Jinārthiprakr̥ti: Digital Edition of an Old Javanese Buddhist Poem — After the edition by J. Schoterman & A. Teeuw (1985)

Author of digital edition: Arlo Griffiths

Filename: DHARMA_CritEdJinarthiprakrti.xml

Language: Old Javanese

Repository: Nusantara Philology (tfd-nusantara-philology)

Version: part commented since without access_token with github actions api calls are limited – still working on it


Editorial

  • Editorial declaration:
    • normalization:
      • Normalization of the spelling of Sanskrit words/names, substitution of ṅ for ng, h for ḥ and v for w.

Witness


Edition

1.

nāhan lakṣaṇa saṅ tathāgata mahāyāna pva yan kavruhi |

pūrṇeṅ rūpa sacihna saṅ viku huvus māndəl haneṅ jro hati |

muṇḍī goḍuva len gaṇitri paragi mvaṅ sāmbarāśryāputih |

mvaṅ tekaṅ kaṭivandha yogapaṭa sakvehniṅ sinaṅguh krama ||


⟨1.1⟩Such are the characteristics of the Buddha in Mahāyāna Buddhism—keep them in mind! The monk has a perfect appearance with all the external distinguishing marks, fully determined in his heart. He has a bald pate, a bracelet and rosary, a sash, a set of monk’s robes, resplendent and of bright colour, a belt, and a meditation cloth—everything according to the rules.


2.

nāhan muṇḍi ṅaranya saṅ makamanah dharmāsvabhāvāhəniṅ |

śuddha prakṛti niṣprapañcamaya śūnya jñāna nirsaṅgraha |

nirsambodhana nirvikalpakamayālīlaṅ mahāśāśvatā |

muṇḍi pvaiki ṅaranya nitya maparas mūrdhāṅ ləṅis nityasa ||


⟨1.2⟩That is what is called the bald pate: the monk sets his mind on the Dharma, attaining a pure nature; he is of an immaculate disposition; he has a knowledge which is free from diversity, void, free from external influences, free from [false] perception, admitting no doubt, and free from disturbances; he strives after permanence [of these qualities]. The bald pate has such a meaning. He always keeps his head clean-shaven. It is always shining.


3.

jñāna vruh maṅiriṅ pasuk vətunikaṅ prāṇādi buddhyotsaha |

mvaṅ vruh rīdər ikaṅ śarīra mahilī mendran lanā cakravat |

ndah nityāṅhanakən praveśa makadon prītyaṅ prajāmaṇḍala |

nāhan teki gaṇitri tan pasalahan de daṅ mahāpaṇḍita ||


⟨1.3⟩Knowledge is comprehension of how to conduct inhaling and exhaling, namely of Prāṇa etc. — a mental effort. Furthermore it is comprehension of their circumvolation in the human body as a current, continuosly rotating like a wheel. Besides, it ceaselessly causes their appearance for the welfare of human beings. Such is this rosary. The true teacher does not take it off.


4.

nirbyāpāranikaṅ manah ya ta maveh prītyaṅ nikaṅ rat kabeh |

mvaṅ saṅ deva sireki mukhya ginave tuṣṭā nirān laṅgəṅa |

mvaṅ saṅ ṛṣi sireka laṅgeṅa sivin maṅde sukhāniṅ prajā |

yekā goḍuva tan kasah ri sira saṅ mahyun tuməmvaṅ taya ||


⟨1.4⟩Free from undue activities the mind bestows welfare on all mankind. First of all he should appease the gods, constantly. The sages also he should faithfully attend upon for the happiness of human beings. This is the bracelet. The monk does not part with it if he wishes to experience voidness.


5.

buddhi lvir raviteja lumra sumənə̄ riṅ sarvatattvāgama |

otsāhāna rajah tamah pada gəsəṅ sakvehnikaṅ ṣaḍripu |

artha mvaṅ kama śabda len daśamahābhāyālahāvrəg hilaṅ |

nāhan taṅ paragi prasiddha tinəṅət de saṅ masadyā hayu ||


⟨1.5⟩Intellectual activity, like the sun’s radiance, brightly spreads over all true traditional doctrines. One should strive to scorch the instances of dusk and darkness, all the Six Enemies, pursuit of wealth, improper desire, false words, and the Ten Great Anguishes. These will be annihilated and will disappear in confusion. Such is the sash. Surely, the monk who seeks happiness guards it.


