Therīgāthā |
Verses of the Senior Nuns |
Ekakanipāta |
The Book of the Ones |
1. Aññatarātherīgāthā |
1.1. An Unnamed Nun (1st) |
Namo tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammāsambuddhassa. |
Homage to that Blessed One, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha! |
“Sukhaṃ supāhi therike, |
Sleep softly, little nun, |
Katvā coḷena pārutā; |
wrapped in the cloth you sewed yourself; |
Upasanto hi te rāgo, |
for your desire has been quelled, |
Sukkhaḍākaṃ va kumbhiyan”ti. |
like vegetables boiled dry in a pot. |
| It was thus that this verse was recited by a certain unnamed nun. | |
2. Muttātherīgāthā |
1.2. Muttā (1st) |
“Mutte muccassu yogehi, |
Muttā, be released from your bonds, |
cando rāhuggahā iva; |
like the moon released from Rāhu’s grip, the eclipse. |
Vippamuttena cittena, |
When your mind is released, |
anaṇā bhuñja piṇḍakan”ti. |
enjoy your alms free of debt. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ bhagavā muttaṃ sikkhamānaṃ imāya gāthāya abhiṇhaṃ ovadatīti. |
It was thus that the Buddha regularly advised the trainee nun Muttā with these verses. |
3. Puṇṇātherīgāthā |
1.3. Puṇṇā |
“Puṇṇe pūrassu dhammehi, |
Puṇṇā, be filled with good qualities, |
Cando pannaraseriva; |
like the moon on the fifteenth day. |
Paripuṇṇāya paññāya, |
When your wisdom is full, |
Tamokhandhaṃ padālayā”ti. |
shatter the mass of darkness. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ puṇṇā therī gāthaṃ abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that this verse was recited by the senior nun Puṇṇā. |
4. Tissātherīgāthā |
1.4. Tissā |
“Tisse sikkhassu sikkhāya, |
Tissā, train in the trainings— |
mā taṃ yogā upaccaguṃ; |
don’t let the practice pass you by. |
Sabbayogavisaṃyuttā, |
Detached from all attachments, |
cara loke anāsavā”ti. |
live in the world free of defilements. |
… Tissā therī …. |
|
5. Aññatarātissātherīgāthā |
1.5. Another Tissā |
“Tisse yuñjassu dhammehi, |
Tissā, apply yourself to good qualities— |
khaṇo taṃ mā upaccagā; |
don’t let the moment pass you by. |
Khaṇātītā hi socanti, |
For if you miss your moment, |
nirayamhi samappitā”ti. |
you’ll grieve when you’re sent to hell. |
… Aññatarā tissā therī …. |
|
6. Dhīrātherīgāthā |
1.6. Dhīrā |
“Dhīre nirodhaṃ phusehi, |
Dhīrā, touch cessation, |
Saññāvūpasamaṃ sukhaṃ; |
the blissful stilling of perception. |
Ārādhayāhi nibbānaṃ, |
Win extinguishment, |
Yogakkhemamanuttaran”ti. |
the supreme sanctuary. |
… Dhīrā therī …. |
|
7. Vīrātherīgāthā |
1.7. Vīrā |
“Vīrā vīrehi dhammehi, |
She’s known as Vīrā because of her heroic qualities, |
bhikkhunī bhāvitindriyā; |
a nun with faculties developed. |
Dhāreti antimaṃ dehaṃ, |
She bears her final body, |
jetvā māraṃ savāhinin”ti. |
having vanquished Māra and his mount. |
… Vīrā therī …. |
|
8. Mittātherīgāthā |
1.8. Mittā (1st) |
“Saddhāya pabbajitvāna, |
Having gone forth out of faith, |
mitte mittaratā bhava; |
appreciate your spiritual friends, Mittā. |
Bhāvehi kusale dhamme, |
Develop skillful qualities |
yogakkhemassa pattiyā”ti. |
for the sake of finding sanctuary. |
… Mittā therī …. |
|
9. Bhadrātherīgāthā |
1.9. Bhadrā |
“Saddhāya pabbajitvāna, |
Having gone forth out of faith, |
bhadre bhadraratā bhava; |
appreciate your blessings, Bhadrā. |
Bhāvehi kusale dhamme, |
Develop skillful qualities |
yogakkhemamanuttaran”ti. |
for the sake of the supreme sanctuary. |
… Bhadrā therī …. |
|
10. Upasamātherīgāthā |
1.10. Upasamā |
“Upasame tare oghaṃ, |
Upasamā, cross the flood, |
maccudheyyaṃ suduttaraṃ; |
Death’s domain so hard to pass. |
Dhārehi antimaṃ dehaṃ, |
When you have vanquished Māra and his mount, |
jetvā māraṃ savāhinin”ti. |
bear your final body. |
… Upasamā therī …. |
|
11. Muttātherīgāthā |
1.11. Muttā (2nd) |
“Sumuttā sādhumuttāmhi, |
I’m well freed, so very well freed, |
tīhi khujjehi muttiyā; |
freed from the three things that bent me over: |
Udukkhalena musalena, |
the mortar, the pestle, |
patinā khujjakena ca; |
and my humpbacked husband. |
Muttāmhi jātimaraṇā, |
I’m freed from birth and death; |
bhavanetti samūhatā”ti. |
the attachment to rebirth is eradicated. |
… Muttā therī …. |
|
12. Dhammadinnātherīgāthā |
1.12. Dhammadinnā |
“Chandajātā avasāyī, |
One who is eager and determined |
Manasā ca phuṭā siyā; |
would be filled with awareness. |
Kāmesu appaṭibaddhacittā, |
One whose mind is not tied up with sensual pleasures |
Uddhaṃsotāti vuccatī”ti. |
is said to be heading upstream. |
… Dhammadinnā therī …. |
|
13. Visākhātherīgāthā |
1.13. Visākhā |
“Karotha buddhasāsanaṃ, |
Fulfill the Buddha’s instructions, |
yaṃ katvā nānutappati; |
after which you’ll not regret. |
Khippaṃ pādāni dhovitvā, |
Having quickly washed your feet, |
ekamante nisīdathā”ti. |
sit in a discreet place to meditate. |
… Visākhā therī …. |
|
14. Sumanātherīgāthā |
1.14. Sumanā |
“Dhātuyo dukkhato disvā, |
Having seen the elements as suffering, |
mā jātiṃ punarāgami; |
don’t get reborn again. |
Bhave chandaṃ virājetvā, |
When you’ve discarded desire for rebirth, |
upasantā carissasī”ti. |
you will live at peace. |
… Sumanā therī …. |
|
15. Uttarātherīgāthā |
1.15. Uttarā (1st) |
“Kāyena saṃvutā āsiṃ, |
I was restrained |
vācāya uda cetasā; |
in body, speech, and mind. |
Samūlaṃ taṇhamabbuyha, |
Having plucked out craving root and all, |
sītibhūtāmhi nibbutā”ti. |
I’m cooled and quenched. |
… Uttarā therī …. |
|
16 Vuḍḍhapabbajitasumanātherīgāthā |
1.16. Sumanā, Who Went Forth Late in Life |
“Sukhaṃ tvaṃ vuḍḍhike sehi, |
Sleep softly, old lady, |
katvā coḷena pārutā; |
wrapped in the cloth you sewed yourself; |
Upasanto hi te rāgo, |
for your desire has been quelled, |
sītibhūtāsi nibbutā”ti. |
you’re cooled and quenched. |
… Sumanā vuḍḍhapabbajitā therī …. |
|
17. Dhammātherīgāthā |
1.17. Dhammā |
“Piṇḍapātaṃ caritvāna, |
I wandered for alms |
daṇḍamolubbha dubbalā; |
though feeble, leaning on a staff. |
Vedhamānehi gattehi, |
My limbs wobbled |
tattheva nipatiṃ chamā; |
and I fell to the ground right there. |
Disvā ādīnavaṃ kāye, |
Seeing the danger of the body, |
atha cittaṃ vimucci me”ti. |
my mind was freed. |
… Dhammā therī …. |
|
18. Saṃghātherīgāthā |
1.18. Saṃghā |
“Hitvā ghare pabbajitvā, |
Having given up my home, my child, my cattle, |
hitvā puttaṃ pasuṃ piyaṃ; |
and all that I love, I went forth. |
Hitvā rāgañca dosañca, |
Having given up desire and hate, |
avijjañca virājiya; |
having dispelled ignorance, |
Samūlaṃ taṇhamabbuyha, |
and having plucked out craving, root and all, |
upasantāmhi nibbutā”ti. |
I’m quenched and at peace. |
… Saṃghā therī …. |
|
Ekakanipāto niṭṭhito. |
The Book of the Ones is finished. |
Therīgāthā |
Verses of the Senior Nuns |
Dukanipāta |
The Book of the Twos |
1. Abhirūpanandātherīgāthā |
2.1. Abhirūpanandā |
“Āturaṃ asuciṃ pūtiṃ, |
Nandā, see this bag of bones as |
passa nande samussayaṃ; |
diseased, filthy, and rotten. |
Asubhāya cittaṃ bhāvehi, |
With mind unified and serene, |
ekaggaṃ susamāhitaṃ. |
meditate on the ugly aspects of the body. |
Animittañca bhāvehi, |
Meditate on the signless, |
mānānusayamujjaha; |
give up the underlying tendency to conceit; |
Tato mānābhisamayā, |
and when you comprehend conceit, |
upasantā carissasī”ti. |
you will live at peace. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ abhirūpanandā therī gāthāyo abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that the Buddha regularly advised the senior nun Nandā with these verses. |
2. Jentātherīgāthā |
2.2. Jentā |
“Ye ime satta bojjhaṅgā, |
Of the seven awakening factors, |
maggā nibbānapattiyā; |
the path for attaining extinguishment, |
Bhāvitā te mayā sabbe, |
I have developed them all, |
yathā buddhena desitā. |
just as the Buddha taught. |
Diṭṭho hi me so bhagavā, |
For I have seen the Blessed One, |
antimoyaṃ samussayo; |
and this bag of bones is my last. |
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṃsāro, |
Transmigration through births is finished, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ jentā therī gāthāyo abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that these verses were recited by the senior nun Jentā. |
3. Sumaṅgalamātātherīgāthā |
2.3. Sumaṅgala’s Mother |
“Sumuttikā sumuttikā, |
I’m well freed, well freed, |
Sādhumuttikāmhi musalassa; |
so very well freed! |
Ahiriko me chattakaṃ vāpi, |
My pestle’s shameless wind was wafting; |
Ukkhalikā me deḍḍubhaṃ vāti. |
my little pot wafted like an eel. |
Rāgañca ahaṃ dosañca, |
Now, as for greed and hate: |
Cicciṭi cicciṭīti vihanāmi; |
I sear them and sizzle them up. |
Sā rukkhamūlamupagamma, |
Having gone to the root of a tree, |
Aho sukhanti sukhato jhāyāmī”ti. |
I meditate happily, thinking, “Oh, what bliss!” |
… Sumaṅgalamātā therī. |
|
4 Aḍḍhakāsitherīgāthā |
2.4. Aḍḍhakāsi |
“Yāva kāsijanapado, |
The price for my services |
suṅko me tatthako ahu; |
amounted to the nation of Kāsi. |
Taṃ katvā negamo agghaṃ, |
By setting that price, |
aḍḍhenagghaṃ ṭhapesi maṃ. |
the townsfolk made me priceless. |
Atha nibbindahaṃ rūpe, |
Then, growing disillusioned with my form, |
nibbindañca virajjahaṃ; |
I became dispassionate. |
Mā puna jātisaṃsāraṃ, |
Don’t journey on and on, |
sandhāveyyaṃ punappunaṃ; |
transmigrating through rebirths! |
Tisso vijjā sacchikatā, |
I've realized the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Aḍḍhakāsi therī …. |
|
5. Cittātherīgāthā |
2.5. Cittā |
“Kiñcāpi khomhi kisikā, |
Though I’m skinny, |
gilānā bāḷhadubbalā; |
sick, and very feeble, |
Daṇḍamolubbha gacchāmi, |
I climb the mountain, |
pabbataṃ abhirūhiya. |
leaning on a staff. |
Saṅghāṭiṃ nikkhipitvāna, |
Having laid down my outer robe, |
pattakañca nikujjiya; |
and overturned my bowl, |
Sele khambhesimattānaṃ, |
propping myself against a rock, |
tamokhandhaṃ padāliyā”ti. |
I shattered the mass of darkness. |
… Cittā therī …. |
|
6. Mettikātherīgāthā |
2.6. Mettikā |
“Kiñcāpi khomhi dukkhitā, |
Though in pain, |
dubbalā gatayobbanā; |
feeble, my youth long gone, |
Daṇḍamolubbha gacchāmi, |
I climb the mountain, |
pabbataṃ abhirūhiya. |
leaning on a staff. |
Nikkhipitvāna saṅghāṭiṃ, |
Having laid down my outer robe |
pattakañca nikujjiya; |
and overturned my bowl, |
Nisinnā camhi selamhi, |
sitting on a rock, |
atha cittaṃ vimucci me; |
my mind was freed. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Mettikā therī …. |
|
7. Mittātherīgāthā |
2.7. Mittā (2nd) |
“Cātuddasiṃ pañcadasiṃ, |
I rejoice in the host of gods, |
yā ca pakkhassa aṭṭhamī; |
having observed the sabbath |
Pāṭihāriyapakkhañca, |
complete in all eight factors, |
aṭṭhaṅgasusamāgataṃ. |
on the fourteenth and the fifteenth days, |
Uposathaṃ upāgacchiṃ, |
and the eighth day of the fortnight, |
devakāyābhinandinī; |
as well as on the fortnightly special displays. |
Sājja ekena bhattena, |
Today I eat just once a day, |
muṇḍā saṅghāṭipārutā; |
my head is shaven, I wear the outer robe. |
Devakāyaṃ na patthehaṃ, |
I don’t long for the host of gods, |
vineyya hadaye daran”ti. |
for stress has been removed from my heart. |
… Mittā therī …. |
|
8. Abhayamātutherīgāthā |
2.8. Abhaya’s Mother |
“Uddhaṃ pādatalā amma, |
My dear mother, I examined this body, |
adho ve kesamatthakā; |
up from the soles of the feet, |
Paccavekkhassumaṃ kāyaṃ, |
and down from the tips of the hairs, |
asuciṃ pūtigandhikaṃ. |
so impure and foul-smelling. |
Evaṃ viharamānāya, |
Meditating like this, |
sabbo rāgo samūhato; |
all my lust is eradicated. |
Pariḷāho samucchinno, |
The fever of passion is cut off, |
sītibhūtāmhi nibbutā”ti. |
I’m cooled and quenched. |
… Abhayamātā therī …. |
|
9. Abhayātherīgāthā |
2.9. Abhayā |
“Abhaye bhiduro kāyo, |
Abhayā, the body is fragile, |
yattha satā puthujjanā; |
yet ordinary people are attached to it. |
Nikkhipissāmimaṃ dehaṃ, |
I'll lay down the body, |
sampajānā satīmatī. |
aware and mindful. |
Bahūhi dukkhadhammehi, |
Though subject to so many painful things, |
appamādaratāya me; |
I have, through my love of diligence, |
Taṇhakkhayo anuppatto, |
reached the ending of craving, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Abhayā therī …. |
|
10. Sāmātherīgāthā |
2.10. Sāmā |
“Catukkhattuṃ pañcakkhattuṃ, |
Four or five times |
vihārā upanikkhamiṃ; |
I left my dwelling. |
Aladdhā cetaso santiṃ, |
I had failed to find peace of heart, |
citte avasavattinī; |
or any control over my mind. |
Tassā me aṭṭhamī ratti, |
Now it is the eighth night |
yato taṇhā samūhatā. |
since craving was eradicated. |
Bahūhi dukkhadhammehi, |
Though subject to so many painful things, |
appamādaratāya me; |
I have, through my love of diligence, |
Taṇhakkhayo anuppatto, |
reached the ending of craving, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Sāmā therī …. |
The Book of the Twos is finished. |
Therīgāthā |
Verses of the Senior Nuns |
Tikanipāta |
The Book of the Threes |
1. Aparāsāmātherīgāthā |
3.1. Another Sāmā |
“Paṇṇavīsativassāni, |
In the twenty-five years |
yato pabbajitāya me; |
since I went forth, |
Nābhijānāmi cittassa, |
I don’t know that I had ever found |
samaṃ laddhaṃ kudācanaṃ. |
serenity in my mind. |
Aladdhā cetaso santiṃ, |
I had failed to find peace of heart, |
citte avasavattinī; |
or any control over my mind. |
Tato saṃvegamāpādiṃ, |
When I remembered the victor’s instructions, |
saritvā jinasāsanaṃ. |
I was struck with a sense of urgency. |
Bahūhi dukkhadhammehi, |
Though subject to so many painful things, |
appamādaratāya me; |
I have, through my love of diligence, |
Taṇhakkhayo anuppatto, |
reached the ending of craving, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ; |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Ajja me sattamī ratti, |
This is the seventh day |
yato taṇhā visositā”ti. |
since my craving dried up. |
… Aparā sāmā therī …. |
|
2. Uttamātherīgāthā |
3.2. Uttamā |
“Catukkhattuṃ pañcakkhattuṃ, |
Four or five times |
vihārā upanikkhamiṃ; |
I left my dwelling. |
Aladdhā cetaso santiṃ, |
I had failed to find peace of heart, |
citte avasavattinī. |
or any control over my mind. |
Sā bhikkhuniṃ upagacchiṃ, |
I approached a nun |
yā me saddhāyikā ahu; |
in whom I had faith. |
Sā me dhammamadesesi, |
She taught me the Dhamma: |
khandhāyatanadhātuyo. |
the aggregates, sense fields, and elements. |
Tassā dhammaṃ suṇitvāna, |
When I had heard her teaching, |
Yathā maṃ anusāsi sā; |
in accordance with her instructions, |
Sattāhaṃ ekapallaṅkena, |
I sat for seven days in the same posture, |
Nisīdiṃ pītisukhasamappitā; |
given over to rapture and bliss. |
Aṭṭhamiyā pāde pasāresiṃ, |
On the eighth day I stretched out my feet, |
Tamokhandhaṃ padāliyā”ti. |
having shattered the mass of darkness. |
… Uttamā therī …. |
|
3. Aparāuttamātherīgāthā |
3.3. Another Uttamā |
“Ye ime satta bojjhaṅgā, |
Of the seven awakening factors, |
maggā nibbānapattiyā; |
the path for attaining extinguishment, |
Bhāvitā te mayā sabbe, |
I have developed them all, |
yathā buddhena desitā. |
just as the Buddha taught. |
Suññatassānimittassa, |
I attain the meditations on emptiness |
lābhinīhaṃ yadicchakaṃ; |
and signlessness whenever I want. |
Orasā dhītā buddhassa, |
I am the Buddha’s rightful daughter, |
nibbānābhiratā sadā. |
always delighting in quenching. |
Sabbe kāmā samucchinnā, |
All sensual pleasures are cut off, |
ye dibbā ye ca mānusā; |
whether human or divine. |
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṃsāro, |
Transmigration through births is finished, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
now there are no more future lives. |
… Aparā uttamā therī …. |
|
4. Dantikātherīgāthā |
3.4. Dantikā |
“Divāvihārā nikkhamma, |
Leaving my day’s meditation |
gijjhakūṭamhi pabbate; |
on Vulture’s Peak Mountain, |
Nāgaṃ ogāhamuttiṇṇaṃ, |
I saw an elephant on the riverbank |
nadītīramhi addasaṃ. |
having just come up from his bath. |
Puriso aṅkusamādāya, |
A man, taking a pole with a hook, |
‘dehi pādan’ti yācati; |
asked the elephant, “Give me your foot.” |
Nāgo pasārayī pādaṃ, |
The elephant presented his foot, |
puriso nāgamāruhi. |
