In the present the outside sects are struggling and try to sully the reputation of the Buddha and the Saṅgha by staging a murder and blaming it on them, before being found out, and reduced to even lower standing. The Buddha tells a story of boars who tried to sully a jewel, only to make it shine forth stronger.

1. Dariyā satta vassāni tiṁsamattā vasāmase,
Haññāma maṇino ābhaṁ, iti no mantaraṁ = mantāraṁ, -ă- is shortened m.c. ahu.

Inside the cave for seven years at least thirty of us do dwell, we will destroy the crystal light, thus for us there was a wise one.

2. Yāvatā maṇiṁ ghaṁsāma bhiyyo vodāyate maṇi,
Idañ-cadāni pucchāma: kiṁ kiccaṁ idha maññasī ti?

In whatever way we rub the crystal it becomes more clear, now we ask you about this: what do you think ought to be done here?

In this connection, inside the cave means inside the crystal cave.

Do dwell means we dwell. Vasāmase looks like a middle imperative, but is defined here as indicative present tense.

We will destroy means we will destroy, Defining a present tense with a future tense. In Pāḷi the present tense often has a near-future meaning. we will make it be of faded colour.

Now we ask you about this means now we ask this: “for what reason does this crystal when defiled become clear?”

What do you think ought to be done here? What do you think ought to be done in this case?

3. Ayaṁ maṇi veḷuriyo akāco vimalo subho,
Nāssa sakkā siriṁ hantuṁ, apakkamatha sūkarā ti.

This precious crystal, that is flawless, unblemished and brilliant, nothing is able to destroy its light, O boars, you must depart.

In this connection, flawless means smooth.

Brilliant means radiant.

Light means luminous.

You must depart means it is not possible to destroy the luminousity of this crystal, abandoning this crystal cave, you must go elsewhere.

 

last updated: November 2022