6.

jñāna lvir həniṅ iṅ laṅit kinatayan deniṅ hima mvaṅ limut |

vruh riṅ sarvaviśeṣatattva ṅuniveh riṅ buddhamārgottama |

tiṅkah śrī jina riṅ śarīra kahiḍəp devīnirān sakramā |

yekā sāmbara tan vənaṅ vinasəhan tan bhasmi deniṅ panas ||


⟨1.6⟩Knowledge is like a clear sky from which clouds and mist are dispelled. It is comprehension of all specific doctrines, especially of the sublime path of the Buddha. One is aware of the Lord Buddha’s presence in the human body as well as of the goddess as His spouse. This is the set of monk’s robes. It cannot become worn out by washing nor can it be reduced to ashes by fire.


7.

jñāna vruh humiḍəp ri śūnyatānikaṅ sarvatva dharmātmaka |

sthīrāniṅsəti tuṅgal iṅ sakalatattva mvaṅ śarīrakrama |

mvaṅ pañcendriya buddhi tan pamiṣaya tan kāpusan byāpara |

nāhan taṅ kaṭivandha riṅ paramatattva ndan ginuhyeṅ manah ||


⟨1.7⟩Knowledge is comprehension of how to realize the voidness of everything existing as far as it is characterized by the Dharma. It firmly tightens all doctrines into oneness as well as the course through the human body. Moreover, [through it] the five organs of perception are not bound to external objects nor are they bound to any undue activity. Such is the belt with regard to the ultimate doctrine, but it is hidden in the mind.


8.

prajñā vruh riṅ aveśa guhya atiyoga mvaṅ hiḍəp vīryavān |

salvir neṅ surapūja yeka kahiḍəp naṅ devahārakrama |

sarvopakriya sarvadeśana təlas taṅ mantra tantra stuti |

yekā yogapaṭa prasiddha kumavītan vətva riṅ durnaya ||


⟨1.8⟩Insight is comprehension of the entry of esoteric knowledge and superior yoga—it implies a powerful mind. Every way of worshipping the gods as well as the series of food-offerings one should know, all forms of ritual worship and every kind of religious instruction, and, finally, the incantations, formularies, and eulogies. This is the meditation cloth. Surely, it wards off instances of ritual wrongdoing.


9.

jñānotsāha taman pəgat mulahakən pūjā stuti śrī jina |

suptādikriya tan katalyan inivə̄ naṅkən trisādhyātutur |

maṅgāṅhela tan artha kārya magave dharma trikāyottama |

yekāṅkən kaharan savit ri sira saṅ paṇḍyāhyun iṅ śūnyatā ||


⟨1.9⟩Correct application of knowledge implies constant performing of worship and praise of the Lord Buddha. Not bound to such occupations as sleep, etc., one should heed each of the Three Aims, fully awake. Willing to suffer difficulties, without an immediate profit or an evident urge, one executes the Dharma, excellent in its triple form. This is called the sawit for the wise who seeks voidness.


10.

pūjānta sthiti sarvalakṣaṇa ya pūjā siṅ sasolah bhava |

salvirniṅ vacanāmanis parahitāṅkən mantra nityāsthiti |

siṅ cittanta japaprayoga magalar bāyu tri ratna traya |

siṅ kāranta ya yogakāraṇa ri siddhāniṅ kayogīśvaran ||


⟨1.10⟩One’s worship is consistent in all characteritics. There is worship in all one’s doings and dealings: all kinds of words, sweet and for the benefit of others, are like incantations, always consistent; all one’s thoughts are the practice of muttering prayers, counting the three winds and the three jewels. All one’s activities are impelled by yoga for the sake of becoming an excellent yogi.


11.

śīlantāṅinakiṅ mulat ya tika kəmbaṅ tan malum nityasa |

siṅ sojarta kapaṇḍitan mijil arūm gandhā vaṅinyān sumar |

vruhteṅ tattvaviśeṣa buddha ya tikā vījanta nityāgəlar |

jñānāhniṅ humiḍəṅ mayā kadi miñak yekā nivedyāhaləp ||


⟨1.11⟩One’s behavior eases the beholder as if it were a flower, always fresh. All one’s words emit wisdom like the sweet-smelling perfumes spreading scent all around. One’s special knowledge of the Buddha are the rice-grains, constantly strewn. One’s knowledge, spotless, unwavering, and pure is like sacrificial butter. This is the beautiful food-offering to the gods.


12.

nāhan hetuni saṅ vuvus vruh irikaṅ dvīmātratavālicin |

byaktā tiṅhala tattva sakramanikaṅ tantrenusir saṅ viku |

aṅhiṅ jñānaviśeṣa buddha kahiḍəp tan dūra tan saṅśaya |

ndan sāmaṅkana tan sapekṣa ri ulah lvir bhrānta riṅ lakṣaṇa ||


⟨1.12⟩That is the reason why the monk is fully aware of the double nature of liberation. He should have a clear view of the essentials, everything belonging to the doctrine, which the Buddhist monk pursues. Only knowledge, especially of the Buddha, one should know, not moving away from it nor having doubts on it. Such he should be, unconcerned with behaviour as if he were confused with regard to the true characteristics.


