Poems of Early Buddhist Monks (Theragāthā)

Several arahants, both male and female, are recorded as eloquent speakers and erudite exponents of the Dhamma. Special mention must be made of the Theragatha and Therigatha, which comprise poems of exquisite beauty. They are utterances of monk and nuns embodying their varied experiences. Literary critics rank them among the best lyrics in Indian literature. They remain unrivaled in the literary history of the world as creative writing issuing forth from the undefiled purity of the human heart and the nobility of human wisdom. They are ever-fresh fountains of inspiration to the truth-seeker and lasting monuments to the creative genius of liberated beings.from p. 14 Nibana as Living Experience by Lily de Silva, Wheel Pub 407/408