Among all the diverse teachings in the early Buddhist texts, there is only one love song. That there is even one is a remarkable thing; and that it’s central conceit is so bold is even more remarkable.
You can read the story on DN 21, but here I’d like to present my translation of Pañcasikha’s verses. Normally I take a very prosaic approach to translating verse: if I can convey the meaning in a way that is not too offensive to the ear, I’m happy. But given the extraordinary context, I thought it would be apt to sprinkle a little rhyme and rhythm in the lyrics. Enjoy!
My lady Suriyavaccasā, oh my Sunshine—
I pay homage to your father Timbaru,
through whom was born a lady so fine,
to fill me with a joy I never knew.
As sweet as a breeze to one who’s sweating,
or when thirsty, a sweet and cooling drink,
so dear is your shining beauty to me,
just like the teaching is to arahants!
Like a cure when you’re struck by fever dire,
or food to ease the hunger pain,
come on, darling, please put out my fire,
quench me like water on a flame.
As elephants burning in the heat of summer,
sink down in a lotus pond to rest,
so cool, full of petals and of pollen—
that’s how I would plunge into your breast.
Like elephants bursting bonds in rutting season,
beating off the pricks of lance and pikes—
I just don’t understand what is the reason
I’m so crazy for your shapely thighs!
For you, my heart is full of passion,
I’m in an altered state of mind.
There is no going back, I’m just not able,
I’m like a fish that’s hooked up on the line.
Come on, my darling, hold me, fair of thighs!
Embrace me, with your so bashful eyes!
Take me in your arms, my lovely lady,
that’s all I’d ever want or could desire.
Ah, then my desire was such a small thing,
my sweet, with your curling wavy hair;
but now, like to arahants an offering,
it’s grown so very much from there.
Whatever the merit I have forged
by giving to such perfected beings—
may that, my altogether gorgeous,
ripen in togetherness with you!
Whatever the merit I have forged
in the wide open circle of this earth—
may that, my altogether gorgeous,
ripen in togetherness with you!
Absorbed, the Sakyan meditates,
at one, self-controlled, and ever mindful,
the sage aims right at the deathless state—
like me, oh my Sunshine, aiming for you!
And just like the sage would be rejoicing,
were he to awaken to the truth,
so I’d be rejoicing, lady,
were I to end up as one with you.
If Sakka were to grant me just one wish,
as Lord of the holy Thirty-Three,
my darling, you’re the only one I’d wish for,
so strong is the love for you from me.
Like a freshly blossoming sal tree
is your father, my lady oh so wise.
I pay homage to him, bowing down humbly,
to he whose daughter is of such a kind.