13.

vvantən teki gəgə̄n bratāṅkənan ikaṅ de saṅ makinkin hayu |

naṅ ṣaṭpāramitā prakāśita gəgə̄n taṅ dāna riṅ pūrvaka |

len taṅ śīla muvah ta śānti saha vīrya dhyāna len kavruhi |

prajñāntyana ya teka kavruhinihan taṅ dāna tiṅkahnikā ||


⟨1.13⟩These are the observances, each of them to be practised by the monk who strives after happines. They are the Six Perfections, widely known and to be practised. In the first place charity, next moral conduct, then patience together with energy and meditation - know these! - and finally wisdome. One should keep them in mind. Such is the classification of charity:


14.

ambək nitya ləbā riṅ artha ṅuniveh yan tvak səkul bhojana |

lāvan strī tuvi putri yadiyan tāvehakən riṅ matə̄n |

rāh len māṅsa atinta soca yadiyan kāvehakənniṅ matə̄n |

nāhan teka ya dānapāramitā yekin tambayan kavruhi ||


⟨1.14⟩One’s thoughts are unconcerned with material goods, especially palmwine, cooked rice, and other nourishments. Futher one should give away one’s wife, even one’s son or daughter, if somebody wants them. One’s own blood, flesh, one’s liver even one’s own eyes are to be given away if somebody wants them. Such is the Perfection of Charity. This one should know as the first.


15.

rakṣekaṅ jinaśāsana kramanikaṅ śikṣa tatā gəgvani |

tan byāpāra tikaṅ trikāya riṅ ulah yan ton sukhāniṅ para |

naṅ prāṇātipatīviratyadi ya tekā dohakən pūrvaka |

nāhan kavruhi śīlapāramita maṅgəh vvaṅ tuməmvaṅ hayu ||


⟨1.15⟩Protecting the Buddhist teachings, avowing the rules of the order of learning, not indulging in undue activities—that is the triple form of correct behaviour aiming at the happiness of other people ‘Abstention from transgression against living beings’—from this and the others one should hold aloof, first and for all. Such-mind you!-is the Perfection of Moral Conduct by which people find constant happiness.


16.

amək lvir madhu sinyukan madhu səḍəṅniṅ vvaṅ maveh duhkhita |

tan molah humiḍəṅ viśuddha mahəniṅ himpər viyat nirghana |

āptyāveha sukheṅ manah lara kədəh mahyun sukhāniṅ manah |

śāntipāramitā pva nāma nikahən yekan gəgə̄ nityasa ||


⟨1.16⟩One’s thoughts should be like honey poured upon with honey when people grieve him. They should be unchanging, immovable, pure, and clear like a cloudless sky, eagerly wishing to bestow happiness on a mind afflicted by distress, wishing happiness for the mind. The Perfection of Patience this is called. One should always keep to it.


17.

tan varsihnikanaṅ trikāya pagave karmāhajəṅ nityasa |

yapvan riṅ rahineṅ sinapvan aṅaji mvaṅ lot mamūjānulis |

yan riṅ rātri majāgra yoga japa lāvan dhyāna pūjā stuti |

vīryapāramitā ki kavruhi mahāmārgāṅusir śūnyatā ||


⟨1.17⟩Without getting tired of the triple form one incessantly effects good karma. In the daytime one sweeps clean, and constantly studies, worships, and writes. At night one stays awake with yoga, muttering prayers, meditation, worship, and eulogies. This is the Perfection of Energy—know it! It is the highroad for one who strives after voidness.


18.

jñānānuṅgalakən śarīra kalavan siṅ sarvasattvātmaka |

dehaṅkv ājana sarvasattva marikā dehaṅku sattvātmaka |

nāhan hetuni sih nirākṣama rikā sattvādikādhah tuvī |

yekā dhyāna ṅaranya pāramita teki svargamārgāpahəh ||


⟨1.18⟩Knowledge unites one’s own body with all the-other living beings. [Reflecting:] ‘My own body is the ongm of all beings, yes, my body represents the living beings’ he should therefore love and endure the living beings, both high and low. This is the Perfection called ‘Meditation’. It offers a sure way to heaven.


19.

jñāna vruh ri atinta len anagata mvaṅ vartamānakrama |

mvaṅ riṅ sarvaviśeṣatattva samaya mvaṅ sarvaśāstrāgama |

bāhyādhyātma viśeṣayoga sakala mvaṅ dikvidikdevatā |

prajñāpāramitā kramanya ta gəgə̄n maṅgəh vəkasniṅ brata ||


⟨1.19⟩Knowledge is comprehension of the past, the future, and the present; also of all specific doctrines, ordinations, and the complete body of sacred texts, of all external and internal types of yoga, and of the gods of the quarters and the intermediate quarters. This is the Perfection of Wisdom. One should stick to it in the proper manner: it is the choice of the observances.


