The Leaves of the Tree

This poetic composition from the Uttarādhyayana Sūtra uses vivid metaphors to urge Gautama to remain vigilant against delusion. The poem compares human life to autumn leaves and dew‑drops on grass, emphasising its brevity and the soul’s endless wandering through bodies of earth, water, fire, air, vegetation and one‑ to five‑sensed beings. Each stanza ends with the refrain “Gautama! Have no delusion even for a while.” The verses caution that even when born as a human one may be a slave or heretic and may lack sense organs or proper instruction. Subsequent stanzas depict the decay of the senses—ears, eyes, nose, tongue and touch—as the body ages and warn that disease and calamity will destroy the body. The poet exhorts Gautama, who has already renounced wife, wealth, friends and fortune, not to return to worldly attachments. He is reminded that there is no living Jina in the present age, but the path laid down by perfected souls still leads to liberation. Encouraging persistence, the poem says Gautama is near the shore and must not slacken but follow the steps of the liberated ones to attain bliss. The poem culminates by stating that hearing the Buddhas’ profound words cuts through hatred and attachment and allows one to take a seat among liberated souls. Its repetitive exhortations serve as a meditative aid, reminding practitioners of impermanence and the need for unceasing vigilance.

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