and the man mounted him. |
Disvā adantaṃ damitaṃ, |
Seeing a wild beast so tamed, |
manussānaṃ vasaṃ gataṃ; |
submitting to human control, |
Tato cittaṃ samādhesiṃ, |
my mind became serene: |
khalu tāya vanaṃ gatā”ti. |
*that* is why I’ve gone to the forest! |
… Dantikā therī …. |
|
5. Ubbiritherīgāthā |
3.5. Ubbirī |
“Amma jīvāti vanamhi kandasi, |
“You cry ‘Please be living!’ in the forest. |
Attānaṃ adhigaccha ubbiri; |
Ubbirī, get a hold of yourself! |
Cullāsītisahassāni, |
Eighty-four thousand people, |
Sabbā jīvasanāmikā; |
all named ‘living being’, |
Etamhāḷāhane daḍḍhā, |
have been burnt in this funeral ground: |
Tāsaṃ kamanusocasi”. |
which one do you grieve for?” |
“Abbahī vata me sallaṃ, |
“Oh! For you have plucked the dart from me, |
duddasaṃ hadayassitaṃ; |
so hard to see, hidden in the heart. |
Yaṃ me sokaparetāya, |
You’ve swept away the grief for my daughter |
dhītusokaṃ byapānudi. |
in which I once was mired. |
Sājja abbūḷhasallāhaṃ, |
Today I’ve plucked the dart, |
Nicchātā parinibbutā; |
I’m hungerless, extinguished. |
Buddhaṃ dhammañca saṃghañca, |
I go for refuge to that sage, the Buddha, |
Upemi saraṇaṃ munin”ti. |
to his teaching, and to the Sangha.” |
… Ubbirī therī …. |
|
6. Sukkātherīgāthā |
3.6. Sukkā |
“Kiṃme katā rājagahe manussā, |
“What’s up with these people in Rājagaha? |
Madhuṃ pītāva acchare; |
They sprawl like they’ve been drinking mead! |
Ye sukkaṃ na upāsanti, |
They don’t attend on Sukkā |
Desentiṃ buddhasāsanaṃ. |
as she teaches the Buddha’s instructions. |
Tañca appaṭivānīyaṃ, |
But the wise— |
asecanakamojavaṃ; |
it’s as if they drink it up, |
Pivanti maññe sappaññā, |
so irresistible, delicious and nutritious, |
valāhakamivaddhagū. |
like travelers enjoying a cool cloud.” |
Sukkā sukkehi dhammehi, |
“She’s known as Sukkā because of her bright qualities, |
vītarāgā samāhitā; |
free of greed, serene. |
Dhāreti antimaṃ dehaṃ, |
She bears her final body, |
jetvā māraṃ savāhinin”ti. |
having vanquished Māra and his mount.” |
… Sukkā therī …. |
|
7. Selātherīgāthā |
3.7. Selā |
“Natthi nissaraṇaṃ loke, |
“There’s no escape in the world, |
kiṃ vivekena kāhasi; |
so what will seclusion do for you? |
Bhuñjāhi kāmaratiyo, |
Enjoy the delights of sensual pleasure; |
māhu pacchānutāpinī”. |
don’t regret it later.” |
“Sattisūlūpamā kāmā, |
“Sensual pleasures are like swords and stakes |
khandhāsaṃ adhikuṭṭanā; |
the aggregates are their chopping block. |
Yaṃ tvaṃ ‘kāmaratiṃ’ brūsi, |
What you call sensual delight |
‘aratī’ dāni sā mama. |
is now no delight for me. |
Sabbattha vihatā nandī, |
Relishing is destroyed in every respect, |
Tamokhandho padālito; |
and the mass of darkness is shattered. |
Evaṃ jānāhi pāpima, |
So know this, Wicked One: |
Nihato tvamasi antakā”ti. |
you’re beaten, terminator!” |
… Selā therī …. |
|
8. Somātherīgāthā |
3.8. Somā |
“Yaṃ taṃ isīhi pattabbaṃ, |
“That state’s very challenging; |
ṭhānaṃ durabhisambhavaṃ; |
it’s for the sages to attain. |
Na taṃ dvaṅgulapaññāya, |
It’s not possible for a woman, |
sakkā pappotumitthiyā”. |
with her two-fingered wisdom.” |
“Itthibhāvo no kiṃ kayirā, |
“What difference does womanhood make |
cittamhi susamāhite; |
when the mind is serene, |
Ñāṇamhi vattamānamhi, |
and knowledge is present |
sammā dhammaṃ vipassato. |
as you rightly discern the Dhamma. |
Sabbattha vihatā nandī, |
Relishing is destroyed in every respect, |
Tamokhandho padālito; |
and the mass of darkness is shattered. |
Evaṃ jānāhi pāpima, |
So know this, Wicked One: |
Nihato tvamasi antakā”ti. |
you’re beaten, terminator!” |
… Somā therī …. |
The Book of the Threes is finished. |
Tikanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
catukkanipāta |
the book of the fours |
1. Bhaddākāpilānītherīgāthā |
4.1. Bhaddā Kāpilānī |
“Putto buddhassa dāyādo, |
Kassapa is the son and heir of the Buddha, |
kassapo susamāhito; |
whose mind is immersed in samādhi. |
Pubbenivāsaṃ yovedi, |
He knows his past lives, |
saggāpāyañca passati. |
he sees heaven and places of loss, |
Atho jātikkhayaṃ patto, |
and has attained the end of rebirth: |
abhiññāvosito muni; |
that sage has perfect insight. |
Etāhi tīhi vijjāhi, |
It’s because of these three knowledges |
tevijjo hoti brāhmaṇo. |
that the brahmin is a master of the three knowledges. |
Tatheva bhaddā kāpilānī, |
In exactly the same way, Bhaddā Kāpilānī |
tevijjā maccuhāyinī; |
is master of the three knowledges, destroyer of death. |
Dhāreti antimaṃ dehaṃ, |
She bears her final body, |
jetvā māraṃ savāhiniṃ. |
having vanquished Māra and his mount. |
Disvā ādīnavaṃ loke, |
Seeing the danger of the world, |
ubho pabbajitā mayaṃ; |
both of us went forth. |
Tyamha khīṇāsavā dantā, |
Now we are tamed, our defilements have ended; |
sītibhūtamha nibbutā”ti. |
we’ve become cooled and quenched. |
… Bhaddā kāpilānī therī …. |
The Book of the Fours is finished. |
Catukkanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
pañcakanipāta |
the book of the fives |
1. Aññataratherīgāthā |
5.1. An Unnamed Nun (2nd) |
“Paṇṇavīsativassāni, |
In the twenty-five years |
yato pabbajitā ahaṃ; |
since I went forth |
Nāccharāsaṅghātamattampi, |
I have not found peace of mind, |
cittassūpasamajjhagaṃ. |
even for as long as a finger-snap. |
Aladdhā cetaso santiṃ, |
Failing to find peace of heart, |
kāmarāgenavassutā; |
corrupted by sensual desire, |
Bāhā paggayha kandantī, |
I cried with flailing arms |
vihāraṃ pāvisiṃ ahaṃ. |
as I entered a dwelling. |
Sā bhikkhuniṃ upāgacchiṃ, |
I approached a nun |
yā me saddhāyikā ahu; |
in whom I had faith. |
Sā me dhammamadesesi, |
She taught me the Dhamma: |
khandhāyatanadhātuyo. |
the aggregates, sense fields, and elements. |
Tassā dhammaṃ suṇitvāna, |
When I heard her teaching, |
ekamante upāvisiṃ; |
I retired to a discreet place. |
Pubbenivāsaṃ jānāmi, |
I know my past lives; |
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṃ. |
my clairvoyance is purified; |
Cetopariccañāṇañca, |
I comprehend the minds of others; |
sotadhātu visodhitā; |
my clairaudience is purified; |
Iddhīpi me sacchikatā, |
I've realized the psychic powers, |
patto me āsavakkhayo; |
and attained the ending of defilements. |
Chaḷabhiññā sacchikatā, |
I have realized the six kinds of direct knowledge, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Aññatarā therī …. |
|
2. Vimalātherīgāthā |
5.2. Vimalā, the Former Courtesan |
“Mattā vaṇṇena rūpena, |
Intoxicated by my appearance, |
sobhaggena yasena ca; |
my figure, my beauty, my fame, |
Yobbanena cupatthaddhā, |
and owing to my youth, |
aññāsamatimaññihaṃ. |
I despised other women. |
Vibhūsetvā imaṃ kāyaṃ, |
I adorned this body, |
sucittaṃ bālalāpanaṃ; |
so fancy, cooed over by fools, |
Aṭṭhāsiṃ vesidvāramhi, |
and stood at the brothel door, |
luddo pāsamivoḍḍiya. |
like a hunter laying a snare. |
Piḷandhanaṃ vidaṃsentī, |
I stripped for them, |
guyhaṃ pakāsikaṃ bahuṃ; |
revealing my many hidden treasures. |
Akāsiṃ vividhaṃ māyaṃ, |
Creating an intricate illusion, |
ujjagghantī bahuṃ janaṃ. |
I laughed, teasing those men. |
Sājja piṇḍaṃ caritvāna, |
Today, having wandered for alms, |
muṇḍā saṅghāṭipārutā; |
my head shaven, wearing the outer robe, |
Nisinnā rukkhamūlamhi, |
I sat at the root of a tree to meditate; |
avitakkassa lābhinī. |
I've gained freedom from thought. |
Sabbe yogā samucchinnā, |
All bonds are cut off, |
ye dibbā ye ca mānusā; |
both human and divine. |
Khepetvā āsave sabbe, |
Having wiped out all defilements, |
sītibhūtāmhi nibbutā”ti. |
I have become cooled and quenched. |
… Vimalā purāṇagaṇikā therī …. |
|
3. Sīhātherīgāthā |
5.3. Sīhā |
“Ayoniso manasikārā, |
Due to improper attention, |
kāmarāgena aṭṭitā; |
I was racked by desire for pleasures of the senses. |
Ahosiṃ uddhatā pubbe, |
I was restless in the past, |
citte avasavattinī. |
lacking control over my mind. |
Pariyuṭṭhitā klesehi, |
Overcome by corruptions, |
subhasaññānuvattinī; |
pursuing perceptions of the beautiful, |
Samaṃ cittassa na labhiṃ, |
I gained no peace of mind. |
rāgacittavasānugā. |
Under the sway of lustful thoughts, |
Kisā paṇḍu vivaṇṇā ca, |
thin, pale, and wan, |
satta vassāni cārihaṃ; |
for seven years I wandered, |
Nāhaṃ divā vā rattiṃ vā, |
full of pain, |
sukhaṃ vindiṃ sudukkhitā. |
finding no happiness by day or night. |
Tato rajjuṃ gahetvāna, |
Taking a rope |
pāvisiṃ vanamantaraṃ; |
I entered deep into the forest, thinking: |
Varaṃ me idha ubbandhaṃ, |
“It’s better that I hang myself |
yañca hīnaṃ punācare. |
than I return to a lesser life.” |
Daḷhapāsaṃ karitvāna, |
I made a strong noose |
rukkhasākhāya bandhiya; |
and tied it to the branch of a tree. |
Pakkhipiṃ pāsaṃ gīvāyaṃ, |
Casting it round my neck, |
atha cittaṃ vimucci me”ti. |
my mind was freed. |
… Sīhā therī …. |
|
4. Sundarīnandātherīgāthā |
5.4. Sundarīnandā |
“Āturaṃ asuciṃ pūtiṃ, |
“Nandā, see this bag of bones as |
passa nande samussayaṃ; |
diseased, filthy, and rotten. |
Asubhāya cittaṃ bhāvehi, |
With mind unified and serene, |
ekaggaṃ susamāhitaṃ. |
meditate on the ugly aspects of the body: |
Yathā idaṃ tathā etaṃ, |
as this is, so is that, |
yathā etaṃ tathā idaṃ; |
as that is, so is this. |
Duggandhaṃ pūtikaṃ vāti, |
A foul stink wafts from it, |
bālānaṃ abhinanditaṃ. |
it is the fools’ delight.” |
Evametaṃ avekkhantī, |
Reviewing my body in such a way, |
rattindivamatanditā; |
tireless all day and night, |
Tato sakāya paññāya, |
having broken through |
abhinibbijjha dakkhisaṃ”. |
with my own wisdom, I saw. |
“Tassā me appamattāya, |
Being diligent, |
vicinantiyā yoniso; |
properly investigating, |
Yathābhūtaṃ ayaṃ kāyo, |
I truly saw the body |
diṭṭho santarabāhiro. |
both inside and out. |
Atha nibbindahaṃ kāye, |
Then, growing disillusioned with my body, |
ajjhattañca virajjahaṃ; |
I became dispassionate within. |
Appamattā visaṃyuttā, |
Diligent, detached, |
upasantāmhi nibbutā”ti. |
I’m quenched and at peace. |
… Sundarīnandā therī …. |
|
5. Nanduttarātherīgāthā |
5.5. Nanduttarā |
“Aggiṃ candañca sūriyañca, |
In the past I worshiped the sacred flame, |
devatā ca namassihaṃ; |
the moon, the sun, and the gods. |
Nadītitthāni gantvāna, |
Having gone to a river ford, |
udakaṃ oruhāmihaṃ. |
I plunged into the water. |
Bahūvatasamādānā, |
Undertaking many vows, |
aḍḍhaṃ sīsassa olikhiṃ; |
I shaved half my head. |
Chamāya seyyaṃ kappemi, |
Preparing a bed on the ground, |
rattiṃ bhattaṃ na bhuñjahaṃ. |
I ate no food at night. |
Vibhūsāmaṇḍanaratā, |
I loved my ornaments and decorations; |
nhāpanucchādanehi ca; |
and with baths and oil-massages, |
Upakāsiṃ imaṃ kāyaṃ, |
I pandered to this body, |
kāmarāgena aṭṭitā. |
racked by desire for pleasures of the senses. |
Tato saddhaṃ labhitvāna, |
But then I gained faith, |
pabbajiṃ anagāriyaṃ; |
and went forth to homelessness. |
Disvā kāyaṃ yathābhūtaṃ, |
Truly seeing the body, |
kāmarāgo samūhato. |
desire for sensual pleasure is eradicated. |
Sabbe bhavā samucchinnā, |
All rebirths are cut off, |
icchā ca patthanāpi ca; |
wishes and aspirations too. |
Sabbayogavisaṃyuttā, |
Detached from all attachments, |
santiṃ pāpuṇi cetaso”ti. |
I've attained peace of heart. |
… Nanduttarā therī …. |
|
6 Mittākāḷītherīgāthā |
5.6. Mittākāḷī |
“Saddhāya pabbajitvāna, |
Having gone forth out of faith |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ; |
from the lay life to homelessness, |
Vicariṃhaṃ tena tena, |
I wandered here and there, |
lābhasakkāraussukā. |
jealous of possessions and honors. |
Riñcitvā paramaṃ atthaṃ, |
Neglecting the highest goal, |
hīnamatthaṃ asevihaṃ; |
I pursued the lowest. |
Kilesānaṃ vasaṃ gantvā, |
Under the sway of corruptions, |
sāmaññatthaṃ na bujjhihaṃ. |
I never knew the goal of the ascetic life. |
Tassā me ahu saṃvego, |
I was struck with a sense of urgency |
nisinnāya vihārake; |
as I was sitting in my hut: |
Ummaggapaṭipannāmhi, |
“I’m walking the wrong path, |
taṇhāya vasamāgatā. |
under the sway of craving. |
Appakaṃ jīvitaṃ mayhaṃ, |
My life is short, |
jarā byādhi ca maddati; |
trampled by old age and sickness. |
Purāyaṃ bhijjati kāyo, |
Before this body breaks apart, |
na me kālo pamajjituṃ. |
there is no time for me to be careless.” |
Yathābhūtamavekkhantī, |
I examined in line with reality |
khandhānaṃ udayabbayaṃ; |
the rise and fall of the aggregates. |
Vimuttacittā uṭṭhāsiṃ, |
I stood up with mind liberated, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanan”ti. |
having fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Mittā kāḷī therī …. |
|
7. Sakulātherīgāthā |
5.7. Sakulā |
“Agārasmiṃ vasantīhaṃ, |
While staying at home |
dhammaṃ sutvāna bhikkhuno; |
I heard the teaching from a mendicant. |
Addasaṃ virajaṃ dhammaṃ, |
I saw the stainless Dhamma, |
nibbānaṃ padamaccutaṃ. |
extinguishment, the imperishable state. |
Sāhaṃ puttaṃ dhītarañca, |
Leaving behind my son and my daughter, |
dhanadhaññañca chaḍḍiya; |
my riches and my grain, |
Kese chedāpayitvāna, |
I had my hair cut off, |
pabbajiṃ anagāriyaṃ. |
and went forth to homelessness. |
Sikkhamānā ahaṃ santī, |
As a trainee nun, |
bhāventī maggamañjasaṃ; |
I developed the direct path. |
Pahāsiṃ rāgadosañca, |
I gave up greed and hate, |
tadekaṭṭhe ca āsave. |
along with associated defilements. |
Bhikkhunī upasampajja, |
When I was fully ordained as a nun, |
pubbajātimanussariṃ; |
I recollected my past lives, |
Dibbacakkhu visodhitaṃ, |
and purified my clairvoyance, |
vimalaṃ sādhubhāvitaṃ. |
immaculate and fully developed. |
Saṅkhāre parato disvā, |
Conditions are born of causes, crumbling; |
hetujāte palokite; |
having seen them as other, |
Pahāsiṃ āsave sabbe, |
I gave up all defilements, |
sītibhūtāmhi nibbutā”ti. |
I’m cooled and quenched. |
… Sakulā therī …. |
|
8. Soṇātherīgāthā |
5.8. Soṇā |
“Dasa putte vijāyitvā, |
I gave birth to ten sons |
asmiṃ rūpasamussaye; |
in this form, this bag of bones. |
Tatohaṃ dubbalā jiṇṇā, |
Then, when feeble and old, |
bhikkhuniṃ upasaṅkamiṃ. |
I approached a nun. |
Sā me dhammamadesesi, |
She taught me the Dhamma: |
khandhāyatanadhātuyo; |
the aggregates, sense fields, and elements. |
Tassā dhammaṃ suṇitvāna, |
When I heard her teaching, |
kese chetvāna pabbajiṃ. |
I cut off my hair and went forth. |
Tassā me sikkhamānāya, |
When I was a trainee nun, |
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṃ; |
my clairvoyance was clarified, |
Pubbenivāsaṃ jānāmi, |
and I knew my past lives, |
yattha me vusitaṃ pure. |
the places I used to live. |
Animittañca bhāvemi, |
I meditate on the signless, |
ekaggā susamāhitā; |
my mind unified and serene. |
Anantarāvimokkhāsiṃ, |
I achieved the immediate liberation, |
anupādāya nibbutā. |
extinguished by not grasping. |
Pañcakkhandhā pariññātā, |
The five aggregates are fully understood; |
tiṭṭhanti chinnamūlakā; |
they remain, but their root is cut. |
Dhi tavatthu jare jamme, |
Curse you, wretched old age! |
natthi dāni punabbhavo”ti. |
Now there are no more future lives. |
… Soṇā therī …. |
|
9. Bhaddākuṇḍalakesātherīgāthā |
5.9. Bhaddā Kuṇḍalakesā |
“Lūnakesī paṅkadharī, |
My hair mown off, covered in mud, |
ekasāṭī pure cariṃ; |
I used to wander wearing just one robe. |
Avajje vajjamatinī, |
I saw fault where there was none, |
vajje cāvajjadassinī. |
and no fault where there was. |
Divāvihārā nikkhamma, |
Leaving my day’s meditation |
gijjhakūṭamhi pabbate; |
on Vulture’s Peak Mountain, |
Addasaṃ virajaṃ buddhaṃ, |
I saw the stainless Buddha |
bhikkhusaṃghapurakkhataṃ. |
at the fore of the mendicant Saṅgha. |
Nihacca jāṇuṃ vanditvā, |
I bent my knee and bowed, |
sammukhā añjaliṃ akaṃ; |
and in his presence raised my joined palms. |
‘Ehi bhadde’ti maṃ avaca, |
“Come Bhaddā,” he said; |
sā me āsūpasampadā. |
that was my ordination. |
Ciṇṇā aṅgā ca magadhā, |
“I’ve wandered among the Aṅgans and Magadhans, |
vajjī kāsī ca kosalā; |
the Vajjīs, Kāsīs, and Kosalans. |
Anaṇā paṇṇāsa vassāni, |
I have eaten the alms-food of the nations |
raṭṭhapiṇḍaṃ abhuñjahaṃ. |
free of debt for fifty years.” |
Puññaṃ vata pasavi bahuṃ, |
