he too is carried away by sound.
One who sees without obstruction, he is not carried away by sound."
... Lakuṇḍakabhaddiya the elder...
3.
Verses of the Elder Bhadda
Obtained through many ascetic practices and through prayers.
Both father and mother, brought me near to the Buddha."
We give him to you, O protector, as an attendant of the Conqueror."
'Give the going forth to this one quickly, this one will be of good breed.'
While the sun had not yet set, thereupon my mind was liberated.
'Come, Bhadda,' he said to me, that was my full ordination.
The three true knowledges have been attained, oh, the good nature of the Dhamma!"
... Bhadda the elder...
4.
Verses of the Elder Sopāka
Having approached him there, I paid homage to the highest of men.
I walked up and down following the stainless one, the highest of all beings.
Fearless and unafraid, I answered the Teacher.
Having looked at the Community of monks, he spoke this matter."
Robes and almsfood, requisites and lodgings;
Rising up in respect and proper treatment, it is a gain for them," he said.
Let this itself, Sopāka, be your full ordination."
I bear my final body, oh, the good nature of the Dhamma!"
... The Elder Sopāka...
5.
Verses of the Elder Sarabhaṅga
On account of that, 'Sarabhaṅga' was my name by convention.
Training rules have been laid down for us, by Gotama of great fame.
That disease was seen, by one obedient to the Super God.
Kakusandha, Koṇāgamana, and Kassapa, by that same straight path Gotama went.
By whom this Teaching was taught, by those such ones who have become the Teaching.
Suffering, origin, path, cessation, the elimination of suffering.
Upon the dissolution of this body, and the extinction of life;
There is no other rebirth, I am well liberated everywhere."
... Sarabhaṅga the elder...
The Chapter of Sevens is concluded.
The summary therein:
Bhadda the elder and Sopāka, Sarabhaṅga the great sage;
In the sevens five elders, thirty-five verses.