gatha

Gatha, also known as Gatha Sutta or Gatha Pali, refers to metrical verses found within the Buddhist scriptures, particularly the Pali Canon. These verses often encapsulate key teachings, summarize sermons, or express devotional sentiments. They are distinct from the prose portions of the suttas, offering a more poetic and memorable way to convey Buddhist doctrine. The term "gatha" itself signifies a stanza or verse.

These metrical compositions are found in various Nikayas (collections) of the Pali Canon, such as the Sutta Nipata and the Dhammapada. The Dhammapada, in particular, is almost entirely composed of gathas, making it a highly accessible and widely recited text. The structure and meter of gathas vary, but they generally adhere to specific poetic patterns that aid in recitation and memorization.

Buddhist monks and scholars have historically valued gathas not only for their doctrinal content but also for their aesthetic qualities. Reciting and meditating on gathas is considered a form of practice that can lead to deeper understanding and spiritual insight. They serve as a bridge between intellectual comprehension and experiential realization of the Buddha's teachings.