“O! He has made so much merit! |
Sappañño vatāyaṃ upāsako; |
That lay follower is so very wise. |
Yo bhaddāya cīvaraṃ adāsi, |
He gave a robe to Bhaddā, |
Vippamuttāya sabbaganthehī”ti. |
who is released from all ties.” |
… Bhaddā kuṇḍalakesā therī …. |
|
10. Paṭācārātherīgāthā |
5.10. Paṭācārā |
“Naṅgalehi kasaṃ khettaṃ, |
Plowing the fields, |
bījāni pavapaṃ chamā; |
sowing seeds in the ground, |
Puttadārāni posentā, |
supporting partners and children, |
dhanaṃ vindanti māṇavā. |
young men acquire wealth. |
Kimahaṃ sīlasampannā, |
I am accomplished in ethics, |
satthusāsanakārikā; |
and I do the Teacher’s bidding, |
Nibbānaṃ nādhigacchāmi, |
being neither lazy nor restless— |
akusītā anuddhatā. |
why then do I not achieve quenching? |
Pāde pakkhālayitvāna, |
Having washed my feet, |
udakesu karomahaṃ; |
I took note of the water, |
Pādodakañca disvāna, |
seeing the foot-washing water |
thalato ninnamāgataṃ. |
flowing from high ground to low. |
Tato cittaṃ samādhesiṃ, |
My mind became serene, |
assaṃ bhadraṃvajāniyaṃ; |
like a fine thoroughbred steed. |
Tato dīpaṃ gahetvāna, |
Then, taking a lamp, |
vihāraṃ pāvisiṃ ahaṃ; |
I entered my dwelling, |
Seyyaṃ olokayitvāna, |
inspected the bed, |
mañcakamhi upāvisiṃ. |
and sat on my cot. |
Tato sūciṃ gahetvāna, |
Then, grabbing the pin, |
vaṭṭiṃ okassayāmahaṃ; |
I drew out the wick. |
Padīpasseva nibbānaṃ, |
The liberation of my heart |
vimokkho ahu cetaso”ti. |
was like the quenching of the lamp. |
… Paṭācārā therī …. |
|
11. Tiṃsamattātherīgāthā |
5.11. Thirty Nuns |
“Musalāni gahetvāna, |
“Taking a pestle, |
dhaññaṃ koṭṭenti māṇavā; |
young men pound corn. |
Puttadārāni posentā, |
Supporting partners and children, |
dhanaṃ vindanti māṇavā. |
young men acquire wealth. |
Karotha buddhasāsanaṃ, |
Do the Buddha’s bidding, |
yaṃ katvā nānutappati; |
after which you’ll not regret. |
Khippaṃ pādāni dhovitvā, |
Having quickly washed your feet, |
ekamante nisīdatha; |
sit in a discreet place to meditate. |
Cetosamathamanuyuttā, |
Devoted to serenity of heart, |
karotha buddhasāsanaṃ”. |
do the Buddha’s bidding.” |
Tassā tā vacanaṃ sutvā, |
After hearing her words, |
paṭācārāya sāsanaṃ; |
the instructions of Paṭācārā, |
Pāde pakkhālayitvāna, |
they washed their feet |
ekamantaṃ upāvisuṃ; |
and retired to a discreet place. |
Cetosamathamanuyuttā, |
Devoted to serenity of heart, |
akaṃsu buddhasāsanaṃ. |
they did the Buddha’s bidding. |
Rattiyā purime yāme, |
In the first watch of the night, |
pubbajātimanussaruṃ; |
they recollected their past lives. |
Rattiyā majjhime yāme, |
In the middle watch of the night, |
dibbacakkhuṃ visodhayuṃ; |
they purified their clairvoyance. |
Rattiyā pacchime yāme, |
In the last watch of the night, |
tamokhandhaṃ padālayuṃ. |
they shattered the mass of darkness. |
Uṭṭhāya pāde vandiṃsu, |
They rose and paid homage at her feet: |
“katā te anusāsanī; |
“We have done your bidding; |
Indaṃva devā tidasā, |
we shall abide honoring you, |
saṅgāme aparājitaṃ; |
as the thirty gods honor Indra, |
Purakkhatvā vihassāma, |
undefeated in battle. |
tevijjāmha anāsavā”ti. |
Masters of the three knowledges, we are free of defilements.” |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ tiṃsamattā therī bhikkhuniyo paṭācārāya santike aññaṃ byākariṃsūti. |
It was thus that thirty senior nuns declared their enlightenment in the presence of Paṭācārā. |
12. Candātherīgāthā |
5.12. Candā |
“Duggatāhaṃ pure āsiṃ, |
I used to be in a sorry state. |
vidhavā ca aputtikā; |
As a childless widow, |
Vinā mittehi ñātīhi, |
bereft of friends or relatives, |
bhattacoḷassa nādhigaṃ. |
I got neither food nor clothes. |
Pattaṃ daṇḍañca gaṇhitvā, |
I took a bowl and a staff |
bhikkhamānā kulā kulaṃ; |
and went begging from family to family. |
Sītuṇhena ca ḍayhantī, |
For seven years I wandered, |
satta vassāni cārihaṃ. |
burned by heat and cold. |
Bhikkhuniṃ puna disvāna, |
Then I saw a nun |
annapānassa lābhiniṃ; |
receiving food and drink. |
Upasaṅkamma avocaṃ, |
Approaching her, I said: |
‘pabbajjaṃ anagāriyaṃ’. |
“Send me forth to homelessness.” |
Sā ca maṃ anukampāya, |
Out of compassion for me, |
pabbājesi paṭācārā; |
Paṭācārā gave me the going forth. |
Tato maṃ ovaditvāna, |
Then, having advised me, |
paramatthe niyojayi. |
she urged me on to the ultimate goal. |
Tassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
After hearing her words, |
akāsiṃ anusāsaniṃ; |
I did her bidding. |
Amogho ayyāyovādo, |
The lady’s advice was not in vain: |
tevijjāmhi anāsavā”ti. |
master of the three knowledges, I am free of defilements. |
… Candā therī …. |
The Book of the Fives is finished. |
Pañcakanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
chakkanipāta |
the book of the sixes |
1. Pañcasatamattātherīgāthā |
6.1. Paṭācārā, Who Had a Following of Five Hundred |
“Yassa maggaṃ na jānāsi, |
“He whose path you do not know, |
āgatassa gatassa vā; |
not whence he came nor where he went; |
Taṃ kuto cāgataṃ sattaṃ, |
though he came from who knows where, |
‘mama putto’ti rodasi. |
you mourn that being, crying, ‘Oh my son!’ |
Maggañca khossa jānāsi, |
But one whose path you do know, |
āgatassa gatassa vā; |
whence they came or where they went; |
Na naṃ samanusocesi, |
that one you do not lament— |
evaṃdhammā hi pāṇino. |
such is the nature of living creatures. |
Ayācito tatāgacchi, |
Unasked he came, |
nānuññāto ito gato; |
he left without leave. |
Kutoci nūna āgantvā, |
He must have come from somewhere, |
vasitvā katipāhakaṃ; |
and stayed who knows how many days. |
Itopi aññena gato, |
He left from here by one road, |
tatopaññena gacchati. |
he will go from there by another. |
Peto manussarūpena, |
Departing with the form of a human, |
saṃsaranto gamissati; |
he will go on transmigrating. |
Yathāgato tathā gato, |
As he came, so he went: |
kā tattha paridevanā”. |
why cry over that?” |
“Abbahī vata me sallaṃ, |
“Oh! For you have plucked the dart from me, |
duddasaṃ hadayassitaṃ; |
so hard to see, hidden in the heart. |
Yā me sokaparetāya, |
You’ve swept away the grief for my son, |
puttasokaṃ byapānudi. |
in which I once was mired. |
Sājja abbūḷhasallāhaṃ, |
Today I’ve plucked the dart, |
Nicchātā parinibbutā; |
I’m hungerless, extinguished. |
Buddhaṃ dhammañca saṃghañca, |
I go for refuge to that sage, the Buddha, |
Upemi saraṇaṃ muniṃ”. |
to his teaching, and to the Sangha.” |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ pañcasatamattā therī bhikkhuniyo … pe …. |
It was thus that Paṭācārā, who had a following of five hundred, declared her enlightenment. |
2. Vāseṭṭhītherīgāthā |
6.2. Vāseṭṭhī |
“Puttasokenahaṃ aṭṭā, |
Struck down with grief for my son, |
khittacittā visaññinī; |
deranged, out of my mind, |
Naggā pakiṇṇakesī ca, |
naked, my hair flying, |
tena tena vicārihaṃ. |
I wandered here and there. |
Vīthi saṅkārakūṭesu, |
I lived on rubbish heaps, |
susāne rathiyāsu ca; |
in cemeteries and highways. |
Acariṃ tīṇi vassāni, |
For three years I wandered, |
khuppipāsāsamappitā. |
stricken by hunger and thirst. |
Athaddasāsiṃ sugataṃ, |
Then I saw the Holy One, |
nagaraṃ mithilaṃ pati; |
who had gone to the city of Mithilā. |
Adantānaṃ dametāraṃ, |
Tamer of the untamed, |
sambuddhamakutobhayaṃ. |
the Awakened One fears nothing from any quarter. |
Sacittaṃ paṭiladdhāna, |
Regaining my mind, |
vanditvāna upāvisiṃ; |
I paid homage and sat down. |
So me dhammamadesesi, |
Out of compassion |
anukampāya gotamo. |
Gotama taught me the Dhamma. |
Tassa dhammaṃ suṇitvāna, |
After hearing his teaching, |
pabbajiṃ anagāriyaṃ; |
I went forth to homelessness. |
Yuñjantī satthuvacane, |
Applying myself to the Teacher’s words, |
sacchākāsiṃ padaṃ sivaṃ. |
I realized the state of grace. |
Sabbe sokā samucchinnā, |
All sorrows are cut off, |
pahīnā etadantikā; |
given up, they end here. |
Pariññātā hi me vatthū, |
I've fully understood the basis |
yato sokāna sambhavo”ti. |
from which grief comes to be. |
… Vāseṭṭhī therī …. |
|
3. Khemātherīgāthā |
6.3. Khemā |
“Daharā tvaṃ rūpavatī, |
“You’re so young and beautiful! |
ahampi daharo yuvā; |
I too am young, just a youth. |
Pañcaṅgikena turiyena, |
Come, Khemā, let us enjoy |
ehi kheme ramāmase”. |
the music of a five-piece band.” |
“Iminā pūtikāyena, |
“This body is rotting, |
āturena pabhaṅgunā; |
ailing and fragile, |
Aṭṭiyāmi harāyāmi, |
I’m horrified and repelled by it, |
kāmataṇhā samūhatā. |
and I’ve eradicated sensual craving. |
Sattisūlūpamā kāmā, |
Sensual pleasures are like swords and stakes; |
khandhāsaṃ adhikuṭṭanā; |
the aggregates are their chopping block. |
Yaṃ ‘tvaṃ kāmaratiṃ’ brūsi, |
What you call sensual delight |
‘aratī’ dāni sā mama. |
is now no delight for me. |
Sabbattha vihatā nandī, |
Relishing is destroyed in every respect, |
tamokhandho padālito; |
and the mass of darkness is shattered. |
Evaṃ jānāhi pāpima, |
So know this, Wicked One: |
nihato tvamasi antaka. |
you’re beaten, terminator!” |
Nakkhattāni namassantā, |
“Worshiping the stars, |
aggiṃ paricaraṃ vane; |
serving the sacred flame in a grove; |
Yathābhuccamajānantā, |
failing to grasp the true nature of things, |
bālā suddhimamaññatha. |
foolish me, I thought this was purity. |
Ahañca kho namassantī, |
But now I worship the Awakened One, |
sambuddhaṃ purisuttamaṃ; |
supreme among men. |
Pamuttā sabbadukkhehi, |
Doing the teacher’s bidding, |
satthusāsanakārikā”ti. |
I am released from all suffering.” |
… Khemā therī …. |
|
4. Sujātātherīgāthā |
6.4. Sujātā |
“Alaṅkatā suvasanā, |
I was adorned with jewelry and all dressed up, |
mālinī candanokkhitā; |
with garlands, and sandalwood makeup piled on, |
Sabbābharaṇasañchannā, |
all covered over with decorations, |
dāsīgaṇapurakkhatā. |
and surrounded by my maids. |
Annaṃ pānañca ādāya, |
Taking food and drink, |
khajjaṃ bhojjaṃ anappakaṃ; |
staples and dainties in no small amount, |
Gehato nikkhamitvāna, |
I left my house |
uyyānamabhihārayiṃ. |
and betook myself to the park. |
Tattha ramitvā kīḷitvā, |
I enjoyed myself there and played about, |
āgacchantī sakaṃ gharaṃ; |
and then, returning to my own home, |
Vihāraṃ daṭṭhuṃ pāvisiṃ, |
I saw a monastic dwelling, |
sākete añjanaṃ vanaṃ. |
and so I entered the Añjana grove at Sāketa. |
Disvāna lokapajjotaṃ, |
Seeing the light of the world, |
vanditvāna upāvisiṃ; |
I paid homage and sat down. |
So me dhammamadesesi, |
Out of compassion |
anukampāya cakkhumā. |
the seer taught me the Dhamma. |
Sutvā ca kho mahesissa, |
When I heard the great hermit, |
saccaṃ sampaṭivijjhahaṃ; |
I penetrated the truth. |
Tattheva virajaṃ dhammaṃ, |
Right there I encountered the Dhamma, |
phusayiṃ amataṃ padaṃ. |
the stainless, deathless state. |
Tato viññātasaddhammā, |
Then, having understood the true teaching, |
pabbajiṃ anagāriyaṃ; |
I went forth to homelessness. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges; |
amoghaṃ buddhasāsanan”ti. |
the Buddha’s bidding was not in vain. |
… Sujātā therī …. |
|
5. Anopamātherīgāthā |
6.5. Anopamā |
“Ucce kule ahaṃ jātā, |
I was born into an eminent family, |
bahuvitte mahaddhane; |
affluent and wealthy, |
Vaṇṇarūpena sampannā, |
endowed with a beautiful complexion and figure; |
dhītā majjhassa atrajā. |
Majjha’s true-born daughter. |
Patthitā rājaputtehi, |
I was sought by princes, |
seṭṭhiputtehi gijjhitā; |
coveted by sons of the wealthy. |
Pitu me pesayī dūtaṃ, |
One sent a messenger to my father: |
detha mayhaṃ anopamaṃ. |
“Give me Anopamā! |
Yattakaṃ tulitā esā, |
However much your daughter |
tuyhaṃ dhītā anopamā; |
Anopamā weighs, |
Tato aṭṭhaguṇaṃ dassaṃ, |
I'll give you eight times that |
hiraññaṃ ratanāni ca. |
in gold and gems.” |
Sāhaṃ disvāna sambuddhaṃ, |
When I saw the Awakened One, |
lokajeṭṭhaṃ anuttaraṃ; |
the world’s Elder, unsurpassed, |
Tassa pādāni vanditvā, |
I paid homage at his feet, |
ekamantaṃ upāvisiṃ. |
then sat down to one side. |
So me dhammamadesesi, |
Out of compassion, |
anukampāya gotamo; |
Gotama taught me the Dhamma. |
Nisinnā āsane tasmiṃ, |
While sitting in that seat, |
phusayiṃ tatiyaṃ phalaṃ. |
I realized the third fruit. |
Tato kesāni chetvāna, |
Then, having cut off my hair, |
pabbajiṃ anagāriyaṃ; |
I went forth to homelessness. |
Ajja me sattamī ratti, |
This is the seventh day |
yato taṇhā visositā”ti. |
since my craving dried up. |
… Anopamā therī …. |
|
6 Mahāpajāpatigotamītherīgāthā |
6.6. Mahāpajāpati Gotamī |
“Buddha vīra namo tyatthu, |
Oh Buddha, my hero: homage to you! |
sabbasattānamuttama; |
Supreme among all beings, |
Yo maṃ dukkhā pamocesi, |
who released me from suffering, |
aññañca bahukaṃ janaṃ. |
and many other beings as well. |
Sabbadukkhaṃ pariññātaṃ, |
All suffering is fully understood; |
Hetutaṇhā visositā; |
craving—its cause—is dried up; |
Bhāvito aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo, |
the eightfold path has been developed; |
Nirodho phusito mayā. |
and cessation has been realized by me. |
Mātā putto pitā bhātā, |
Previously I was a mother, a son, |
ayyakā ca pure ahuṃ; |
a father, a brother, and a grandmother. |
Yathābhuccamajānantī, |
Failing to grasp the true nature of things, |
saṃsariṃhaṃ anibbisaṃ. |
I’ve transmigrated without reward. |
Diṭṭho hi me so bhagavā, |
Since I have seen the Blessed One, |
antimoyaṃ samussayo; |
this bag of bones is my last. |
Vikkhīṇo jātisaṃsāro, |
Transmigration through births is finished, |
natthi dāni punabbhavo. |
now there are no more future lives. |
Āraddhavīriye pahitatte, |
I see the disciples in harmony, |
Niccaṃ daḷhaparakkame; |
energetic and resolute, |
Samagge sāvake passe, |
always staunchly vigorous— |
Esā buddhāna vandanā. |
this is homage to the Buddhas! |
Bahūnaṃ vata atthāya, |
It was truly for the benefit of many |
Māyā janayi gotamaṃ; |
that Māyā gave birth to Gotama. |
Byādhimaraṇatunnānaṃ, |
He swept away the mass of suffering |
Dukkhakkhandhaṃ byapānudī”ti. |
for those stricken by sickness and death. |
… Mahāpajāpatigotamī therī …. |
|
7. Guttātherīgāthā |
6.7. Guttā |
“Gutte yadatthaṃ pabbajjā, |
Guttā, you have given up your child, |
hitvā puttaṃ vasuṃ piyaṃ; |
your wealth, and all that you love. |
Tameva anubrūhehi, |
Foster the goal for which you went forth; |
mā cittassa vasaṃ gami. |
do not fall under the mind’s control. |
Cittena vañcitā sattā, |
Beings deceived by the mind, |
mārassa visaye ratā; |
playing in Māra’s domain, |
Anekajātisaṃsāraṃ, |
ignorant, they journey on, |
sandhāvanti aviddasū. |
transmigrating through countless rebirths. |
Kāmacchandañca byāpādaṃ, |
Sensual desire and ill will, |
sakkāyadiṭṭhimeva ca; |
and identity view; |
Sīlabbataparāmāsaṃ, |
misapprehension of precepts and observances, |
vicikicchañca pañcamaṃ. |
and doubt as the fifth. |
Saṃyojanāni etāni, |
O nun, when you have given up |
pajahitvāna bhikkhunī; |
these lower fetters, |
Orambhāgamanīyāni, |
you won’t come back |
nayidaṃ punarehisi. |
to this world again. |
Rāgaṃ mānaṃ avijjañca, |
And when you’re rid of greed, |
uddhaccañca vivajjiya; |
conceit, ignorance, and restlessness, |
Saṃyojanāni chetvāna, |
having cut the fetters, |
dukkhassantaṃ karissasi. |
you’ll make an end to suffering. |
Khepetvā jātisaṃsāraṃ, |
Having wiped out transmigration, |
pariññāya punabbhavaṃ; |
and fully understood rebirth, |
Diṭṭheva dhamme nicchātā, |
hungerless in this very life, |
upasantā carissatī”ti. |
you will live at peace. |
… Guttā therī …. |
|
8. Vijayātherīgāthā |
6.8. Vijayā |
“Catukkhattuṃ pañcakkhattuṃ, |
Four or five times |
vihārā upanikkhamiṃ; |
I left my dwelling; |
Aladdhā cetaso santiṃ, |
I had failed to find peace of heart, |
citte avasavattinī. |
or any control over my mind. |
Bhikkhuniṃ upasaṅkamma, |
I approached a nun |
sakkaccaṃ paripucchahaṃ; |
and politely questioned her. |
Sā me dhammamadesesi, |
She taught me the Dhamma: |
dhātuāyatanāni ca. |
the elements and sense fields, |
Cattāri ariyasaccāni, |
the four noble truths, |
indriyāni balāni ca; |
the faculties and the powers, |
Bojjhaṅgaṭṭhaṅgikaṃ maggaṃ, |
the awakening factors, and the eightfold path |
