Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.64

v2.c35.64

The Theragāthā³ contains numerous verses spoken by him on various occasions—some of them (1209-18) uttered about himself, his attempts to suppress desires excited by the sight of gaily dressed women⁴; others (1219-22) were self-admonitions against conceit because of his facility of speech; some were spoken in praise of sermons preached by the Buddha—e.g., the Subhāsita Sutta (1227-30), a sutta on Nibbāna (1238-45), and a sutta preached at the Pavāraṇa ceremony (1234-7). Several verses were in praise of his colleagues—e.g. Sāriputta (1231-3), Aññā-Koṇḍañña (1246-8), and Moggallāna (1249-51). One of Vangīsa’s long poems (vvs. 1263-74) is addressed to the Buddha, questioning him as to the destiny of his (Vangīsa’s) teacher Nigrodhakappa. The Commentary⁵ explains that when Nigrodhakappa died Vangīsa was absent and wished to be assured by the Buddha that his teacher had reached Nibbāna. But the poem is more than a question. It is really a eulogy of the Buddha. Another verse (1252) describes the Buddha as he sat surrounded by his monks on the banks of the Gaggarā at Campā.