Pali Poetry.

[sky]

One should speak only that word by which one would not torment oneself nor harm others. That word is indeed well spoken.

One should speak only pleasant words, words which are acceptable (to others). What one speaks without bringing evils to others is pleasant.

Truth is indeed the undying word; this is an ancient verity. Upon truth, the good say, the goal and the teaching are founded.

The sure word the Awakened One speaks for the attainment of Nibbana, for making an end of suffering, is truly the best of words.

'Words well spoken' Vangisa.....

[sky]

Strung with garlands of flowering vines,
This patch of earth delights the mind;
The lovely calls of elephants sound —
These rocky crags do please me so!

The shimmering hue of darkening clouds,
Cool waters in pure streams flowing;
Enveloped by Indra's ladybugs —
These rocky crags do please me so!

Like the lofty peaks of looming clouds,
Like the most refined of palaces;
The lovely calls of tuskers sound —
These rocky crags do please me so!

The lovely ground is rained upon,
The hills are full of holy seers;
Resounding with the cry of peacocks —
These rocky crags do please me so!

Being clothed in flaxen flowers,
As the sky is covered in clouds;
Strewn with flocks of various birds —
These rocky crags do please me so!

Not occupied by village folk,
But visited by herds of deer;
Strewn with flocks of various birds —
These rocky crags do please me so!

With clear waters and broad boulders,
Holding troops of monkey and deer;
Covered with moist carpets of moss —
These rocky crags do please me so!

But there is not so much contentment
For me in the five-fold music,
As in truly seeing Dhamma
With a well-concentrated mind.

'At home in the mountains'. Maha Kassapa Thera.

[sky]

[Devata]

Those who abide in the forest,
Peaceful, living the holy life;
Those who eat but a single meal
why is it their face is so calm?

[The Buddha]

They do not grieve over the past,
Nor do they yearn for the future
They live only in the present
That is why their face is so calm.

It's from yearning for the future,
And from grieving over the past;
This is how fools become withered
Like a fresh reed that's been hacked down.

'A face so calm'
Arañña Sutta