uttamatthassa pattiyā. |
for the attainment of the highest goal. |
Tassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
After hearing her words, |
karontī anusāsaniṃ; |
I did her bidding. |
Rattiyā purime yāme, |
In the first watch of the night, |
pubbajātimanussariṃ. |
I recollected my past lives. |
Rattiyā majjhime yāme, |
In the middle watch of the night, |
dibbacakkhuṃ visodhayiṃ; |
I purified my clairvoyance. |
Rattiyā pacchime yāme, |
In the last watch of the night, |
tamokhandhaṃ padālayiṃ. |
I shattered the mass of darkness. |
Pītisukhena ca kāyaṃ, |
I then meditated pervading my body |
Pharitvā vihariṃ tadā; |
with rapture and bliss. |
Sattamiyā pāde pasāresiṃ, |
On the seventh day I stretched out my feet, |
Tamokhandhaṃ padāliyā”ti. |
having shattered the mass of darkness. |
… Vijayā therī …. |
The Book of the Sixes is finished. |
Chakkanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
sattakanipāta |
the book of the sevens |
1. Uttarātherīgāthā |
7.1. Uttarā (2nd) |
“Musalāni gahetvāna, |
“Taking a pestle, |
dhaññaṃ koṭṭenti māṇavā; |
young men pound corn. |
Puttadārāni posentā, |
Supporting partners and children, |
dhanaṃ vindanti māṇavā. |
young men acquire wealth. |
Ghaṭetha buddhasāsane, |
Work at the Buddha’s bidding, |
yaṃ katvā nānutappati; |
after which you’ll not regret. |
Khippaṃ pādāni dhovitvā, |
Having quickly washed your feet, |
ekamantaṃ nisīdatha. |
sit in a discreet place to meditate. |
Cittaṃ upaṭṭhapetvāna, |
Establish the mind, |
ekaggaṃ susamāhitaṃ; |
unified and serene. |
Paccavekkhatha saṅkhāre, |
Examine conditions |
parato no ca attato”. |
as other, not as self.” |
“Tassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
“After hearing her words, |
paṭācārānusāsaniṃ; |
the instructions of Paṭācārā, |
Pāde pakkhālayitvāna, |
I washed my feet |
ekamante upāvisiṃ. |
and retired to a discreet place. |
Rattiyā purime yāme, |
In the first watch of the night, |
pubbajātimanussariṃ; |
I recollected my past lives. |
Rattiyā majjhime yāme, |
In the middle watch of the night, |
dibbacakkhuṃ visodhayiṃ. |
I purified my clairvoyance. |
Rattiyā pacchime yāme, |
In the last watch of the night, |
tamokhandhaṃ padālayiṃ; |
I shattered the mass of darkness. |
Tevijjā atha vuṭṭhāsiṃ, |
I rose up master of the three knowledges: |
katā te anusāsanī. |
your bidding has been done. |
Sakkaṃva devā tidasā, |
I shall abide honoring you |
saṅgāme aparājitaṃ; |
as the thirty gods honor Sakka, |
Purakkhatvā vihassāmi, |
undefeated in battle. |
tevijjāmhi anāsavā”. |
Master of the three knowledges, I am free of defilements.” |
… Uttarā therī …. |
|
2. Cālātherīgāthā |
7.2. Cālā |
“Satiṃ upaṭṭhapetvāna, |
“As a nun with developed faculties, |
bhikkhunī bhāvitindriyā; |
having established mindfulness, |
Paṭivijjhi padaṃ santaṃ, |
I penetrated that peaceful state, |
saṅkhārūpasamaṃ sukhaṃ”. |
the blissful stilling of conditions.” |
“Kaṃ nu uddissa muṇḍāsi, |
“In whose name did you shave your head? |
samaṇī viya dissasi; |
You look like an ascetic, |
Na ca rocesi pāsaṇḍe, |
but you don’t believe in any creed. |
kimidaṃ carasi momuhā”. |
Why do you live as if lost?” |
“Ito bahiddhā pāsaṇḍā, |
“Followers of other creeds |
diṭṭhiyo upanissitā; |
rely on their views. |
Na te dhammaṃ vijānanti, |
They don’t understand the Dhamma, |
na te dhammassa kovidā. |
for they’re no experts in the Dhamma. |
Atthi sakyakule jāto, |
But there is one born in the Sakyan clan, |
buddho appaṭipuggalo; |
the unrivaled Buddha; |
So me dhammamadesesi, |
he taught me the Dhamma |
diṭṭhīnaṃ samatikkamaṃ. |
for going beyond views. |
Dukkhaṃ dukkhasamuppādaṃ, |
Suffering, suffering’s origin, |
Dukkhassa ca atikkamaṃ; |
suffering’s transcendence, |
Ariyaṃ caṭṭhaṅgikaṃ maggaṃ, |
and the noble eightfold path |
Dukkhūpasamagāminaṃ. |
that leads to the stilling of suffering. |
Tassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
After hearing his words, |
vihariṃ sāsane ratā; |
I happily did his bidding. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Sabbattha vihatā nandī, |
Relishing is destroyed in every respect, |
tamokhandho padālito; |
and the mass of darkness is shattered. |
Evaṃ jānāhi pāpima, |
So know this, Wicked One: |
nihato tvamasi antaka”. |
you’re beaten, terminator!” |
… Cālā therī …. |
|
3. Upacālātherīgāthā |
7.3. Upacālā |
“Satimatī cakkhumatī, |
“A nun with faculties developed, |
bhikkhunī bhāvitindriyā; |
mindful, seeing clearly, |
Paṭivijjhi padaṃ santaṃ, |
I penetrated that peaceful state, |
akāpurisasevitaṃ”. |
which sinners do not cultivate.” |
“Kiṃ nu jātiṃ na rocesi, |
“Why don’t you approve of rebirth? |
jāto kāmāni bhuñjati; |
When you’re born, you get to enjoy sensual pleasures. |
Bhuñjāhi kāmaratiyo, |
Enjoy the delights of sensual pleasure; |
māhu pacchānutāpinī”. |
don’t regret it later.” |
“Jātassa maraṇaṃ hoti, |
“Death comes to those who are born; |
hatthapādāna chedanaṃ; |
and when born they fall into suffering: |
Vadhabandhapariklesaṃ, |
the chopping off of hands and feet, |
jāto dukkhaṃ nigacchati. |
killing, caging, misery. |
Atthi sakyakule jāto, |
But there is one born in the Sakyan clan, |
sambuddho aparājito; |
an awakened champion. |
So me dhammamadesesi, |
He taught me the Dhamma |
jātiyā samatikkamaṃ. |
for passing beyond rebirth: |
Dukkhaṃ dukkhasamuppādaṃ, |
suffering, suffering’s origin, |
dukkhassa ca atikkamaṃ; |
suffering’s transcendence, |
Ariyaṃ caṭṭhaṅgikaṃ maggaṃ, |
and the noble eightfold path |
dukkhūpasamagāminaṃ. |
that leads to the stilling of suffering. |
Tassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
After hearing his words, |
vihariṃ sāsane ratā; |
I happily did his bidding. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Sabbattha vihatā nandī, |
Relishing is destroyed in every respect, |
tamokhandho padālito; |
and the mass of darkness is shattered. |
Evaṃ jānāhi pāpima, |
So know this, Wicked One: |
nihato tvamasi antaka”. |
you’re beaten, terminator!” |
… Upacālā therī …. |
The Book of the Sevens is finished. |
Sattakanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
aṭṭhakanipāta |
the book of the eights |
1. Sīsūpacālātherīgāthā |
8.1. Sīsūpacālā |
“Bhikkhunī sīlasampannā, |
“A nun accomplished in ethics, |
indriyesu susaṃvutā; |
her sense faculties well-restrained, |
Adhigacche padaṃ santaṃ, |
would realize the peaceful state, |
asecanakamojavaṃ”. |
so irresistible, delicious and nutritious.” |
“Tāvatiṃsā ca yāmā ca, |
“There are the Gods of the Thirty-Three, and those of Yama; |
tusitā cāpi devatā; |
also the Joyful Deities, |
Nimmānaratino devā, |
the Gods Who Love to Create, |
ye devā vasavattino; |
and the Gods Who Control the Creations of Others. |
Tattha cittaṃ paṇīdhehi, |
Set your heart on such places, |
yattha te vusitaṃ pure”. |
where you used to live.” |
“Tāvatiṃsā ca yāmā ca, |
“The Gods of the Thirty-Three, and those of Yama; |
tusitā cāpi devatā; |
also the Joyful Deities, |
Nimmānaratino devā, |
the Gods Who Love to Create, |
ye devā vasavattino. |
and the Gods Who Control the Creations of Others— |
Kālaṃ kālaṃ bhavābhavaṃ, |
time after time, life after life, |
sakkāyasmiṃ purakkhatā; |
they make identity their priority. |
Avītivattā sakkāyaṃ, |
They haven’t transcended identity, |
jātimaraṇasārino. |
those who transmigrate through birth and death. |
Sabbo ādīpito loko, |
All the world is on fire, |
sabbo loko padīpito; |
all the world is alight, |
Sabbo pajjalito loko, |
all the world is ablaze, |
sabbo loko pakampito. |
all the world is rocking. |
Akampiyaṃ atuliyaṃ, |
The Buddha taught me the Dhamma, |
aputhujjanasevitaṃ; |
unshakable, incomparable, |
Buddho dhammamadesesi, |
not frequented by ordinary people; |
tattha me nirato mano. |
my mind adores that place. |
Tassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
After hearing his words, |
vihariṃ sāsane ratā; |
I happily did his bidding. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Sabbattha vihatā nandī, |
Relishing is destroyed in every respect, |
tamokhandho padālito; |
and the mass of darkness is shattered. |
Evaṃ jānāhi pāpima, |
So know this, Wicked One: |
nihato tvamasi antaka”. |
you’re beaten, terminator!” |
… Sīsūpacālā therī …. |
The Book of the Eights is finished. |
Aṭṭhakanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
navakanipāta |
the book of the nines |
1. Vaḍḍhamātutherīgāthā |
9.1. Vaḍḍha’s Mother |
“Mā su te vaḍḍha lokamhi, |
“Vaḍḍha, please never ever |
vanatho āhu kudācanaṃ; |
get entangled in the world. |
Mā puttaka punappunaṃ, |
My child, do not partake |
ahu dukkhassa bhāgimā. |
in suffering again and again. |
Sukhañhi vaḍḍha munayo, |
For happy dwell the sages, Vaḍḍha, |
anejā chinnasaṃsayā; |
unstirred, their doubts cut off, |
Sītibhūtā damappattā, |
cooled and tamed, |
viharanti anāsavā. |
and free of defilements. |
Tehānuciṇṇaṃ isībhi, |
Vaḍḍha, foster the path |
maggaṃ dassanapattiyā; |
that the hermits have walked, |
Dukkhassantakiriyāya, |
for the attainment of vision, |
tvaṃ vaḍḍha anubrūhaya”. |
and for making an end of suffering.” |
“Visāradāva bhaṇasi, |
“Mother, you speak with such assurance |
etamatthaṃ janetti me; |
to me on this matter. |
Maññāmi nūna māmike, |
My dear mom, I can’t help thinking |
vanatho te na vijjati”. |
that no entanglements are found in you.” |
“Ye keci vaḍḍha saṅkhārā, |
“Vaḍḍha, not a jot or a skerrick |
hīnā ukkaṭṭhamajjhimā; |
of entanglement is found in me |
Aṇūpi aṇumattopi, |
for any conditions at all, |
vanatho me na vijjati. |
whether low, high, or middling. |
Sabbe me āsavā khīṇā, |
All defilements are ended for me, |
appamattassa jhāyato; |
meditating and diligent. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ”. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.” |
“Uḷāraṃ vata me mātā, |
“Truly excellent was the goad |
patodaṃ samavassari; |
with which my mother urged me on! |
Paramatthasañhitā gāthā, |
Owing to her compassion, she spoke |
yathāpi anukampikā. |
verses on the ultimate goal. |
Tassāhaṃ vacanaṃ sutvā, |
After hearing her words, |
anusiṭṭhiṃ janettiyā; |
being instructed by my mother, |
Dhammasaṃvegamāpādiṃ, |
I was struck with righteous urgency |
yogakkhemassa pattiyā. |
for finding sanctuary. |
Sohaṃ padhānapahitatto, |
Striving, resolute, |
rattindivamatandito; |
tireless all day and night, |
Mātarā codito santo, |
spurred on by my mother, |
aphusiṃ santimuttamaṃ”. |
I realized supreme peace.” |
… Vaḍḍhamātā therī …. |
The Book of the Nines is finished. |
Navakanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
ekādasakanipāta |
the book of the elevens |
1. Kisāgotamītherīgāthā |
10.1. Kisāgotamī |
“Kalyāṇamittatā muninā, |
“Pointing out how the world works, |
lokaṃ ādissa vaṇṇitā; |
the sages have praised good friendship. |
Kalyāṇamitte bhajamāno, |
Associating with good friends, |
api bālo paṇḍito assa. |
even a fool becomes astute. |
Bhajitabbā sappurisā, |
Associate with good people, |
Paññā tathā vaḍḍhati bhajantānaṃ; |
for that is how wisdom grows. |
Bhajamāno sappurise, |
Should you associate with good people, |
Sabbehipi dukkhehi pamucceyya. |
you would be freed from all suffering. |
Dukkhañca vijāneyya, |
And you would understand suffering, |
Dukkhassa ca samudayaṃ nirodhaṃ; |
its origin and cessation, |
Aṭṭhaṅgikañca maggaṃ, |
the eightfold path, |
Cattāripi ariyasaccāni”. |
and so the four noble truths.” |
“Dukkho itthibhāvo, |
“‘A woman’s life is painful,’ |
Akkhāto purisadammasārathinā; |
explained the Buddha, guide for those who wish to train, |
Sapattikampi hi dukkhaṃ, |
‘and for a co-wife it’s especially so. |
Appekaccā sakiṃ vijātāyo. |
After giving birth just once, |
Galake api kantanti, |
some women even cut their own throat, |
Sukhumāliniyo visāni khādanti; |
while refined ladies take poison. |
Janamārakamajjhagatā, |
Being guilty of killing a person, |
Ubhopi byasanāni anubhonti”. |
they undergo ruin both here and beyond.’” |
“Upavijaññā gacchantī, |
“I was on the road and nearing childbirth, |
addasāhaṃ patiṃ mataṃ; |
when I saw my husband dead. |
Panthamhi vijāyitvāna, |
I gave birth there on the road |
appattāva sakaṃ gharaṃ. |
before I’d reached my own home. |
Dve puttā kālakatā, |
My two children have died, |
Patī ca panthe mato kapaṇikāya; |
and on the road my husband lies dead—oh woe is me! |
Mātā pitā ca bhātā, |
Mother, father, and brother |
Ḍayhanti ca ekacitakāyaṃ”. |
all burning up on the same pyre.” |
“Khīṇakulīne kapaṇe, |
“Oh woe is you whose family is lost, |
Anubhūtaṃ te dukhaṃ aparimāṇaṃ; |
your suffering has no measure; |
Assū ca te pavattaṃ, |
you have been shedding tears |
Bahūni ca jātisahassāni. |
for many thousands of lives.” |
Vasitā susānamajjhe, |
“While staying in the charnel ground, |
Athopi khāditāni puttamaṃsāni; |
I saw my son’s flesh being eaten. |
Hatakulikā sabbagarahitā, |
With my family destroyed, condemned by all, |
Matapatikā amatamadhigacchiṃ. |
and my husband dead, I realized the deathless. |
Bhāvito me maggo, |
I’ve developed the noble eightfold path |
Ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko amatagāmī; |
leading to the deathless. |
Nibbānaṃ sacchikataṃ, |
I’ve realized quenching, |
Dhammādāsaṃ avekkhiṃhaṃ. |
as seen in the mirror of the Dhamma. |
Ahamamhi kantasallā, |
I’ve plucked out the dart, |
Ohitabhārā katañhi karaṇīyaṃ; |
laid down the burden, and done what needed to be done.” |
Kisā gotamī therī, |
The senior nun Kisāgotamī, |
Vimuttacittā imaṃ bhaṇī”ti. |
her mind released, said this. |
… Kisā gotamī therī …. |
The Book of the Elevens is finished. |
Ekādasakanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
dvādasakanipāta |
the book of the twelves |
1. Uppalavaṇṇātherīgāthā |
11.1. Uppalavaṇṇā |
“Ubho mātā ca dhītā ca, |
“The two of us were co-wives, |
mayaṃ āsuṃ sapattiyo; |
though we were mother and daughter. |
Tassā me ahu saṃvego, |
I was struck with a sense of urgency, |
abbhuto lomahaṃsano. |
so astonishing and hair-raising! |
Dhiratthu kāmā asucī, |
Curse those filthy sensual pleasures, |
duggandhā bahukaṇṭakā; |
so nasty and thorny, |
Yattha mātā ca dhītā ca, |
where we, both mother and daughter, |
sabhariyā mayaṃ ahuṃ. |
had to be co-wives together. |
Kāmesvādīnavaṃ disvā, |
Seeing the danger in sensual pleasures, |
nekkhammaṃ daṭṭhu khemato; |
seeing renunciation as a sanctuary, |
Sā pabbajjiṃ rājagahe, |
I went forth in Rājagaha |
agārasmānagāriyaṃ. |
from the lay life to homelessness. |
Pubbenivāsaṃ jānāmi, |
I know my past lives; |
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṃ; |
my clairvoyance is clarified; |
Cetopariccañāṇañca, |
I comprehend the minds of others; |
sotadhātu visodhitā. |
my clairaudience is purified; |
Iddhīpi me sacchikatā, |
I've realized the psychic powers, |
patto me āsavakkhayo; |
and attained the ending of defilements. |
Chaḷabhiññā sacchikatā, |
I’ve realized the six kinds of direct knowledge, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Iddhiyā abhinimmitvā, |
I created a four-horsed chariot |
caturassaṃ rathaṃ ahaṃ; |
using my psychic powers. |
Buddhassa pāde vanditvā, |
Then I bowed at the feet of the Buddha, |
lokanāthassa tādino”. |
the glorious protector of the world.” |
“Supupphitaggaṃ upagamma pādapaṃ, |
“You’ve come to this sal tree all crowned with flowers, |
Ekā tuvaṃ tiṭṭhasi sālamūle; |
and stand at its root all alone. |
Na cāpi te dutiyo atthi koci, |
But you have no companion with you, |
Bāle na tvaṃ bhāyasi dhuttakānaṃ”. |
silly girl, aren’t you afraid of rascals?” |
“Sataṃ sahassānipi dhuttakānaṃ, |
“Even if 100,000 rascals like this |
Samāgatā edisakā bhaveyyuṃ; |
were to gang up, |
Lomaṃ na iñje napi sampavedhe, |
I’d stir not a hair nor tremble. |
Kiṃ me tuvaṃ māra karissaseko. |
What could you do to me all alone, Māra? |
Esā antaradhāyāmi, |
I’ll vanish, |
kucchiṃ vā pavisāmi te; |
or I’ll enter your belly; |
Bhamukantare tiṭṭhāmi, |
I could stand between your eyebrows |
tiṭṭhantiṃ maṃ na dakkhasi. |
and you still wouldn’t see me. |