20.

naṅ ṣaṭpāramiteka pūrvaka gəgə̄ntan mahyun iṅ śūnyatā |

byaktāsih pva bhaṭāra buddha ri sirā sampun kacittagraha |

āpan mūla viśeṣatantra vəkas eṅ tattvenucap saṅ viku |

jñānādvāya viśeṣatattva nikihən devī mahākāraṇa ||


⟨1.20⟩One should, first of all, stick to the Six Perfections in one’s quest for voidness. The Lord Buddha shows a clear love for the one who has absorbed them in his mind because they are the gist of [all] particular texts, the core of [all] doctrines—so the Buddhist monk proclaims. Non-duality of knowledge is the paramount feature of the goddess as the Supreme Cause.


21.

vvantən pāramitā kramanya acaturbrahmāvihārāpagəh |

metrī mvaṅ karuṇādulur mudita len tekaṅ upekṣāṅiriṅ |

naṅ ṣaṭpāramitāpupul pva yan lavan brahmāvihārātəmu |

yekā pāramitā prasiddha daśa sākṣāt karuṇeṅ śrī jina ||


⟨1.21⟩There is yet another group of Perfections, four in line, the so-called ‘Abodes of Brahma’, solid. [They are:] love, and compassion together with joy, and followed by equanimity. Such are the Six Perfections together with the [four] ‘Abodes of Brahma’. These are the Perfections, actually ten in number. Before one’s eyes they are the compassion of the Lord Budha.


22.

nāhan metri ṅaranya buddhi gumave kāhayvan iṅ rat kabeh |

lāvan taṅ karuṇā pva buddhi malarānon vvaṅ mahāduhkhita |

len tekaṅ muditā ova buddhi sukha yan ton tuṣṭaniṅ vvaṅ vaneh |

ambək śuddha parārtha tan phala katə̄nnyopekṣa liṅ saṅ viku ||


⟨1.22⟩Such is the import of love: the active mind effects happiness for all mankind. Next, compassion is the active mind feeling pain at the sight of sorrowful people. Further, joy is the active mind experiencing happiness at the sight of happy people. Pure feelings towards the affairs of others, no desire for personal gain—that is equanimity according to the Buddhist monk.


1.

lāvan ta hayva malupeṅ bhuvanaṅ śarīra |

abdhi mvaṅ adri paramottamadehatattva |

maṅgəh paṅāśrayananiṅ maṅusir kamokṣan |

āpan tika pva maparək saki pāda saṅ hyaṅ ||


⟨2.1⟩Now, we must not forget the human as the earth. The seas and the mountains are the most excellent features of the body. [The body] is a stable support in one’s quest for liberation, because as such it is nearby the abode of the gods.


2.

nāhan ta tiṅkah iṅ avak jaladhi kramanya |

rāganta tan patəpi yeka bañunya majro |

dveṣanta mevəh ika teka karaṅnya durga |

mohanta vibhrama sumək ya tikombakāgə̄ṅ ||


⟨2.2⟩Such is the arrangement of the body according to the sea: One’s limitless desire—the deep waters. One’s troublesome hate—the coral-reefs hard to pass. One’s overwhelming, restless delusion—the big waves.


3.

dambhanta tan pahaməṅan kruramīna rodra |

īrṣyānta sarvaviṣa sarpa viśeṣa mandi |

mātsarya yeka talatəkna sukət mahevəh |

lāvan tikaṅ trimala yeka harusnya madrəs ||


⟨2.3⟩One’s deceit not leaving anything behind—the ferocious sharks. One’s envy, sheer poison—the sea-snakes, extremely poisonous. One’s jealousy—the sandbanks overgrown with sea-weed and very troublesome. The Three Stains—the heavy surf.


4.

lāvan rajah tamah ikā taṅ alusnya nitya |

krodhanta yeka ya rivut marivuṅ haṅinnya |

pañcendriyāṅkəna hudanya barat halisyus |

jñānanta mūḍha rasaniṅ bañu tikta lumrā ||


⟨2.4⟩Passion and mental darkness—the restlessly heaving waves. One’s anger—the raging gusts of the wind. The five senses are like the rains with gales and squalls. One’s shallow knowledge—the taste of salt water, all around present.


5.

jñānanta dhīra ya ta paṅhilaṅaṅ mahevəh |

prajñānta yeka matəmah kṣirasāgarālva |

tekan putər ta ya riṅ adri mahāviśeṣa |

naṅ liṅgacetya himavān [n]din amaṇḍalāni ||


⟨2.5⟩One’s profound knowledge is a means of destroying these big troubles. One’s insight becomes the extensive Ocean of Milk. This is churned with the mountain par excellence, the lingga-monument, Mt. Himawan. How could it be used to churn with?


