- This sermon in the park
Sanctuary of those wild deer
To Buddhists is the mark
Of Buddha’s pioneer.
- Turning the wheel of Law
For those Ascetics Five
To lead them to the shore
Of Nibbaana for life.
- Twas Aasaa.lha full moon
When Brahmnin Ko.n.da~n~na
Blessed with superior boon
Became Sotaapanna.
- Being Buddha’s witness
Of the Dhamma supreme
Crowned with brilliant success
Transcending both extremes.
- Thus born third of the Gem
Marked as day of Sa"ngha
Glorious like a diadem
In person of Ko.n.da~n~a.
- Based on Noble Truths Four
Was the Buddha’s first sermon
Proclaimed like "lion’s roar
Rending the far horizon.
- This for Buddhists to remind
Themselves of their priceless
Treasure that they can find
And be the Buddha’s witness.
- Do not be like those dear
Which could not appreciate
Despite that they did hear
Yet could not penetrate.
- Meaning of the Buddha’s words
Which were just like a sound
However much they heard
No meaning could be found.
- Let faith be established
On Buddha’s enlightenment
Before our breaths vanish
And thus our life’s spent.