Cittamhi vasībhūtāhaṃ, |
I’m the master of my own mind, |
iddhipādā subhāvitā; |
I’ve developed the bases of psychic power well. |
Chaḷabhiññā sacchikatā, |
I’ve realized the six kinds of direct knowledge, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Sattisūlūpamā kāmā, |
Sensual pleasures are like swords and stakes; |
khandhāsaṃ adhikuṭṭanā; |
the aggregates are their chopping block. |
Yaṃ tvaṃ ‘kāmaratiṃ’ brūsi, |
What you call sensual delight |
‘āratī’ dāni sā mama. |
is now no delight for me. |
Sabbattha vihatā nandī, |
Relishing is destroyed in every respect, |
Tamokhandho padālito; |
and the mass of darkness is shattered. |
Evaṃ jānāhi pāpima, |
So know this, Wicked One: |
Nihato tvamasi antakā”ti. |
you’re beaten, terminator!” |
… Uppalavaṇṇā therī …. |
The Book of the Twelves is finished. |
Dvādasakanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
soḷasakanipāta |
the book of the sixteens |
1. Puṇṇātherīgāthā |
12.1. Puṇṇikā |
“Udahārī ahaṃ sīte, |
“I’m a water-carrier. Even when it’s cold, |
sadā udakamotariṃ; |
I must always plunge into the water; |
Ayyānaṃ daṇḍabhayabhītā, |
I fear I’ll get the stick from noble ladies, |
vācādosabhayaṭṭitā. |
harassed by fear of abuse and anger. |
Kassa brāhmaṇa tvaṃ bhīto, |
Brahmin, what are you afraid of, |
sadā udakamotari; |
that you always plunge into the water, |
Vedhamānehi gattehi, |
your limbs trembling |
sītaṃ vedayase bhusaṃ”. |
in the freezing cold?” |
“Jānantī vata maṃ bhoti, |
“Oh, but you already know, |
puṇṇike paripucchasi; |
Madam Puṇṇikā, when you ask me: |
Karontaṃ kusalaṃ kammaṃ, |
I am doing good deeds, |
rundhantaṃ katapāpakaṃ. |
to block off the wickedness I have done. |
Yo ca vuḍḍho daharo vā, |
Whosoever young or old |
pāpakammaṃ pakubbati; |
performs a wicked deed, |
Dakābhisecanā sopi, |
by ablution in water they are |
pāpakammā pamuccati”. |
released from their wicked deed.” |
“Ko nu te idamakkhāsi, |
“Who on earth told you this, |
ajānantassa ajānako; |
one fool to another: |
Dakābhisecanā nāma, |
‘Actually, by ablution in water one is |
pāpakammā pamuccati. |
released from a wicked deed.’ |
Saggaṃ nūna gamissanti, |
Would not they all go to heaven, then: |
sabbe maṇḍūkakacchapā; |
all the frogs and the turtles, |
Nāgā ca susumārā ca, |
gharials, crocodiles, |
ye caññe udake carā. |
and other water-dwellers too? |
Orabbhikā sūkarikā, |
Butchers of sheep and pigs, |
macchikā migabandhakā; |
fishermen, animal trappers, |
Corā ca vajjhaghātā ca, |
bandits, executioners, |
ye caññe pāpakammino; |
and others of evil deeds: |
Dakābhisecanā tepi, |
by ablution in water they too would be |
pāpakammā pamuccare. |
released from their wicked deeds. |
Sace imā nadiyo te, |
If these rivers washed away |
pāpaṃ pubbe kataṃ vahuṃ; |
the bad deeds of the past, |
Puññampimā vaheyyuṃ te, |
then they’d also wash off goodness, |
tena tvaṃ paribāhiro. |
and thereby you would be excluded. |
Yassa brāhmaṇa tvaṃ bhīto, |
Brahmin, the thing that you are afraid of, |
sadā udakamotari; |
when you always plunge into the water, |
Tameva brahme mā kāsi, |
do not do that very thing, |
mā te sītaṃ chaviṃ hane”. |
don’t let the cold harm your skin.” |
“Kummaggapaṭipannaṃ maṃ, |
“I have been on the wrong path, |
ariyamaggaṃ samānayi; |
and you’ve guided me to the noble path. |
Dakābhisecanā bhoti, |
Madam, I give to you |
imaṃ sāṭaṃ dadāmi te”. |
this ablution cloth.” |
“Tuyheva sāṭako hotu, |
“Keep the cloth for yourself, |
nāhamicchāmi sāṭakaṃ; |
I do not want it. |
Sace bhāyasi dukkhassa, |
If you fear suffering, |
sace te dukkhamappiyaṃ. |
if you don’t like suffering, |
Mākāsi pāpakaṃ kammaṃ, |
then don’t do bad deeds |
āvi vā yadi vā raho; |
either openly or in secret. |
Sace ca pāpakaṃ kammaṃ, |
If you should do a bad deed, |
karissasi karosi vā. |
or you’re doing one now, |
Na te dukkhā pamutyatthi, |
you won’t be freed from suffering, |
upeccāpi palāyato; |
though you fly away and flee. |
Sace bhāyasi dukkhassa, |
If you fear suffering, |
sace te dukkhamappiyaṃ. |
if you don’t like suffering, |
Upehi saraṇaṃ buddhaṃ, |
go for refuge to the Buddha, the poised, |
dhammaṃ saṃghañca tādinaṃ; |
to his teaching and to the Sangha. |
Samādiyāhi sīlāni, |
Undertake the precepts, |
taṃ te atthāya hehiti”. |
that will be good for you.” |
“Upemi saraṇaṃ buddhaṃ, |
“I go for refuge to the Buddha, the poised, |
dhammaṃ saṃghañca tādinaṃ; |
to his teaching and to the Sangha. |
Samādiyāmi sīlāni, |
I undertake the precepts, |
taṃ me atthāya hehiti. |
that will be good for me. |
Brahmabandhu pure āsiṃ, |
In the past I was related to Brahmā, |
ajjamhi saccabrāhmaṇo; |
today I truly am a brahmin! |
Tevijjo vedasampanno, |
I am master of the three knowledges, accomplished in wisdom, |
sottiyo camhi nhātako”ti. |
I’m a scholar and a bathed initiate.” |
… Puṇṇā therī …. |
The Book of the Sixteens is finished. |
Soḷasakanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
vīsatinipāta |
the book of the twenties |
1. Ambapālītherīgāthā |
13.1. Ambapālī |
“Kāḷakā bhamaravaṇṇasādisā, |
My hair was as black as bees, |
Vellitaggā mama muddhajā ahuṃ; |
graced with curly tips; |
Te jarāya sāṇavākasādisā, |
now old, it has become like hemp bark— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Vāsitova surabhī karaṇḍako, |
Crowned with flowers, |
Pupphapūra mama uttamaṅgajo; |
my head was as fragrant as a perfume box; |
Taṃ jarāyatha salomagandhikaṃ, |
now old, it smells like dog fur— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Kānanaṃva sahitaṃ suropitaṃ, |
My hair was as thick as a well-planted forest, |
Kocchasūcivicitaggasobhitaṃ; |
it shone, parted with brush and pins; |
Taṃ jarāya viralaṃ tahiṃ tahiṃ, |
now old, it’s patchy and sparse— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Kaṇhakhandhakasuvaṇṇamaṇḍitaṃ, |
With plaits of black and ribbons of gold, |
Sobhate suveṇīhilaṅkataṃ; |
it was so pretty, adorned with braids; |
Taṃ jarāya khalitaṃ siraṃ kataṃ, |
now old, my head’s gone bald— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Cittakārasukatāva lekhikā, |
My eyebrows used to look so nice, |
Sobhare su bhamukā pure mama; |
like crescents painted by an artist; |
Tā jarāya valibhippalambitā, |
now old, they droop with wrinkles— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Bhassarā surucirā yathā maṇī, |
My eyes shone brilliant as gems, |
Nettahesumabhinīlamāyatā; |
wide and deepest blue; |
Te jarāyabhihatā na sobhare, |
ruined by age, they shine no more— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Saṇhatuṅgasadisī ca nāsikā, |
My nose was like a perfect peak, |
Sobhate su abhiyobbanaṃ pati; |
lovely in my bloom of youth; |
Sā jarāya upakūlitā viya, |
now old, it’s shriveled like a pepper; |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Kaṅkaṇaṃva sukataṃ suniṭṭhitaṃ, |
My ear-lobes were so pretty, |
Sobhare su mama kaṇṇapāḷiyo; |
like lovingly crafted bracelets; |
Tā jarāya valibhippalambitā, |
now old, they droop with wrinkles— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Pattalīmakulavaṇṇasādisā, |
My teeth used to be so pretty, |
Sobhare su dantā pure mama; |
bright as a jasmine flower; |
Te jarāya khaṇḍitā cāsitā, |
now old, they’re broken and yellow— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Kānanamhi vanasaṇḍacārinī, |
My singing was sweet as a cuckoo |
Kokilāva madhuraṃ nikūjihaṃ; |
wandering in the forest groves; |
Taṃ jarāya khalitaṃ tahiṃ tahiṃ, |
now old, it’s patchy and croaking— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Saṇhakamburiva suppamajjitā, |
My neck used to be so pretty, |
Sobhate su gīvā pure mama; |
like a polished shell of conch; |
Sā jarāya bhaggā vināmitā, |
now old, it’s bowed and bent— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Vaṭṭapalighasadisopamā ubho, |
My arms used to be so pretty, |
Sobhare su bāhā pure mama; |
like rounded cross-bars; |
Tā jarāya yatha pāṭalibbalitā, |
now old, they droop like a trumpet-flower tree— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Saṇhamuddikasuvaṇṇamaṇḍitā, |
My hands used to be so pretty, |
Sobhare su hatthā pure mama; |
adorned with lovely golden rings; |
Te jarāya yathā mūlamūlikā, |
now old, they’re like red radishes— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Pīnavaṭṭasahituggatā ubho, |
My breasts used to be so pretty, |
Sobhare su thanakā pure mama; |
swelling, round, close, and high; |
Thevikīva lambanti nodakā, |
now they droop like water bags— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Kañcanassa phalakaṃva sammaṭṭhaṃ, |
My body used to be so pretty, |
Sobhate su kāyo pure mama; |
like a polished slab of gold; |
So valīhi sukhumāhi otato, |
now it’s covered with fine wrinkles— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Nāgabhogasadisopamā ubho, |
Both my thighs used to be so pretty, |
Sobhare su ūrū pure mama; |
like an elephant’s trunk; |
Te jarāya yathā veḷunāḷiyo, |
now old, they’re like bamboo— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Saṇhanūpurasuvaṇṇamaṇḍitā, |
My calves used to be so pretty, |
Sobhare su jaṅghā pure mama; |
adorned with cute golden anklets; |
Tā jarāya tiladaṇḍakāriva, |
now old, they’re like sesame sticks— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Tūlapuṇṇasadisopamā ubho, |
Both my feet used to be so pretty, |
Sobhare su pādā pure mama; |
plump as if with cotton-wool; |
Te jarāya phuṭitā valīmatā, |
now old, they’re cracked and wrinkly— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
Ediso ahu ayaṃ samussayo, |
This bag of bones once was such, |
Jajjaro bahudukkhānamālayo; |
but now it’s withered, home to so much pain; |
Sopalepapatito jarāgharo, |
like a house in decay with plaster crumbling— |
Saccavādivacanaṃ anaññathā”. |
the word of the truthful one is confirmed. |
… Ambapālī therī …. |
|
2 Rohinītherīgāthā |
13.2. Rohinī |
“‘Samaṇā’ti bhoti supi, |
“You fell asleep saying ‘ascetics’; |
‘samaṇā’ti pabujjhasi; |
you woke up saying ‘ascetics’; |
Samaṇāneva kittesi, |
you only praise ascetics, madam— |
samaṇī nūna bhavissasi. |
surely you’ll be an ascetic. |
Vipulaṃ annañca pānañca, |
You provide ascetics |
samaṇānaṃ paveccasi; |
with abundant food and drink. |
Rohinī dāni pucchāmi, |
I ask you now, Rohiṇī: |
kena te samaṇā piyā. |
why do you like ascetics? |
Akammakāmā alasā, |
They don’t like to work, they’re lazy, |
paradattūpajīvino; |
they survive on charity; |
Āsaṃsukā sādukāmā, |
always on the lookout, greedy for sweets— |
kena te samaṇā piyā”. |
so why do you like ascetics?” |
“Cirassaṃ vata maṃ tāta, |
“Dad, for a long time now |
samaṇānaṃ paripucchasi; |
you’ve questioned me about ascetics. |
Tesaṃ te kittayissāmi, |
I shall extol for you |
paññāsīlaparakkamaṃ. |
their wisdom, ethics, and vigor. |
Kammakāmā analasā, |
They like to work, they’re not lazy; |
kammaseṭṭhassa kārakā; |
by giving up greed and hate, |
Rāgaṃ dosaṃ pajahanti, |
they do the best kind of work— |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Tīṇi pāpassa mūlāni, |
As for the three roots of evil, |
dhunanti sucikārino; |
by pure deeds they shake them off. |
Sabbaṃ pāpaṃ pahīnesaṃ, |
They have given up all wickedness— |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Kāyakammaṃ suci nesaṃ, |
Their bodily actions are pure; |
vacīkammañca tādisaṃ; |
their actions of speech likewise; |
Manokammaṃ suci nesaṃ, |
their actions of mind are pure— |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Vimalā saṅkhamuttāva, |
Immaculate as a conch-shell, |
suddhā santarabāhirā; |
they’re pure inside and out, |
Puṇṇā sukkāna dhammānaṃ, |
full of bright qualities— |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Bahussutā dhammadharā, |
They’re learned and memorize the teaching, |
ariyā dhammajīvino; |
noble, living properly, |
Atthaṃ dhammañca desenti, |
teaching the text and its meaning: |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Bahussutā dhammadharā, |
They’re learned and memorize the teaching, |
ariyā dhammajīvino; |
noble, living properly, |
Ekaggacittā satimanto, |
unified in mind, and mindful— |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Dūraṅgamā satimanto, |
Traveling afar, and mindful, |
mantabhāṇī anuddhatā; |
thoughtful in counsel, and stable, |
Dukkhassantaṃ pajānanti, |
they understand the end of suffering— |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Yasmā gāmā pakkamanti, |
When they leave a village, |
na vilokenti kiñcanaṃ; |
they don’t look back with longing, |
Anapekkhāva gacchanti, |
but proceed without concern— |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Na te saṃ koṭṭhe openti, |
They hoard no goods in storerooms, |
na kumbhiṃ na khaḷopiyaṃ; |
nor in pots or baskets. |
Pariniṭṭhitamesānā, |
They seek food prepared by others— |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Na te hiraññaṃ gaṇhanti, |
They don’t receive silver, |
na suvaṇṇaṃ na rūpiyaṃ; |
or gold whether coined or uncoined; |
Paccuppannena yāpenti, |
feeding on whatever comes that day, |
tena me samaṇā piyā. |
that’s why I like ascetics. |
Nānākulā pabbajitā, |
They have gone forth from different families, |
nānājanapadehi ca; |
even different countries, |
Aññamaññaṃ piyāyanti, |
and yet they all love one another— |
tena me samaṇā piyā”. |
that’s why I like ascetics.” |
“Atthāya vata no bhoti, |
“Dear Rohinī, it was truly for our benefit |
kule jātāsi rohinī; |
that you were born in our family! |
Saddhā buddhe ca dhamme ca, |
You have faith and such keen respect |
saṃghe ca tibbagāravā. |
for the Buddha, his teaching, and the Sangha. |
Tuvaṃ hetaṃ pajānāsi, |
For you understand this |
puññakkhettaṃ anuttaraṃ; |
supreme field of merit. |
Amhampi ete samaṇā, |
These ascetics will henceforth |
paṭigaṇhanti dakkhiṇaṃ. |
receive our religious donation, too. |
Patiṭṭhito hettha yañño, |
For there we will place our sacrifice, |
vipulo no bhavissati”; |
and it shall be abundant.” |
“Sace bhāyasi dukkhassa, |
“If you fear suffering, |
sace te dukkhamappiyaṃ. |
if you don’t like suffering, |
Upehi saraṇaṃ buddhaṃ, |
go for refuge to the Buddha, the poised, |
dhammaṃ saṃghañca tādinaṃ; |
to his teaching and to the Sangha. |
Samādiyāhi sīlāni, |
Undertake the precepts, |
taṃ te atthāya hehiti”. |
that will be good for you.” |
“Upemi saraṇaṃ buddhaṃ, |
“I go for refuge to the Buddha, the poised, |
dhammaṃ saṃghañca tādinaṃ; |
to his teaching and to the Sangha. |
Samādiyāmi sīlāni, |
I undertake the precepts, |
taṃ me atthāya hehiti. |
that will be good for me. |
Brahmabandhu pure āsiṃ, |
In the past I was related to Brahmā, |
so idānimhi brāhmaṇo; |
now I genuinely am a brahmin. |
Tevijjo sottiyo camhi, |
Possessing the three knowledges, I’m a genuine scholar, |
vedagū camhi nhātako”. |
I’m a knowledge-master, a bathed initiate.” |
… Rohinī therī …. |
|
3. Cāpātherīgāthā |
13.3. Cāpā |
“Laṭṭhihattho pure āsi, |
“Once I carried a hermit’s staff, |
so dāni migaluddako; |
but these days I hunt deer. |
Āsāya palipā ghorā, |
My desires have made me unable to cross |
nāsakkhi pārametave. |
from the awful marsh to the far shore. |
Sumattaṃ maṃ maññamānā, |
Thinking me so in love with her, |
cāpā puttamatosayi; |
Cāpā kept our son happy. |
Cāpāya bandhanaṃ chetvā, |
Having cut Cāpā’s bond, |
pabbajissaṃ punopahaṃ”. |
I’ll go forth once again.” |
“Mā me kujjhi mahāvīra, |
“Don’t be mad at me, great hero! |
mā me kujjhi mahāmuni; |
Don’t be mad at me, great sage! |
Na hi kodhaparetassa, |
If you’re mired in anger you can’t stay pure, |
suddhi atthi kuto tapo”. |
let alone practice austerities.” |
“Pakkamissañca nāḷāto, |
“I’m going to leave Nālā! |
kodha nāḷāya vacchati; |
For who’d stay here at Nālā! |
Bandhantī itthirūpena, |
With their figures, the women trap |
samaṇe dhammajīvino”. |
ascetics who live righteously.” |
“Ehi kāḷa nivattassu, |
“Please, Kāḷa, come back to me. |
bhuñja kāme yathā pure; |
Enjoy pleasures like you did before. |
Ahañca te vasīkatā, |
I’ll be under your control, |
ye ca me santi ñātakā”. |