6.

yekā gaṇitri ya ta sarvajinan patiṅkah |

naṅkən vatək hyaṅ amutər tikaṅ adriliṅga |

naṅ sūtra yeki paramottamabuddhisattva |

kāṅkənya nāga pamutərnikanaṅ vatək hyaṅ ||


⟨2.6⟩This rosary is all-conquering by its composition: it is like the host of the gods at the churning with the mountain-lingga. Such is the cord, the most excellent spiritual quality, resembling a snake as a means of churning by the host of the gods.


7.

enak pva denta mamutərnikanaṅ vatək hyaṅ |

vijñāna pāramita teki vilaṅnya śūnya |

hyaṅ śrī ya taṅgalaniran rumuhun ta vəlkah |

kāṅkən ta pāvakaniṅ amr̥ta meh katəmva ||


⟨2.7⟩The churning by the host of the gods is rewarding for you: knowledge of the [Ten] Perfections [results], the outcome of which is a void [mind]. The goddess Śrī appears first, unfolding herself in all splendour. She has the nature of ambrosia which will shortly be found.


8.

enak pva nirviṣayaniṅ kṣiracitta śūnya |

bāyu triratna humənəṅ sthiti ekatāna |

yekā ta darśana bhaṭāra viśeṣabuddha |

māyā prabhāsvara sirā nirakāradeha ||


⟨2.8⟩At ease and free from the realm of senses is the ‘Milk Ocean-mind’, void. The three winds and the [three] jewels have come to a rest. They are now unmoving and fixed. Now one views the excellent Lord, the Buddha. It is a mirage, however splendid, because He has a transcendental body.


9.

sākṣāt sireka ta mahāmr̥ta śuddha śūci |

ndah yeka taṅ pana sirerika sāri-sāri |

byaktā luput sira sakeṅ maraṇātivr̥ddha |

byaktā kaṅ aṣṭaguṇa tan sah avas panutnya ||


⟨2.9⟩Before one’s eyes He [manifests Himself] as ambrosia, clear and pure. This is drink of which He is the essence. Surely, one now escapes death and the infirmities of old age. Indeed, the Eight Qualities are now always pursued, carefully.


10.

nāhan ta tiṅkah ika aṅga samudratattva |

tiṅkahnikaṅ tanu mahendranihan kramanya |

ndān uttamāṅga hata śr̥ṅganiṅ aṅgapārśva |

pādanta pādanikaṅ adri śarīratattva ||


⟨2.10⟩Such is the arrangement of the body according to the sea-features. The arrangement of the body as a mountain is as follows: The head is the top of the body-mountain. One’s feet are the foot of the mountain according to the body-features.


11.

ṣaḍvarga durgama sukətnya juraṅnya majro |

moṅ siṅha barvaṅ ikanaṅ trimalātirodra |

durśīlatr̥ṣṇā paraṅanyan asarpa mandi |

mvaṅ taṅ rajah tamah udanya gəlap halisyus ||


⟨2.11⟩The Group of Six—the inaccessible shrubs and deep ravines. The tigers, lions, and bears—the Three Stains, very ferocious. The wicked thirst—the rocky slopes with poisonous snakes. Passion and mental darkness—the rains with thunder and squalls.


12.

kyekā paṅāśrayananiṅ maṅusir kasiddhan |

bəntar babad sukət ikaṅ ati riṅ kadhīrān |

vruhteṅ mahāparamatattva vadūṅ atīkṣṇa |

vijñāna dharma tarukan pagagan ta donya ||


⟨2.12⟩Here one should resort to in one’s quest for siddha-hood. Shattered and cleared away are the shrubs of one’s heart set in self-control. Knowledge of the highly superior doctrine serves as a sharp axe. Discernment of the Dharma is the cleared spot meant to lay out rice-fields.


13.

ndah yeka tunvani tayeṅ smr̥ti sūryatīkṣṇa |

byaktāgəsəṅ sahananiṅ sukət iṅ śarīra |

sampun pva nirmala gəsəṅ gələh iṅ svacitta |

maṅgəh tayan vuluku riṅ brata pūja mantra ||


⟨2.13⟩These one should burn down by mental concentration, hot as the sun. Indeed, all the shrubs on one’s body are now burnt down. Now the stains of one’s own mind are completely clean and purified. Constantly the ploughing goes on with observances, worship, and incantations.


14.

sampun pva tandurana yoga lavan samādhi |

raṅkāta yeṅ kuśalamūlani śīla yukti |

jñānāhəniṅ ya maṅənə̄ divasantacandra |

byaktā jinasmr̥ti tuvuhnika śāśvatāṅgə̄ṅ ||


⟨2.14⟩Next one should plant with yoga and meditation. Remove the tall grasses and snakes by proper conduct. Clear knowledge is the watering [as refreshing as] the moon at the end of the day. Then knowledge of the Buddha sprouts, which one should constantly cultivate.


