“With plows young men plough the field,
sowing seeds in the earth.
As they nourish wife and children,
young men find wealth.
I have perfect morality,
I follow the teaching of the Teacher,
I am not lazy nor conceited,
so why have I not attained Nirvana?
After washing the feet,
I observed the water,
and noticed the foot-washing water
flowing from top to bottom.
From there I sought one-pointedness of mind,
like a good thoroughbred horse.
Later, I took the lamp,
and entered my dwelling.
I checked the bed
and took a seat on a mat.
I took the needle
and pulled out the wick.
My emancipation of mind
was like the going out of the lamp.”
You can also read the life story of Arahant Paṭācārā in the commentary to Dhammapada verse 113.
Read this translation of Therīgāthā 5.10 Paṭācārātherīgāthā: Verses of the Elder Paṭācārā by Ayya Soma on SuttaCentral.net. Or read a different translation on SuttaCentral.net, SuttaFriends.org or DhammaTalks.org. Or listen on SC-Voice.net.