along with any relatives I have.” |
“Etto cāpe catubbhāgaṃ, |
“Cāpā, if even a quarter |
yathā bhāsasi tvañca me; |
of what you say were true, |
Tayi rattassa posassa, |
it would be a splendid thing |
uḷāraṃ vata taṃ siyā”. |
for a man in love with you!” |
“Kāḷaṅginiṃva takkāriṃ, |
“Kāḷa, I am like a sprouting iris |
pupphitaṃ girimuddhani; |
flowering on a mountain top, |
Phullaṃ dālimalaṭṭhiṃva, |
like a blossoming pomegranate, |
antodīpeva pāṭaliṃ. |
like a trumpet-flower tree on an isle; |
Haricandanalittaṅgiṃ, |
my limbs are anointed with yellow sandalwood, |
kāsikuttamadhāriniṃ; |
and I wear the finest Kāsi cloth: |
Taṃ maṃ rūpavatiṃ santiṃ, |
when I am so very beautiful, |
kassa ohāya gacchasi”. |
how can you abandon me and leave?” |
“Sākuntikova sakuṇiṃ, |
“You’re like a fowler |
yathā bandhitumicchati; |
who wants to catch a bird; |
Āharimena rūpena, |
but you won’t trap me |
na maṃ tvaṃ bādhayissasi”. |
with your captivating form.” |
“Imañca me puttaphalaṃ, |
“But this child, my fruit, |
kāḷa uppāditaṃ tayā; |
was begotten by you, Kāḷa. |
Taṃ maṃ puttavatiṃ santiṃ, |
When I have this child, |
kassa ohāya gacchasi”. |
how can you abandon me and leave?” |
“Jahanti putte sappaññā, |
“The wise give up |
tato ñātī tato dhanaṃ; |
children, family, and wealth. |
Pabbajanti mahāvīrā, |
Great heroes go forth |
nāgo chetvāva bandhanaṃ”. |
like elephants breaking their bonds.” |
“Idāni te imaṃ puttaṃ, |
“Now, this son of yours: |
Daṇḍena churikāya vā; |
I’ll strike him to the ground right here, |
Bhūmiyaṃ vā nisumbhissaṃ, |
with a stick or with a knife! |
Puttasokā na gacchasi”. |
Grieving your son, you will not leave.” |
“Sace puttaṃ siṅgālānaṃ, |
“Even if you feed our son |
kukkurānaṃ padāhisi; |
to jackals and dogs, |
Na maṃ puttakatte jammi, |
I’d never return again, you bitch, |
punarāvattayissasi”. |
not even for the child’s sake.” |
“Handa kho dāni bhaddante, |
“Well then, sir, tell me, |
kuhiṃ kāḷa gamissasi; |
where will you go, Kāḷa? |
Katamaṃ gāmanigamaṃ, |
To what village or town, |
nagaraṃ rājadhāniyo”. |
city or capital?” |
“Ahumha pubbe gaṇino, |
“Last time we had followers, |
Assamaṇā samaṇamānino; |
we weren’t ascetics, we just thought we were. |
Gāmena gāmaṃ vicarimha, |
We wandered from village to village, |
Nagare rājadhāniyo. |
to cities and capitals. |
Eso hi bhagavā buddho, |
But now the Blessed One, the Buddha, |
nadiṃ nerañjaraṃ pati; |
on the bank of the Nerañjara River, |
Sabbadukkhappahānāya, |
teaches the Dhamma so that living creatures |
dhammaṃ deseti pāṇinaṃ; |
may abandon all suffering. |
Tassāhaṃ santikaṃ gacchaṃ, |
I shall go to his presence, |
so me satthā bhavissati”. |
he shall be my Teacher.” |
“Vandanaṃ dāni vajjāsi, |
“Now please convey my respects |
lokanāthaṃ anuttaraṃ; |
to the supreme protector of the world. |
Padakkhiṇañca katvāna, |
Circling him to your right, |
ādiseyyāsi dakkhiṇaṃ”. |
dedicate my religious donation.” |
“Etaṃ kho labbhamamhehi, |
“This is the proper thing to do, |
yathā bhāsasi tvañca me; |
just as you have said to me. |
Vandanaṃ dāni te vajjaṃ, |
I’ll convey your respects |
lokanāthaṃ anuttaraṃ; |
to the supreme protector of the world. |
Padakkhiṇañca katvāna, |
Circling him to my right, |
ādisissāmi dakkhiṇaṃ”. |
I’ll dedicate your religious donation.” |
Tato ca kāḷo pakkāmi, |
Then Kāḷa set out |
nadiṃ nerañjaraṃ pati; |
to the bank of the Nerañjara River. |
So addasāsi sambuddhaṃ, |
He saw the Awakened One |
desentaṃ amataṃ padaṃ. |
teaching the deathless state: |
Dukkhaṃ dukkhasamuppādaṃ, |
suffering, suffering’s origin, |
dukkhassa ca atikkamaṃ; |
suffering’s transcendence, |
Ariyaṃ caṭṭhaṅgikaṃ maggaṃ, |
and the noble eightfold path |
dukkhūpasamagāminaṃ. |
that leads to the stilling of suffering. |
Tassa pādāni vanditvā, |
He paid homage at his feet, |
Katvāna naṃ padakkhiṇaṃ; |
circling him to his right, |
Cāpāya ādisitvāna, |
and conveyed Cāpā’s dedication; |
Pabbajiṃ anagāriyaṃ; |
then he went forth to homelessness. |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
He attained the three knowledges, |
Kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
… Cāpā therī …. |
|
4. Sundarītherīgāthā |
13.4. Sundarī |
“Petāni bhoti puttāni, |
“Before, when your children passed away, |
khādamānā tuvaṃ pure; |
you would expose them to be eaten. |
Tuvaṃ divā ca ratto ca, |
All day and all night |
atīva paritappasi. |
you’d be racked with despair. |
Sājja sabbāni khāditvā, |
Today, brahmin lady, you have exposed |
sataputtāni brāhmaṇī; |
seven children in all to be eaten; |
Vāseṭṭhi kena vaṇṇena, |
Vāseṭṭhī, what is the reason why |
na bāḷhaṃ paritappasi”. |
you’re not so filled with despair?” |
“Bahūni puttasatāni, |
“Many hundreds of sons, |
ñātisaṅghasatāni ca; |
hundreds of family circles, |
Khāditāni atītaṃse, |
both mine and yours, brahmin, |
mama tuyhañca brāhmaṇa. |
have been eaten in the past. |
Sāhaṃ nissaraṇaṃ ñatvā, |
Having known the escape |
jātiyā maraṇassa ca; |
from rebirth and death |
Na socāmi na rodāmi, |
I neither grieve nor lament, |
na cāpi paritappayiṃ”. |
nor do I despair.” |
“Abbhutaṃ vata vāseṭṭhi, |
“Wow, Vaseṭṭhī, the words you speak |
vācaṃ bhāsasi edisiṃ; |
really are amazing! |
Kassa tvaṃ dhammamaññāya, |
Whose teaching did you understand |
giraṃ bhāsasi edisiṃ”. |
that you say these things?” |
“Esa brāhmaṇa sambuddho, |
“Brahmin, the Awakened One |
nagaraṃ mithilaṃ pati; |
at the city of Mithilā, |
Sabbadukkhappahānāya, |
teaches the Dhamma so that living creatures |
dhammaṃ desesi pāṇinaṃ. |
may abandon all suffering. |
Tassa brahme arahato, |
After hearing the perfected one’s teaching, |
dhammaṃ sutvā nirūpadhiṃ; |
brahmin, which is free of all attachments, |
Tattha viññātasaddhammā, |
having understood the true teaching there, |
puttasokaṃ byapānudiṃ”. |
I’ve swept away grief for children.” |
“So ahampi gamissāmi, |
“I too shall go |
nagaraṃ mithilaṃ pati; |
to the city of Mithilā. |
Appeva maṃ so bhagavā, |
Hopefully the Buddha may release me |
sabbadukkhā pamocaye”. |
from all suffering.” |
Addasa brāhmaṇo buddhaṃ, |
The brahmin saw the Buddha, |
vippamuttaṃ nirūpadhiṃ; |
liberated, without attachments. |
Svassa dhammamadesesi, |
He taught him the Dhamma, |
muni dukkhassa pāragū. |
the sage gone beyond suffering: |
Dukkhaṃ dukkhasamuppādaṃ, |
suffering, suffering’s origin, |
dukkhassa ca atikkamaṃ; |
suffering’s transcendence, |
Ariyaṃ caṭṭhaṅgikaṃ maggaṃ, |
and the noble eightfold path |
dukkhūpasamagāminaṃ. |
that leads to the stilling of suffering. |
Tattha viññātasaddhammo, |
Having understood the true teaching there, |
pabbajjaṃ samarocayi; |
he agreed to go forth. |
Sujāto tīhi rattīhi, |
Three days later |
tisso vijjā aphassayi. |
Sujāta realized the three knowledges. |
“Ehi sārathi gacchāhi, |
“Please, charioteer, go; |
rathaṃ niyyādayāhimaṃ; |
take back this carriage. |
Ārogyaṃ brāhmaṇiṃ vajja, |
Bidding my brahmin lady good health, say: |
‘pabbaji dāni brāhmaṇo; |
‘The brahmin has now gone forth. |
Sujāto tīhi rattīhi, |
After three days, |
tisso vijjā aphassayi’”. |
Sujāta realized the three knowledges.’” |
Tato ca rathamādāya, |
Then taking the carriage, |
sahassañcāpi sārathi; |
along with a thousand coins, the charioteer |
Ārogyaṃ brāhmaṇiṃvoca, |
bade the brahmin lady good health, and said: |
“pabbaji dāni brāhmaṇo; |
“The brahmin has now gone forth. |
Sujāto tīhi rattīhi, |
After three days, |
tisso vijjā aphassayi”. |
Sujāta realized the three knowledges.” |
“Etañcāhaṃ assarathaṃ, |
Hearing that the brahmin had the three knowledges, the lady replied: |
sahassañcāpi sārathi; |
“I present to you this horse and carriage, |
Tevijjaṃ brāhmaṇaṃ sutvā, |
O charioteer, along with 1000 coins, |
puṇṇapattaṃ dadāmi te”. |
and a full bowl as a gift.” |
“Tuyheva hotvassaratho, |
“Keep the horse and carriage, lady, |
sahassañcāpi brāhmaṇi; |
along with the thousand coins. |
Ahampi pabbajissāmi, |
I too shall go forth in the presence of him, |
varapaññassa santike”. |
this man of such splendid wisdom.” |
“Hatthī gavassaṃ maṇikuṇḍalañca, |
“Elephants, cattle, jewels and earrings, |
Phītañcimaṃ gahavibhavaṃ pahāya; |
such opulent domestic wealth: |
Pitā pabbajito tuyhaṃ, |
having given it up, your father went forth, |
Bhuñja bhogāni sundarī; |
enjoy these riches Sundarī, |
Tuvaṃ dāyādikā kule”. |
you are the family heir.” |
“Hatthī gavassaṃ maṇikuṇḍalañca, |
“Elephants, cattle, jewels and earrings, |
Rammaṃ cimaṃ gahavibhavaṃ pahāya; |
such delightful domestic wealth: |
Pitā pabbajito mayhaṃ, |
having given it up, my father went forth, |
Puttasokena aṭṭito; |
racked by grief for his son. |
Ahampi pabbajissāmi, |
I too shall go forth, |
Bhātusokena aṭṭitā”. |
racked by grief for my brother.” |
“So te ijjhatu saṅkappo, |
“Sundarī, may the wish you desire |
yaṃ tvaṃ patthesi sundarī; |
come true. |
Uttiṭṭhapiṇḍo uñcho ca, |
Leftovers as gleanings, |
paṃsukūlañca cīvaraṃ; |
and cast-off rags as robes— |
Etāni abhisambhontī, |
make do with these, |
paraloke anāsavā”. |
free of defilements regarding the next life.” |
“Sikkhamānāya me ayye, |
“Ma’am, while I am still a trainee nun, |
dibbacakkhu visodhitaṃ; |
my clairvoyance is clarified; |
Pubbenivāsaṃ jānāmi, |
I know my past lives, |
yattha me vusitaṃ pure. |
the places I used to live. |
Tuvaṃ nissāya kalyāṇi, |
Relying on a fine lady like you, |
theri saṃghassa sobhane; |
a senior nun who beautifies the Sangha, |
Tisso vijjā anuppattā, |
I’ve attained the three knowledges, |
kataṃ buddhassa sāsanaṃ. |
and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. |
Anujānāhi me ayye, |
Give me permission ma’am, |
icche sāvatthi gantave; |
I wish to go to Sāvatthī, |
Sīhanādaṃ nadissāmi, |
where I shall roar my lion’s roar |
buddhaseṭṭhassa santike”. |
before the best of Buddhas.” |
“Passa sundari satthāraṃ, |
“Sundarī, see the Teacher! |
hemavaṇṇaṃ harittacaṃ; |
Golden colored, golden skinned, |
Adantānaṃ dametāraṃ, |
tamer of the untamed, |
sambuddhamakutobhayaṃ”. |
the Awakened One who fears nothing from any quarter.” |
“Passa sundarimāyantiṃ, |
“See Sundarī coming, |
vippamuttaṃ nirūpadhiṃ; |
liberated, without attachments; |
Vītarāgaṃ visaṃyuttaṃ, |
desireless, detached, |
katakiccamanāsavaṃ. |
her task completed, without defilements.” |
Bārāṇasito nikkhamma, |
“Having set forth from Bārāṇasī |
tava santikamāgatā; |
and come to your presence, great hero, |
Sāvikā te mahāvīra, |
your disciple Sundarī |
pāde vandati sundarī. |
bows at your feet. |
Tuvaṃ buddho tuvaṃ satthā, |
You are the Buddha, you are the Teacher, |
tuyhaṃ dhītāmhi brāhmaṇa; |
I am your rightful daughter, brahmin, |
Orasā mukhato jātā, |
born of your mouth. |
katakiccā anāsavā”. |
I’ve completed the task and am free of defilements.” |
“Tassā te svāgataṃ bhadde, |
“Then welcome, good lady, |
tato te adurāgataṃ; |
you’re by no means unwelcome. |
Evañhi dantā āyanti, |
For this is how the tamed come |
satthu pādāni vandikā; |
bowing at the Teacher’s feet; |
Vītarāgā visaṃyuttā, |
desireless, detached, |
katakiccā anāsavā”. |
the task completed, without defilements.” |
… Sundarī therī …. |
|
5. Subhākammāradhītutherīgāthā |
13.5. Subhā, the Smith’s Daughter |
“Daharāhaṃ suddhavasanā, |
“I was so young, my clothes so fresh, |
yaṃ pure dhammamassuṇiṃ; |
at that time I heard the teaching. |
Tassā me appamattāya, |
Being diligent, |
saccābhisamayo ahu. |
I comprehended the truth; |
Tatohaṃ sabbakāmesu, |
and then I became profoundly dispassionate |
bhusaṃ aratimajjhagaṃ; |
towards all sensual pleasures. |
Sakkāyasmiṃ bhayaṃ disvā, |
Seeing fear in identity, |
nekkhammameva pīhaye. |
I longed for renunciation. |
Hitvānahaṃ ñātigaṇaṃ, |
Giving up my family circle, |
dāsakammakarāni ca; |
bonded servants and workers, |
Gāmakhettāni phītāni, |
and my flourishing villages and lands, |
ramaṇīye pamodite. |
so delightful and pleasant, |
Pahāyahaṃ pabbajitā, |
I went forth; |
sāpateyyamanappakaṃ; |
all that is no small wealth. |
Evaṃ saddhāya nikkhamma, |
Now that I’ve gone forth in faith like this, |
saddhamme suppavedite. |
in the true teaching so well proclaimed, |
Netaṃ assa patirūpaṃ, |
since I desire to have nothing, |
Ākiñcaññañhi patthaye; |
it would not be appropriate |
Yo jātarūpaṃ rajataṃ, |
to take back gold and money, |
Chaḍḍetvā punarāgame. |
having already got rid of them. |
Rajataṃ jātarūpaṃ vā, |
Money or gold |
na bodhāya na santiyā; |
doesn’t lead to peace and awakening. |
Netaṃ samaṇasāruppaṃ, |
It doesn’t befit an ascetic, |
na etaṃ ariyaddhanaṃ. |
it’s not the wealth of the noble ones; |
Lobhanaṃ madanañcetaṃ, |
it’s just greed and intoxication, |
mohanaṃ rajavaḍḍhanaṃ; |
confusion and growing decadence, |
Sāsaṅkaṃ bahuāyāsaṃ, |
dubious, troublesome— |
natthi cettha dhuvaṃ ṭhiti. |
there is nothing lasting there. |
Ettha rattā pamattā ca, |
Depraved and heedless, |
saṃkiliṭṭhamanā narā; |
unenlightened folk, their hearts corrupt, |
Aññamaññena byāruddhā, |
oppose each other, |
puthu kubbanti medhagaṃ. |
creating disputes. |
Vadho bandho parikleso, |
Killing, caging, misery, |
jāni sokapariddavo; |
loss, grief, and lamentation; |
Kāmesu adhipannānaṃ, |
those sunk in sensual pleasures |
dissate byasanaṃ bahuṃ. |
see many disastrous things. |
Taṃ maṃ ñātī amittāva, |
My family, why do you urge me on |
kiṃ vo kāmesu yuñjatha; |
to pleasures, as if you were my enemies? |
Jānātha maṃ pabbajitaṃ, |
You know I’ve gone forth, |
kāmesu bhayadassiniṃ. |
seeing fear in sensual pleasures. |
Na hiraññasuvaṇṇena, |
It’s not due to gold, coined or uncoined, |
parikkhīyanti āsavā; |
that defilements come to an end. |
Amittā vadhakā kāmā, |
Sensual pleasures are enemies and murderers, |
sapattā sallabandhanā. |
hostile forces that bind you to thorns. |
Taṃ maṃ ñātī amittāva, |
My family, why do you urge me on |
kiṃ vo kāmesu yuñjatha; |
to pleasures, as if you were my enemies? |
Jānātha maṃ pabbajitaṃ, |
You know I’ve gone forth, |
muṇḍaṃ saṅghāṭipārutaṃ. |
shaven, wrapped in my outer robe. |
Uttiṭṭhapiṇḍo uñcho ca, |
Leftovers as gleanings, |
paṃsukūlañca cīvaraṃ; |
and cast-off rags as robes— |
Etaṃ kho mama sāruppaṃ, |
that’s what’s fitting for me, |
anagārūpanissayo. |
the essentials of the homeless life. |
Vantā mahesīhi kāmā, |
Great hermits expel sensual pleasures, |
ye dibbā ye ca mānusā; |
both human and divine. |
Khemaṭṭhāne vimuttā te, |
Safe in their sanctuary, they are freed, |
pattā te acalaṃ sukhaṃ. |
having found unshakable happiness. |
Māhaṃ kāmehi saṅgacchiṃ, |
May I not encounter sensual pleasures, |
yesu tāṇaṃ na vijjati; |
for no shelter is found in them. |
Amittā vadhakā kāmā, |
Sensual pleasures are enemies and murderers, |
aggikkhandhūpamā dukhā. |
as painful as a bonfire. |
Paripantho esa bhayo, |
Greed is an obstacle, a threat, |
savighāto sakaṇṭako; |
full of anguish and thorns; |
Gedho suvisamo ceso, |
it is out of balance, |
mahanto mohanāmukho. |
a great gateway to confusion. |
Upasaggo bhīmarūpo, |
Hazardous and terrifying, |
kāmā sappasirūpamā; |
sensual pleasures are like a snake’s head, |
Ye bālā abhinandanti, |
where fools delight, |
andhabhūtā puthujjanā. |
ordinary folk trapped in darkness. |
Kāmapaṅkena sattā hi, |
Stuck in the mud of sensual pleasures, |
bahū loke aviddasū; |
there are so many ignorant in the world. |
Pariyantaṃ na jānanti, |
They know nothing of the end |
jātiyā maraṇassa ca. |
of rebirth and death. |
Duggatigamanaṃ maggaṃ, |
Because of sensual pleasures, |
manussā kāmahetukaṃ; |
people jump right on to the path that goes to a bad place. |
Bahuṃ ve paṭipajjanti, |
So many walk the path |
attano rogamāvahaṃ. |
that brings disease onto themselves. |
Evaṃ amittajananā, |
That’s how sensual pleasures create enemies; |
tāpanā saṃkilesikā; |
they are so tormenting, so corrupting, |
Lokāmisā bandhanīyā, |
trapping beings with the world’s material delights, |
kāmā maraṇabandhanā. |
they are nothing less than the bonds of death. |
Ummādanā ullapanā, |
Maddening, enticing, |
kāmā cittappamaddino; |
sensual pleasures derange the mind. |
