8.
The Book of the Eights
1.
Verses of the Elder Mahākaccāyana
He who is zealous, greedy for flavours, neglects the benefit that brings happiness.
A subtle dart, difficult to remove, honour is hard to give up by a contemptible person.
One should not pursue that oneself, for mortals have action as their kinsman.
As oneself knows him, so too the gods know him.
Those who understand this, thereby their quarrels are appeased.
But with the loss of wisdom, even one with wealth does not live.
Yet the wise one should not reject all that is seen and heard.
One with wisdom should be as if mute, one with strength as if weak;
Then when a matter has arisen, one should lie like one dead."
... The Elder Mahākaccāyana...
2.
Verses of the Elder Sirimitta
Such a monk indeed, thus after death does not grieve.
A monk with guarded doors always, thus after death does not grieve.
That monk of good morality, thus after death does not grieve.
That monk of good friends, thus after death does not grieve.
That monk of good wisdom, thus after death does not grieve.
And whose morality is good, dear to the noble ones, praised.
They call him 'not poor', his life is not in vain.
The wise one should pursue, remembering the Buddhas' teaching."
... The Elder Sirimitto...
3.
Verses of the Elder Mahāpanthaka
Then there was spiritual urgency for me, having seen the highest of men.
Such a Teacher he, having pleased, might fail.
Having cut off hair and beard, I went forth into homelessness.
Paying homage to the Self-enlightened One, I dwelt unconquered.
I would not sit even for a moment, while the dart of craving is not rooted out.
The three true knowledges have been attained, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled.
I am a Worthy One, worthy of offerings, free, without clinging.
Having dried up all craving, he sat down cross-legged."
... The Elder Mahāpanthaka...
The Chapter of Eights is concluded.
The summary therein:
These in the Eights, twenty-four verses.