15.

byaktā phala pva ri katonta bhaṭāra buddha |

maṅgəh sireka paṅaranta pakopajīvan |

enak pva denta masamūha lavan bhaṭāra |

siddheka siddha kaharan təkaniṅ kamokṣan ||


⟨2.15⟩Manifest are the fruits, namely one’s seeing of the Lord Buddha. Lasting He is as one’s food to subsist on. Pleasant is one’s union with the Lord. Then one is a siddha. A Siddha one is called who has attained liberation.


Canto 3 Giriśa

1.

irika ta karaṇanyāya ndan ta vruhi rumuhun |

nihan iki phala maṅgəh nāhan kavruhi vəkasan |

krama ni tanu bhaṭāra hyaṅ buddhāṅhibəki sarāt |

aganal alit anūkṣmāṣṭeśvaryecchanira sukha ||


⟨3.1⟩This is the chain of causes which one should know in the beginning, and such are effects, durable, which one should know at the end: the arrangement of the Lord Buddha’s body pervading the complete phenomenal world, gross as well as minute or subtle; the Eight Powers are at one’s disposal at will.


2.

kunaṅ ikiṅ inucap don nirdon tā mucapa rikā |

apan ika təka pə̄hniṅ kārya mvaṅ karaṇa pinet |

niravaraṇa nikin ton lvir jñāna niralaya |

aparək ika sakeṅ śrī sarvajñā saha mavəkas ||


⟨3.2⟩This then is what is calledd the aim. It is no use to discuss it any further because it is the quintessence of cause and effect which one pursues. With unblurred vision one views. Knowledge appears in an absolute way, nearby the Lord Who is all-knowing and enlightening.



colophon

jinārthiprakr̥ti || pralambaṅ kamahāyānin ||

Here ends the Monk’s ABC, a Mahāyāna poem.


Translation

⟨1.1⟩Such are the characteristics of the Buddha in Mahāyāna Buddhism—keep them in mind! The monk has a perfect appearance with all the external distinguishing marks, fully determined in his heart. He has a bald pate, a bracelet and rosary, a sash, a set of monk’s robes, resplendent and of bright colour, a belt, and a meditation cloth—everything according to the rules.

⟨1.2⟩That is what is called the bald pate: the monk sets his mind on the Dharma, attaining a pure nature; he is of an immaculate disposition; he has a knowledge which is free from diversity, void, free from external influences, free from [false] perception, admitting no doubt, and free from disturbances; he strives after permanence [of these qualities]. The bald pate has such a meaning. He always keeps his head clean-shaven. It is always shining.

⟨1.3⟩Knowledge is comprehension of how to conduct inhaling and exhaling, namely of Prāṇa etc. — a mental effort. Furthermore it is comprehension of their circumvolation in the human body as a current, continuosly rotating like a wheel. Besides, it ceaselessly causes their appearance for the welfare of human beings. Such is this rosary. The true teacher does not take it off.

⟨1.4⟩Free from undue activities the mind bestows welfare on all mankind. First of all he should appease the gods, constantly. The sages also he should faithfully attend upon for the happiness of human beings. This is the bracelet. The monk does not part with it if he wishes to experience voidness.

⟨1.5⟩Intellectual activity, like the sun’s radiance, brightly spreads over all true traditional doctrines. One should strive to scorch the instances of dusk and darkness, all the Six Enemies, pursuit of wealth, improper desire, false words, and the Ten Great Anguishes. These will be annihilated and will disappear in confusion. Such is the sash. Surely, the monk who seeks happiness guards it.

⟨1.6⟩Knowledge is like a clear sky from which clouds and mist are dispelled. It is comprehension of all specific doctrines, especially of the sublime path of the Buddha. One is aware of the Lord Buddha’s presence in the human body as well as of the goddess as His spouse. This is the set of monk’s robes. It cannot become worn out by washing nor can it be reduced to ashes by fire.

⟨1.7⟩Knowledge is comprehension of how to realize the voidness of everything existing as far as it is characterized by the Dharma. It firmly tightens all doctrines into oneness as well as the course through the human body. Moreover, [through it] the five organs of perception are not bound to external objects nor are they bound to any undue activity. Such is the belt with regard to the ultimate doctrine, but it is hidden in the mind.

⟨1.8⟩Insight is comprehension of the entry of esoteric knowledge and superior yoga—it implies a powerful mind. Every way of worshipping the gods as well as the series of food-offerings one should know, all forms of ritual worship and every kind of religious instruction, and, finally, the incantations, formularies, and eulogies. This is the meditation cloth. Surely, it wards off instances of ritual wrongdoing.