Sattānaṃ saṃkilesāya, |
They’re a snare laid by Māra |
khippaṃ mārena oḍḍitaṃ. |
for the corruption of beings. |
Anantādīnavā kāmā, |
Sensual pleasures are infinitely dangerous, |
bahudukkhā mahāvisā; |
they’re full of suffering, a terrible poison; |
Appassādā raṇakarā, |
offering little gratification, they’re makers of strife, |
sukkapakkhavisosanā. |
withering bright qualities away. |
Sāhaṃ etādisaṃ katvā, |
Since I’ve created so much ruination |
byasanaṃ kāmahetukaṃ; |
because of sensual pleasures, |
Na taṃ paccāgamissāmi, |
I will not relapse to them again, |
nibbānābhiratā sadā. |
but will always delight in quenching. |
Raṇaṃ karitvā kāmānaṃ, |
Fighting against sensual pleasures, |
sītibhāvābhikaṅkhinī; |
longing for that cool state, |
Appamattā vihassāmi, |
I shall meditate diligently |
sabbasaṃyojanakkhaye. |
for the ending of all fetters. |
Asokaṃ virajaṃ khemaṃ, |
Sorrowless, stainless, secure: |
ariyaṭṭhaṅgikaṃ ujuṃ; |
I’ll follow that path, |
Taṃ maggaṃ anugacchāmi, |
the straight noble eightfold way |
yena tiṇṇā mahesino”. |
by which the hermits have crossed over.” |
“Imaṃ passatha dhammaṭṭhaṃ, |
“Look at this: Subhā the smith’s daughter, |
subhaṃ kammāradhītaraṃ; |
standing firm in the teaching. |
Anejaṃ upasampajja, |
She has entered the imperturbable state, |
rukkhamūlamhi jhāyati. |
meditating at the root of a tree. |
Ajjaṭṭhamī pabbajitā, |
It’s just eight days since she went forth, |
saddhā saddhammasobhanā; |
full of faith in the beautiful teaching. |
Vinītuppalavaṇṇāya, |
Guided by Uppalavaṇṇā, |
tevijjā maccuhāyinī. |
she is master of the three knowledges, destroyer of death. |
Sāyaṃ bhujissā anaṇā, |
This one is freed from slavery and debt, |
bhikkhunī bhāvitindriyā; |
a nun with faculties developed. |
Sabbayogavisaṃyuttā, |
Detached from all attachments, |
katakiccā anāsavā”. |
she has completed the task and is free of defilements.” |
Taṃ sakko devasaṅghena, |
Thus did Sakka, lord of all creatures, |
upasaṅkamma iddhiyā; |
along with a host of gods, |
Namassati bhūtapati, |
having come by their psychic powers, |
subhaṃ kammāradhītaranti. |
honor Subhā, the smith’s daughter. |
… Subhā kammāradhītā therī …. |
The Book of the Twenties is finished. |
Vīsatinipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
tiṃsanipāta |
the book of the thirties |
1. Subhājīvakambavanikātherīgāthā |
14.1. Subhā of Jīvaka’s Mango Grove |
Jīvakambavanaṃ rammaṃ, |
Going to the lovely mango grove |
Gacchantiṃ bhikkhuniṃ subhaṃ; |
of Jīvaka, the nun Subhā |
Dhuttako sannivāresi, |
was held up by a rascal. |
Tamenaṃ abravī subhā. |
Subhā said this to him: |
“Kiṃ te aparādhitaṃ mayā, |
“What harm have I done to you, |
Yaṃ maṃ ovariyāna tiṭṭhasi; |
that you stand in my way? |
Na hi pabbajitāya āvuso, |
Sir, it’s not proper that a man |
Puriso samphusanāya kappati. |
should touch a woman gone forth. |
Garuke mama satthusāsane, |
This training was taught by the Holy One, |
Yā sikkhā sugatena desitā; |
it is a serious matter in my teacher’s instructions. |
Parisuddhapadaṃ anaṅgaṇaṃ, |
I am pure and rid of blemishes, |
Kiṃ maṃ ovariyāna tiṭṭhasi. |
so why do you stand in my way? |
Āvilacitto anāvilaṃ, |
One whose mind is sullied against one unsullied; |
Sarajo vītarajaṃ anaṅgaṇaṃ; |
one who is lustful against one free of lust; |
Sabbattha vimuttamānasaṃ, |
unblemished, my mind is freed in every respect, |
Kiṃ maṃ ovariyāna tiṭṭhasi”. |
so why do you stand in my way?” |
“Daharā ca apāpikā casi, |
“You’re young and flawless— |
Kiṃ te pabbajjā karissati; |
what will going-forth do for you? |
Nikkhipa kāsāyacīvaraṃ, |
Throw away the yellow robe, |
Ehi ramāma supupphite vane. |
come and play in the blossom grove. |
Madhurañca pavanti sabbaso, |
Everywhere, the scent of pollen wafts sweet, |
Kusumarajena samuṭṭhitā dumā; |
born of the flowering woods. |
Paṭhamavasanto sukho utu, |
The start of spring is a happy time— |
Ehi ramāma supupphite vane. |
come and play in the blossom grove. |
Kusumitasikharā ca pādapā, |
And trees crested with flowers |
Abhigajjantiva māluteritā; |
cry out, as it were, in the breeze. |
Kā tuyhaṃ rati bhavissati, |
But what kind of fun will you have |
Yadi ekā vanamogahissasi. |
if you plunge into the woods all alone? |
Vāḷamigasaṅghasevitaṃ, |
Frequented by packs of predators, |
Kuñjaramattakareṇuloḷitaṃ; |
and she-elephants aroused by rutting bulls; |
Asahāyikā gantumicchasi, |
you wish to go without a friend |
Rahitaṃ bhiṃsanakaṃ mahāvanaṃ. |
to the deserted, awe-inspiring forest. |
Tapanīyakatāva dhītikā, |
Like a shining doll of gold, |
Vicarasi cittalateva accharā; |
like a nymph wandering in a park of colorful vines, |
Kāsikasukhumehi vaggubhi, |
your matchless beauty will shine |
Sobhasī suvasanehi nūpame. |
in lovely clothes of exquisite muslin. |
Ahaṃ tava vasānugo siyaṃ, |
I’ll be at your beck and call, |
Yadi viharemase kānanantare; |
if we are to stay in the forest. |
Na hi matthi tayā piyattaro, |
I love no creature more than you, |
Pāṇo kinnarimandalocane. |
O pixie with such bashful eyes. |
Yadi me vacanaṃ karissasi, |
Were you to take up my invitation— |
Sukhitā ehi agāramāvasa; |
‘Come, be happy, and live in a house’— |
Pāsādanivātavāsinī, |
you’ll stay in a longhouse sheltered from wind; |
Parikammaṃ te karontu nāriyo. |
let the ladies look to your needs. |
Kāsikasukhumāni dhāraya, |
Dressed in exquisite muslin, |
Abhiropehi ca mālavaṇṇakaṃ; |
put on your garlands and your cosmetics. |
Kañcanamaṇimuttakaṃ bahuṃ, |
I’ll make all sorts of adornments for you, |
Vividhaṃ ābharaṇaṃ karomi te. |
of gold and gems and pearls. |
Sudhotarajapacchadaṃ subhaṃ, |
Climb onto a costly bed, |
Gonakatūlikasanthataṃ navaṃ; |
its coverlet so clean and nice, |
Abhiruha sayanaṃ mahārahaṃ, |
with a new woolen mattress, |
Candanamaṇḍitasāragandhikaṃ. |
so fragrant, sprinkled with sandalwood. |
Uppalaṃ cudakā samuggataṃ, |
As a blue lily risen from the water |
Yathā taṃ amanussasevitaṃ; |
remains untouched by men, |
Evaṃ tvaṃ brahmacārinī, |
so too, O chaste and holy lady, |
Sakesaṅgesu jaraṃ gamissasi”. |
your limbs grow old unshared.” |
“Kiṃ te idha sārasammataṃ, |
“This carcass is full of carrion, it swells |
Kuṇapapūramhi susānavaḍḍhane; |
the charnel ground, for its nature is to fall apart. |
Bhedanadhamme kaḷevare, |
What do you think is so essential in it |
Yaṃ disvā vimano udikkhasi”. |
that you stare at me so crazily?” |
“Akkhīni ca tūriyāriva, |
“Your eyes are like those of a doe, |
Kinnariyāriva pabbatantare; |
or a pixie in the mountains; |
Tava me nayanāni dakkhiya, |
seeing them, |
Bhiyyo kāmaratī pavaḍḍhati. |
my sensual desire grows all the more. |
Uppalasikharopamāni te, |
Set in your flawless face of golden sheen, |
Vimale hāṭakasannibhe mukhe; |
your eyes compare to a blue lily’s bud; |
Tava me nayanāni dakkhiya, |
seeing them, |
Bhiyyo kāmaguṇo pavaḍḍhati. |
my sensual excitement grows all the more. |
Api dūragatā saramhase, |
Though you may wander far, I’ll still think of you, |
Āyatapamhe visuddhadassane; |
with your lashes so long, and your vision so clear. |
Na hi matthi tayā piyattaro, |
I love no eyes more than yours, |
Nayanā kinnarimandalocane”. |
O pixie with such bashful eyes.” |
“Apathena payātumicchasi, |
“You’re setting out on the wrong road! |
Candaṃ kīḷanakaṃ gavesasi; |
You’re looking to take the moon for your toy! |
Meruṃ laṅghetumicchasi, |
You’re trying to leap over Mount Meru! |
Yo tvaṃ buddhasutaṃ maggayasi. |
You, who are hunting a child of the Buddha! |
Natthi hi loke sadevake, |
For in this world with all its gods, |
Rāgo yatthapi dāni me siyā; |
there will be no more lust anywhere in me. |
Napi naṃ jānāmi kīriso, |
I don’t even know what kind it could be, |
Atha maggena hato samūlako. |
it’s been smashed root and all by the path. |
Iṅgālakuyāva ujjhito, |
Cast out like sparks from fiery coals, |
Visapattoriva aggito kato; |
it’s worth no more than a bowl of poison. |
Napi naṃ passāmi kīriso, |
I don’t even see what kind it could be, |
Atha maggena hato samūlako. |
it’s been smashed root and all by the path. |
Yassā siyā apaccavekkhitaṃ, |
Well may you try to seduce the type of lady |
Satthā vā anupāsito siyā; |
who has not reflected on these things, |
Tvaṃ tādisikaṃ palobhaya, |
or who has never attended the Teacher: |
Jānantiṃ so imaṃ vihaññasi. |
but *this* is a lady who knows—now you’re in trouble! |
Mayhañhi akkuṭṭhavandite, |
No matter if I am abused or praised, |
Sukhadukkhe ca satī upaṭṭhitā; |
or feel pleasure or pain: I stay mindful. |
Saṅkhatamasubhanti jāniya, |
Knowing that conditions are ugly, |
Sabbattheva mano na limpati. |
my mind clings to nothing. |
Sāhaṃ sugatassa sāvikā, |
I am a disciple of the Holy One, |
Maggaṭṭhaṅgikayānayāyinī; |
riding in the carriage of the eightfold path. |
Uddhaṭasallā anāsavā, |
The dart pulled out, free of defilements, |
Suññāgāragatā ramāmahaṃ. |
I’m happy to have reached an empty place. |
Diṭṭhā hi mayā sucittitā, |
I’ve seen brightly painted |
Sombhā dārukapillakāni vā; |
dolls and wooden puppets, |
Tantīhi ca khīlakehi ca, |
tied to sticks and strings, |
Vinibaddhā vividhaṃ panaccakā. |
and made to dance in many ways. |
Tamhuddhaṭe tantikhīlake, |
But when the sticks and strings are taken off— |
Vissaṭṭhe vikale parikrite; |
loosed, disassembled, dismantled, |
Na vindeyya khaṇḍaso kate, |
irrecoverable, stripped to parts— |
Kimhi tattha manaṃ nivesaye. |
on what could the mind be fixed? |
Tathūpamā dehakāni maṃ, |
That’s what my body is really like, |
Tehi dhammehi vinā na vattanti; |
without those things it can’t go on. |
Dhammehi vinā na vattati, |
This being so, |
Kimhi tattha manaṃ nivesaye. |
on what could the mind be fixed? |
Yathā haritālena makkhitaṃ, |
It’s like when you see a mural on a wall, |
Addasa cittikaṃ bhittiyā kataṃ; |
painted with orpiment, |
Tamhi te viparītadassanaṃ, |
and your vision gets confused, |
Saññā mānusikā niratthikā. |
falsely perceiving that it is a person. |
Māyaṃ viya aggato kataṃ, |
Though it’s as worthless as a magic trick, |
Supinanteva suvaṇṇapādapaṃ; |
or a golden tree seen in a dream, |
Upagacchasi andha rittakaṃ, |
you blindly chase what is hollow, |
Janamajjheriva rupparūpakaṃ. |
like a puppet show among the people. |
Vaṭṭaniriva koṭarohitā, |
An eye is just a ball in a socket, |
Majjhe pubbuḷakā saassukā; |
with a pupil in the middle, and tears, |
Pīḷakoḷikā cettha jāyati, |
and mucus comes from there as well, |
Vividhā cakkhuvidhā ca piṇḍitā”. |
and so different eye-parts are lumped all together.” |
Uppāṭiya cārudassanā, |
The pretty lady ripped out her eye. |
Na ca pajjittha asaṅgamānasā; |
With no attachment in her mind at all, she said: |
“Handa te cakkhuṃ harassu taṃ”, |
“Come now, take this eye,” |
Tassa narassa adāsi tāvade. |
and gave it to the man right then. |
Tassa ca viramāsi tāvade, |
And at that moment he lost his lust, |
Rāgo tattha khamāpayī ca naṃ; |
and asked for her forgiveness: |
“Sotthi siyā brahmacārinī, |
“May you be well, O chaste and holy lady; |
Na puno edisakaṃ bhavissati”. |
such a thing will not happen again. |
“Āsādiya edisaṃ janaṃ, |
Attacking a person such as this |
Aggiṃ pajjalitaṃva liṅgiya; |
is like holding on to a blazing fire, |
Gaṇhiya āsīvisaṃ viya, |
or grabbing a deadly viper! |
Api nu sotthi siyā khamehi no”. |
May you be well, please forgive me.” |
Muttā ca tato sā bhikkhunī, |
When that nun was released |
Agamī buddhavarassa santikaṃ; |
she went to the presence of the excellent Buddha. |
Passiya varapuññalakkhaṇaṃ, |
Seeing the one with excellent marks of merit, |
Cakkhu āsi yathā purāṇakanti. |
her eye became just as it was before. |
… Subhā jīvakambavanikā therī …. |
The Book of the Thirties is finished. |
Tiṃsanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
cattālīsanipāta |
the book of the forties |
1. Isidāsītherīgāthā |
15.1. Isidāsī |
Nagaramhi kusumanāme, |
In Pāṭaliputta, the cream of the world, |
Pāṭaliputtamhi pathaviyā maṇḍe; |
the city named for a flower, |
Sakyakulakulīnāyo, |
there were two nuns from the Sakyan clan, |
Dve bhikkhuniyo hi guṇavatiyo. |
both of them ladies of quality. |
Isidāsī tattha ekā, |
One was named Isidāsī, the second Bodhī. |
Dutiyā bodhīti sīlasampannā ca; |
They both were accomplished in ethics, |
Jhānajjhāyanaratāyo, |
lovers of meditation and chanting, |
Bahussutāyo dhutakilesāyo. |
learned, crushing corruptions. |
Tā piṇḍāya caritvā, |
They wandered for alms and had their meal. |
Bhattatthaṃ kariya dhotapattāyo; |
When they had washed their bowls, |
Rahitamhi sukhanisinnā, |
they sat happily in a private place |
Imā girā abbhudīresuṃ. |
and started a conversation. |
“Pāsādikāsi ayye, |
“You’re so lovely, Venerable Isidāsī, |
Isidāsi vayopi te aparihīno; |
your youth has not yet faded. |
Kiṃ disvāna byālikaṃ, |
What problem did you see that made you |
Athāsi nekkhammamanuyuttā”. |
dedicate your life to renunciation?” |
Evamanuyuñjiyamānā sā, |
Being pressed like this in private, |
Rahite dhammadesanākusalā; |
Isidāsī, skilled in teaching Dhamma, |
Isidāsī vacanamabravi, |
voiced the following words. |
“Suṇa bodhi yathāmhi pabbajitā”. |
“Bodhī, hear how I went forth. |
“Ujjeniyā puravare, |
In the fine town of Ujjenī, |
Mayhaṃ pitā sīlasaṃvuto seṭṭhi; |
my father was a financier, a good and moral man. |
Tassamhi ekadhītā, |
I was his only daughter, |
Piyā manāpā ca dayitā ca. |
dear, beloved, and cherished. |
Atha me sāketato varakā, |
Then some suitors came for me |
Āgacchumuttamakulīnā; |
from the top family of Sāketa. |
Seṭṭhī pahūtaratano, |
They were sent by a financier abounding in wealth, |
Tassa mamaṃ suṇhamadāsi tāto. |
to whom my father then gave me as daughter-in-law. |
Sassuyā sasurassa ca, |
Come morning and come night, |
Sāyaṃ pātaṃ paṇāmamupagamma; |
I bowed with my head to the feet |
Sirasā karomi pāde, |
of my father and mother-in-law, |
Vandāmi yathāmhi anusiṭṭhā. |
just as I had been told. |
Yā mayhaṃ sāmikassa, |
Whenever I saw my husband’s sisters, |
Bhaginiyo bhātuno parijano vā; |
his brothers, his servants, |
Tamekavarakampi disvā, |
or even he, my one and only, |
Ubbiggā āsanaṃ demi. |
I nervously gave them a seat. |
Annena ca pānena ca, |
Whatever they wanted—food and drink, |
Khajjena ca yañca tattha sannihitaṃ; |
treats, or whatever was in the cupboard— |
Chādemi upanayāmi ca, |
I brought out and offered to them, |
Demi ca yaṃ yassa patirūpaṃ. |
ensuring each got what was fitting. |
Kālena upaṭṭhahitvā, |
Having risen bright and early, |
Gharaṃ samupagamāmi ummāre; |
I approached the main house, |
Dhovantī hatthapāde, |
washed my hands and feet, |
Pañjalikā sāmikamupemi. |
and went to my husband with joined palms. |
Kocchaṃ pasādaṃ añjaniñca, |
Taking a comb, adornments, |
Ādāsakañca gaṇhitvā; |
eyeshadow, and a mirror, |
Parikammakārikā viya, |
I myself did the makeup for my husband, |
Sayameva patiṃ vibhūsemi. |
as if I were his beautician. |
Sayameva odanaṃ sādhayāmi, |
I myself cooked the rice; |
Sayameva bhājanaṃ dhovantī; |
I myself washed the pots. |
Mātāva ekaputtakaṃ, |
I looked after my husband |
Tathā bhattāraṃ paricarāmi. |
like a mother her only child. |
Evaṃ maṃ bhattikataṃ, |
Thus I showed my devotion to him, |
Anurattaṃ kārikaṃ nihatamānaṃ; |
a loving, virtuous, and humble servant, |
Uṭṭhāyikaṃ analasaṃ, |
getting up early, and working tirelessly: |
Sīlavatiṃ dussate bhattā. |
yet still my husband did me wrong. |
So mātarañca pitarañca, |
He said to his mother and father: |
Bhaṇati ‘āpucchahaṃ gamissāmi; |
“I’ll take my leave and go, |
Isidāsiyā na saha vacchaṃ, |
I can’t stand to live together with Isidāsī |
Ekāgārehaṃ saha vatthuṃ’. |
staying in the same house.” |
‘Mā evaṃ putta avaca, |
“Son, don’t speak like this! |
Isidāsī paṇḍitā paribyattā; |
Isidāsī is astute and competent, |
Uṭṭhāyikā analasā, |
she gets up early and works tirelessly, |
Kiṃ tuyhaṃ na rocate putta’. |
son, why doesn’t she please you?” |
‘Na ca me hiṃsati kiñci, |
“She hasn’t done anything to hurt me, |