⟨1.9⟩Correct application of knowledge implies constant performing of worship and praise of the Lord Buddha. Not bound to such occupations as sleep, etc., one should heed each of the Three Aims, fully awake. Willing to suffer difficulties, without an immediate profit or an evident urge, one executes the Dharma, excellent in its triple form. This is called the sawit for the wise who seeks voidness.

⟨1.10⟩One’s worship is consistent in all characteritics. There is worship in all one’s doings and dealings: all kinds of words, sweet and for the benefit of others, are like incantations, always consistent; all one’s thoughts are the practice of muttering prayers, counting the three winds and the three jewels. All one’s activities are impelled by yoga for the sake of becoming an excellent yogi.

⟨1.11⟩One’s behavior eases the beholder as if it were a flower, always fresh. All one’s words emit wisdom like the sweet-smelling perfumes spreading scent all around. One’s special knowledge of the Buddha are the rice-grains, constantly strewn. One’s knowledge, spotless, unwavering, and pure is like sacrificial butter. This is the beautiful food-offering to the gods.

⟨1.12⟩That is the reason why the monk is fully aware of the double nature of liberation. He should have a clear view of the essentials, everything belonging to the doctrine, which the Buddhist monk pursues. Only knowledge, especially of the Buddha, one should know, not moving away from it nor having doubts on it. Such he should be, unconcerned with behaviour as if he were confused with regard to the true characteristics.

⟨1.13⟩These are the observances, each of them to be practised by the monk who strives after happines. They are the Six Perfections, widely known and to be practised. In the first place charity, next moral conduct, then patience together with energy and meditation - know these! - and finally wisdome. One should keep them in mind. Such is the classification of charity:

⟨1.14⟩One’s thoughts are unconcerned with material goods, especially palmwine, cooked rice, and other nourishments. Futher one should give away one’s wife, even one’s son or daughter, if somebody wants them. One’s own blood, flesh, one’s liver even one’s own eyes are to be given away if somebody wants them. Such is the Perfection of Charity. This one should know as the first.

⟨1.15⟩Protecting the Buddhist teachings, avowing the rules of the order of learning, not indulging in undue activities—that is the triple form of correct behaviour aiming at the happiness of other people ‘Abstention from transgression against living beings’—from this and the others one should hold aloof, first and for all. Such-mind you!-is the Perfection of Moral Conduct by which people find constant happiness.

⟨1.16⟩One’s thoughts should be like honey poured upon with honey when people grieve him. They should be unchanging, immovable, pure, and clear like a cloudless sky, eagerly wishing to bestow happiness on a mind afflicted by distress, wishing happiness for the mind. The Perfection of Patience this is called. One should always keep to it.

⟨1.17⟩Without getting tired of the triple form one incessantly effects good karma. In the daytime one sweeps clean, and constantly studies, worships, and writes. At night one stays awake with yoga, muttering prayers, meditation, worship, and eulogies. This is the Perfection of Energy—know it! It is the highroad for one who strives after voidness.

⟨1.18⟩Knowledge unites one’s own body with all the-other living beings. [Reflecting:] ‘My own body is the ongm of all beings, yes, my body represents the living beings’ he should therefore love and endure the living beings, both high and low. This is the Perfection called ‘Meditation’. It offers a sure way to heaven.

⟨1.19⟩Knowledge is comprehension of the past, the future, and the present; also of all specific doctrines, ordinations, and the complete body of sacred texts, of all external and internal types of yoga, and of the gods of the quarters and the intermediate quarters. This is the Perfection of Wisdom. One should stick to it in the proper manner: it is the choice of the observances.

⟨1.20⟩One should, first of all, stick to the Six Perfections in one’s quest for voidness. The Lord Buddha shows a clear love for the one who has absorbed them in his mind because they are the gist of [all] particular texts, the core of [all] doctrines—so the Buddhist monk proclaims. Non-duality of knowledge is the paramount feature of the goddess as the Supreme Cause.

⟨1.21⟩There is yet another group of Perfections, four in line, the so-called ‘Abodes of Brahma’, solid. [They are:] love, and compassion together with joy, and followed by equanimity. Such are the Six Perfections together with the [four] ‘Abodes of Brahma’. These are the Perfections, actually ten in number. Before one’s eyes they are the compassion of the Lord Budha.

⟨1.22⟩Such is the import of love: the active mind effects happiness for all mankind. Next, compassion is the active mind feeling pain at the sight of sorrowful people. Further, joy is the active mind experiencing happiness at the sight of happy people. Pure feelings towards the affairs of others, no desire for personal gain—that is equanimity according to the Buddhist monk.

⟨2.1⟩Now, we must not forget the human as the earth. The seas and the mountains are the most excellent features of the body. [The body] is a stable support in one’s quest for liberation, because as such it is nearby the abode of the gods.

⟨2.2⟩Such is the arrangement of the body according to the sea: One’s limitless desire—the deep waters. One’s troublesome hate—the coral-reefs hard to pass. One’s overwhelming, restless delusion—the big waves.

⟨2.3⟩One’s deceit not leaving anything behind—the ferocious sharks. One’s envy, sheer poison—the sea-snakes, extremely poisonous. One’s jealousy—the sandbanks overgrown with sea-weed and very troublesome. The Three Stains—the heavy surf.

⟨2.4⟩Passion and mental darkness—the restlessly heaving waves. One’s anger—the raging gusts of the wind. The five senses are like the rains with gales and squalls. One’s shallow knowledge—the taste of salt water, all around present.

⟨2.5⟩One’s profound knowledge is a means of destroying these big troubles. One’s insight becomes the extensive Ocean of Milk. This is churned with the mountain par excellence, the lingga-monument, Mt. Himawan. How could it be used to churn with?

⟨2.6⟩This rosary is all-conquering by its composition: it is like the host of the gods at the churning with the mountain-lingga. Such is the cord, the most excellent spiritual quality, resembling a snake as a means of churning by the host of the gods.

⟨2.7⟩The churning by the host of the gods is rewarding for you: knowledge of the [Ten] Perfections [results], the outcome of which is a void [mind]. The goddess Śrī appears first, unfolding herself in all splendour. She has the nature of ambrosia which will shortly be found.

⟨2.8⟩At ease and free from the realm of senses is the ‘Milk Ocean-mind’, void. The three winds and the [three] jewels have come to a rest. They are now unmoving and fixed. Now one views the excellent Lord, the Buddha. It is a mirage, however splendid, because He has a transcendental body.

⟨2.9⟩Before one’s eyes He [manifests Himself] as ambrosia, clear and pure. This is drink of which He is the essence. Surely, one now escapes death and the infirmities of old age. Indeed, the Eight Qualities are now always pursued, carefully.

⟨2.10⟩Such is the arrangement of the body according to the sea-features. The arrangement of the body as a mountain is as follows: The head is the top of the body-mountain. One’s feet are the foot of the mountain according to the body-features.

⟨2.11⟩The Group of Six—the inaccessible shrubs and deep ravines. The tigers, lions, and bears—the Three Stains, very ferocious. The wicked thirst—the rocky slopes with poisonous snakes. Passion and mental darkness—the rains with thunder and squalls.

⟨2.12⟩Here one should resort to in one’s quest for siddha-hood. Shattered and cleared away are the shrubs of one’s heart set in self-control. Knowledge of the highly superior doctrine serves as a sharp axe. Discernment of the Dharma is the cleared spot meant to lay out rice-fields.

⟨2.13⟩These one should burn down by mental concentration, hot as the sun. Indeed, all the shrubs on one’s body are now burnt down. Now the stains of one’s own mind are completely clean and purified. Constantly the ploughing goes on with observances, worship, and incantations.

⟨2.14⟩Next one should plant with yoga and meditation. Remove the tall grasses and snakes by proper conduct. Clear knowledge is the watering [as refreshing as] the moon at the end of the day. Then knowledge of the Buddha sprouts, which one should constantly cultivate.

⟨2.15⟩Manifest are the fruits, namely one’s seeing of the Lord Buddha. Lasting He is as one’s food to subsist on. Pleasant is one’s union with the Lord. Then one is a siddha. A Siddha one is called who has attained liberation.

⟨3.1⟩This is the chain of causes which one should know in the beginning, and such are effects, durable, which one should know at the end: the arrangement of the Lord Buddha’s body pervading the complete phenomenal world, gross as well as minute or subtle; the Eight Powers are at one’s disposal at will.

⟨3.2⟩This then is what is calledd the aim. It is no use to discuss it any further because it is the quintessence of cause and effect which one pursues. With unblurred vision one views. Knowledge appears in an absolute way, nearby the Lord Who is all-knowing and enlightening.

Here ends the Monk’s ABC, a Mahāyāna poem.

Bibliography

Edited and translated by Schoterman and Teeuw 1985. Arlo Griffiths typed the text (2011) and translation (2025) and encoded both in to TEI format.

References

Schoterman, Jan A. and Andries Teeuw. 1985. “Jinārthiprakṛti: A Monk’s ABC.” In: Bahasa, sastra, budaya: ratna manikam untaian persembahan kepada Prof. P. J. Zoetmulder. Edited by Sulastin Sutrisno, Darusuprapta and Sudaryanto. Yogyakarta: Gadjah Mada University Press, pp. 202–239.