Na cahaṃ isidāsiyā saha vacchaṃ; |
but I just can’t stand to live with her. |
Dessāva me alaṃ me, |
As far as I’m concerned, she’s just horrible. |
Apucchāhaṃ gamissāmi’. |
I’ve had enough, I’ll take my leave and go.” |
Tassa vacanaṃ suṇitvā, |
When they heard his words, |
Sassu sasuro ca maṃ apucchiṃsu; |
my father-in-law and mother-in-law asked me: |
‘Kissa tayā aparaddhaṃ, |
“What did you do wrong? |
Bhaṇa vissaṭṭhā yathābhūtaṃ’. |
Tell us honestly, have no fear.” |
‘Napihaṃ aparajjhaṃ kiñci, |
“I’ve done nothing wrong, |
Napi hiṃsemi na bhaṇāmi dubbacanaṃ; |
I haven’t hurt him, or said anything bad. |
Kiṃ sakkā kātuyye, |
What can I possibly do, |
Yaṃ maṃ viddessate bhattā’. |
when my husband finds me so hateful?” |
Te maṃ pitugharaṃ paṭinayiṃsu, |
They led me back to my father’s home, |
Vimanā dukhena adhibhūtā; |
distraught, overcome with suffering, and said: |
Puttamanurakkhamānā, |
“By caring for our son, |
‘Jitāmhase rūpiniṃ lakkhiṃ’. |
we’ve lost her, so lovely and lucky!” |
Atha maṃ adāsi tāto, |
Next my dad gave me to the household |
Aḍḍhassa gharamhi dutiyakulikassa; |
of a second wealthy family-man. |
Tato upaḍḍhasuṅkena, |
For this he got half the bride-price |
Yena maṃ vindatha seṭṭhi. |
of that which the financier paid. |
Tassapi gharamhi māsaṃ, |
In his house I also lived a month, |
Avasiṃ atha sopi maṃ paṭiccharayi; |
before he too wanted me gone; |
Dāsīva upaṭṭhahantiṃ, |
though I served him like a slave, |
Adūsikaṃ sīlasampannaṃ. |
virtuous and doing no wrong. |
Bhikkhāya ca vicarantaṃ, |
My father then spoke to a beggar for alms, |
Damakaṃ dantaṃ me pitā bhaṇati; |
a tamer of others and of himself: |
‘Hohisi me jāmātā, |
“Be my son-in-law; |
Nikkhipa poṭṭhiñca ghaṭikañca’. |
set aside your rags and bowl.” |
Sopi vasitvā pakkhaṃ, |
He stayed a fortnight before he said to my dad: |
Atha tātaṃ bhaṇati ‘dehi me poṭṭhiṃ; |
“Give me back my rag robes, |
Ghaṭikañca mallakañca, |
my bowl, and my cup— |
Punapi bhikkhaṃ carissāmi’. |
I’ll wander begging for alms again.” |
Atha naṃ bhaṇatī tāto, |
So then my mum and my dad |
Ammā sabbo ca me ñātigaṇavaggo; |
and my whole group of relatives said: |
‘Kiṃ te na kīrati idha, |
“What has not been done for you here? |
Bhaṇa khippaṃ taṃ te karihi’ti. |
Quickly, tell us what we can do for you!” |
Evaṃ bhaṇito bhaṇati, |
When they spoke to him like this he said, |
‘Yadi me attā sakkoti alaṃ mayhaṃ; |
“Even if you worship me, I’ve had enough. |
Isidāsiyā na saha vacchaṃ, |
I can’t stand to live together with Isidāsī |
Ekagharehaṃ saha vatthuṃ’. |
staying in the same house.” |
Vissajjito gato so, |
Released, he left. |
Ahampi ekākinī vicintemi; |
But I sat by myself contemplating: |
‘Āpucchitūna gacchaṃ, |
“Having taken my leave, I’ll go, |
Marituye vā pabbajissaṃ vā’. |
either to die or to go forth.” |
Atha ayyā jinadattā, |
But then the venerable lady Jinadattā, |
Āgacchī gocarāya caramānā; |
learned and virtuous, |
Tātakulaṃ vinayadharī, |
who had memorized the texts on monastic training, |
Bahussutā sīlasampannā. |
came to my dad’s house in search of alms. |
Taṃ disvāna amhākaṃ, |
When I saw her, |
Uṭṭhāyāsanaṃ tassā paññāpayiṃ; |
I got up from my seat and prepared it for her. |
Nisinnāya ca pāde, |
When she had taken her seat, |
Vanditvā bhojanamadāsiṃ. |
I honored her feet and offered her a meal, |
Annena ca pānena ca, |
satisfying her with food and drink, |
Khajjena ca yañca tattha sannihitaṃ; |
treats, or whatever was in the cupboard. |
Santappayitvā avacaṃ, |
Then I said: |
‘Ayye icchāmi pabbajituṃ’. |
“Ma’am, I wish to go forth!” |
Atha maṃ bhaṇatī tāto, |
But my dad said to me: |
‘Idheva puttaka carāhi tvaṃ dhammaṃ; |
“Child, practice Dhamma right here! |
Annena ca pānena ca, |
Satisfy ascetics and twice-born brahmins |
Tappaya samaṇe dvijātī ca’. |
with food and drink.” |
Athahaṃ bhaṇāmi tātaṃ, |
Then I said to my dad, |
Rodantī añjaliṃ paṇāmetvā; |
crying, my joined palms raised to him: |
‘Pāpañhi mayā pakataṃ, |
“I’ve done bad things in the past; |
Kammaṃ taṃ nijjaressāmi’. |
I shall wear that bad deed away.” |
Atha maṃ bhaṇatī tāto, |
And my dad said to me: |
‘Pāpuṇa bodhiñca aggadhammañca; |
“May you attain awakening, the highest state, |
Nibbānañca labhassu, |
and may you find the extinguishment |
Yaṃ sacchikarī dvipadaseṭṭho’. |
that was realized by the best of men!” |
Mātāpitū abhivādayitvā, |
I bowed down to my mother and father, |
Sabbañca ñātigaṇavaggaṃ; |
and my whole group of relatives; |
Sattāhaṃ pabbajitā, |
and then, seven days after going forth, |
Tisso vijjā aphassayiṃ. |
I realized the three knowledges. |
Jānāmi attano satta, |
I know my last seven lives; |
Jātiyo yassayaṃ phalavipāko; |
I shall relate to you the deeds |
Taṃ tava ācikkhissaṃ, |
of which this life is the fruit and result: |
Taṃ ekamanā nisāmehi. |
focus your whole mind on that. |
Nagaramhi erakacche, |
In the city of Erakacca |
Suvaṇṇakāro ahaṃ pahūtadhano; |
I was a goldsmith with lots of money. |
Yobbanamadena matto, |
Drunk on the pride of youth, |
So paradāraṃ asevihaṃ. |
I had sex with someone else’s wife. |
Sohaṃ tato cavitvā, |
Having passed away from there, |
Nirayamhi apaccisaṃ ciraṃ; |
I burned in hell for a long time. |
Pakko tato ca uṭṭhahitvā, |
Rising up from there |
Makkaṭiyā kucchimokkamiṃ. |
I was conceived in a monkey’s womb. |
Sattāhajātakaṃ maṃ, |
When I was only seven days old, |
Mahākapi yūthapo nillacchesi; |
I was castrated by the monkey chief. |
Tassetaṃ kammaphalaṃ, |
This was the fruit of that deed, |
Yathāpi gantvāna paradāraṃ. |
because of adultery with another’s wife. |
Sohaṃ tato cavitvā, |
Having passed away from there, |
Kālaṃ karitvā sindhavāraññe; |
passing away in Sindhava grove, |
Kāṇāya ca khañjāya ca, |
I was conceived in the womb |
Eḷakiyā kucchimokkamiṃ. |
of a lame, one-eyed she-goat. |
Dvādasa vassāni ahaṃ, |
I carried children on my back for twelve years, |
Nillacchito dārake parivahitvā; |
and all the while I was castrated, |
Kimināvaṭṭo akallo, |
worm-eaten, and tail-less, |
Yathāpi gantvāna paradāraṃ. |
because of adultery with another’s wife. |
Sohaṃ tato cavitvā, |
Having passed away from there, |
Govāṇijakassa gāviyā jāto; |
I was reborn in a cow |
Vaccho lākhātambo, |
owned by a cattle merchant. |
Nillacchito dvādase māse. |
A red calf, castrated, for twelve months |
Voḍhūna naṅgalamahaṃ, |
I drew a big plow. |
Sakaṭañca dhārayāmi; |
I shouldered a cart, |
Andhovaṭṭo akallo, |
blind, tail-less, feeble, |
Yathāpi gantvāna paradāraṃ. |
because of adultery with another’s wife. |
Sohaṃ tato cavitvā, |
Having passed away from there, |
Vīthiyā dāsiyā ghare jāto; |
I was born of a prostitute in the street, |
Neva mahilā na puriso, |
neither woman nor man, |
Yathāpi gantvāna paradāraṃ. |
because of adultery with another’s wife. |
Tiṃsativassamhi mato, |
I died at thirty years of age, |
Sākaṭikakulamhi dārikā jātā; |
and was reborn as a girl in a carter’s family. |
Kapaṇamhi appabhoge, |
We were poor, of little wealth, |
Dhanika purisapātabahulamhi. |
greatly oppressed by creditors. |
Taṃ maṃ tato satthavāho, |
Because of the huge interest we owed, |
Ussannāya vipulāya vaḍḍhiyā; |
I was dragged away screaming, |
Okaḍḍhati vilapantiṃ, |
taken by force from the family home |
Acchinditvā kulagharasmā. |
by a caravan leader. |
Atha soḷasame vasse, |
When I was sixteen years old, |
Disvā maṃ pattayobbanaṃ kaññaṃ; |
his son named Giridāsa, |
Orundhatassa putto, |
seeing that I was a girl of marriageable age, |
Giridāso nāma nāmena. |
took me as his wife. |
Tassapi aññā bhariyā, |
He also had another wife, |
Sīlavatī guṇavatī yasavatī ca; |
a virtuous and well-known lady of quality, |
Anurattā bhattāraṃ, |
faithful to her husband; |
Tassāhaṃ viddesanamakāsiṃ. |
yet I stirred up resentment in her. |
Tassetaṃ kammaphalaṃ, |
As the fruit of that deed, |
Yaṃ maṃ apakīritūna gacchanti; |
they abandoned me and left, |
Dāsīva upaṭṭhahantiṃ, |
though I served them like a slave. |
Tassapi anto kato mayā”ti. |
Now I’ve made an end to this as well.” |
… Isidāsī therī …. |
The Book of the Forties is finished. |
Cattālīsanipāto niṭṭhito. |
|
therīgāthā |
verses of the senior nuns |
mahānipāta |
the great book |
1. Sumedhātherīgāthā |
16.1. Sumedhā |
Mantāvatiyā nagare, |
In Mantāvatī city, Sumedhā, |
Rañño koñcassa aggamahesiyā; |
the daughter of King Koñca’s chief queen, |
Dhītā āsiṃ sumedhā, |
was converted by those |
Pasāditā sāsanakarehi. |
who practice the Buddha’s teaching. |
Sīlavatī cittakathā, |
She was virtuous, a brilliant speaker, |
Bahussutā buddhasāsane vinitā; |
learned, and trained in the Buddha’s instructions. |
Mātāpitaro upagamma, |
She went up to her mother and father and said: |
Bhaṇati “ubhayo nisāmetha. |
“Pay heed, both of you! |
Nibbānābhiratāhaṃ, |
I delight in extinguishment! |
Asassataṃ bhavagataṃ yadipi dibbaṃ; |
No life is eternal, not even that of the gods; |
Kimaṅgaṃ pana tucchā kāmā, |
what then of sensual pleasures, so hollow, |
Appassādā bahuvighātā. |
offering little gratification and much anguish. |
Kāmā kaṭukā āsī, |
Sensual pleasures are bitter as the venom of a snake, |
Visūpamā yesu mucchitā bālā; |
yet fools are infatuated by them. |
Te dīgharattaṃ niraye, |
Sent to hell for a very long time, |
Samappitā haññante dukkhitā. |
they are beaten and tortured. |
Socanti pāpakammā, |
Those who grow in wickedness |
Vinipāte pāpavaddhino sadā; |
always sorrow in the underworld due to their own bad deeds. |
Kāyena ca vācāya ca, |
They’re fools, unrestrained in body, |
Manasā ca asaṃvutā bālā. |
mind, and speech. |
Bālā te duppaññā, |
Those witless, senseless fools, |
Acetanā dukkhasamudayoruddhā; |
obstructed by the origin of suffering, |
Desente ajānantā, |
are ignorant, not understanding the noble truths |
Na bujjhare ariyasaccāni. |
when they are being taught. |
Saccāni amma buddhavaradesitāni, |
Most people, mum, ignorant of the truths |
Te bahutarā ajānantā ye; |
taught by the excellent Buddha, |
Abhinandanti bhavagataṃ, |
look forward to the next life, |
Pihenti devesu upapattiṃ. |
longing for rebirth among the gods. |
Devesupi upapatti, |
Yet even rebirth among the gods |
Asassatā bhavagate aniccamhi; |
in an impermanent state is not eternal. |
Na ca santasanti bālā, |
But fools are not scared |
Punappunaṃ jāyitabbassa. |
of being reborn time and again. |
Cattāro vinipātā, |
Four lower realms and two other realms |
Duve ca gatiyo kathañci labbhanti; |
may be gained somehow or other. |
Na ca vinipātagatānaṃ, |
But for those who end up in a lower realm, |
Pabbajjā atthi nirayesu. |
there is no way to go forth in the hells. |
Anujānātha maṃ ubhayo, |
May you both grant me permission to go forth |
Pabbajituṃ dasabalassa pāvacane; |
in the dispensation of him of the ten powers. |
Appossukkā ghaṭissaṃ, |
Living at ease, I shall apply myself |
Jātimaraṇappahānāya. |
to giving up rebirth and death. |
Kiṃ bhavagate abhinanditena, |
What’s the point in hope, in a new life, |
Kāyakalinā asārena; |
in this useless, hollow body? |
Bhavataṇhāya nirodhā, |
Grant me permission, I shall go forth |
Anujānātha pabbajissāmi. |
to make an end of craving for a new life. |
Buddhānaṃ uppādo vivajjito, |
A Buddha has arisen, the time has come, |
Akkhaṇo khaṇo laddho; |
the unlucky moment has passed. |
Sīlāni brahmacariyaṃ, |
As long as I live I’ll never betray |
Yāvajīvaṃ na dūseyyaṃ”. |
my ethical precepts or my celibate path.” |
Evaṃ bhaṇati sumedhā, |
Then Sumedhā said to her parents: |
Mātāpitaro “na tāva āhāraṃ; |
“So long as I remain a lay person, |
Āharissaṃ gahaṭṭhā, |
I’ll refuse to eat any food, |
Maraṇavasaṃ gatāva hessāmi”. |
until I’ve fallen under the sway of death.” |
Mātā dukkhitā rodati pitā ca, |
Upset, her mother burst into tears, |
Assā sabbaso samabhihato; |
while her father, though grieved, |
Ghaṭenti saññāpetuṃ, |
tried his best to persuade her |
Pāsādatale chamāpatitaṃ. |
as she lay collapsed on the longhouse roof. |
“Uṭṭhehi puttaka kiṃ soci, |
“Get up child, why do you grieve so? |
Tena dinnāsi vāraṇavatimhi; |
You’re already betrothed to be married! |
Rājā anīkaratto, |
King Anīkaratta the handsome |
Abhirūpo tassa tvaṃ dinnā. |
is in Vāraṇavatī: he is your betrothed. |
Aggamahesī bhavissasi, |
You shall be the chief queen, |
Anikarattassa rājino bhariyā; |
wife of King Anīkaratta. |
Sīlāni brahmacariyaṃ, |
Ethical precepts, the celibate path— |
Pabbajjā dukkarā puttaka. |
going forth is hard to do, my child. |
Rajje āṇā dhanamissariyaṃ, |
As a royal there is command, wealth, authority, |
Bhogā sukhā daharikāsi; |
and the happiness of possessions. |
Bhuñjāhi kāmabhoge, |
Enjoy sensual pleasures while you’re still young! |
Vāreyyaṃ hotu te putta”. |
Let your wedding take place, my child!” |
Atha ne bhaṇati sumedhā, |
Then Sumedhā said to him: |
“Mā edisikāni bhavagatamasāraṃ; |
“Let this not come to pass! Existence is hollow! |
Pabbajjā vā hohiti, |
I shall either go forth or die, |
Maraṇaṃ vā me na ceva vāreyyaṃ. |
but I shall never marry. |
Kimiva pūtikāyamasuciṃ, |
Why cling to this rotting body so foul, |
Savanagandhaṃ bhayānakaṃ kuṇapaṃ; |
stinking of fluids, |
Abhisaṃviseyyaṃ bhastaṃ, |
a horrifying water-bag of corpses, |
Asakiṃ paggharitaṃ asucipuṇṇaṃ. |
always oozing, full of filth? |
Kimiva tahaṃ jānantī, |
Knowing it like I do, what’s the point? |
Vikūlakaṃ maṃsasoṇitupalittaṃ; |
A carcass is vile, smeared with flesh and blood, |
Kimikulālayaṃ sakuṇabhattaṃ, |
food for birds and swarms of worms— |
Kaḷevaraṃ kissa diyyati. |
why have we been given it? |
Nibbuyhati susānaṃ, |
Before long the body, bereft of consciousness, |
Aciraṃ kāyo apetaviññāṇo; |
is carried out to the charnel ground, |
Chuddho kaḷiṅgaraṃ viya, |
to be tossed aside like an old log |
Jigucchamānehi ñātīhi. |
by relatives in disgust. |
Chuddhūna naṃ susāne, |
When they’ve tossed it away in the charnel ground, |
Parabhattaṃ nhāyanti jigucchantā; |
to be eaten by others, your own parents |
Niyakā mātāpitaro, |
bathe themselves, disgusted; |
Kiṃ pana sādhāraṇā janatā. |
what then of people at large? |
Ajjhositā asāre, |
They’re attached to this hollow carcass, |
Kaḷevare aṭṭhinhārusaṃghāte; |
this mass of sinews and bone; |
Kheḷassuccārassava, |
this rotting body |
Paripuṇṇe pūtikāyamhi. |
full of saliva, tears, feces, and pus. |
Yo naṃ vinibbhujitvā, |
If anyone were to dissect it, |
Abbhantaramassa bāhiraṃ kayirā; |
turning it inside out, |
Gandhassa asahamānā, |
the intolerable stench |
Sakāpi mātā jiguccheyya. |
would disgust even their own mother. |
Khandhadhātuāyatanaṃ, |
Properly examining |
Saṅkhataṃ jātimūlakaṃ dukkhaṃ; |
the aggregates, elements, and sense fields |
Yoniso anuvicinantī, |
as conditioned, rooted in birth, suffering— |
Vāreyyaṃ kissa iccheyyaṃ. |
why would I wish for marriage? |
Divase divase tisatti, |
Let three hundred sharp swords |
Satāni navanavā pateyyuṃ kāyamhi; |
fall on my body everyday! |
Vassasatampi ca ghāto, |
Even if the slaughter lasted 100 years |
Seyyo dukkhassa cevaṃ khayo. |
it’d be worth it if it led to the end of suffering. |
Ajjhupagacche ghātaṃ, |
One who understands the Teacher’s words |
Yo viññāyevaṃ satthuno vacanaṃ; |
would put up with this slaughter: |
‘Dīgho tesaṃ saṃsāro, |
‘Long for you is transmigration |
Punappunaṃ haññamānānaṃ’. |
being killed time and time again.’ |
Devesu manussesu ca, |
Among gods and humans, |
Tiracchānayoniyā asurakāye; |
in the realm of animals or that of demons, |
Petesu ca nirayesu ca, |
among the ghosts or in the hells, |
Aparimitā dissare ghātā. |
endless killings are seen. |
Ghātā nirayesu bahū, |
The hells are full of killing, |
Vinipātagatassa pīḷiyamānassa; |
for the corrupt who have fallen to the underworld. |
Devesupi attāṇaṃ, |
Even among the gods there is no shelter, |
Nibbānasukhā paraṃ natthi. |
for no happiness excels extinguishment. |
Pattā te nibbānaṃ, |
Those who are committed to the dispensation |
Ye yuttā dasabalassa pāvacane; |
of him of the ten powers attain extinguishment. |
Appossukkā ghaṭenti, |
Living at ease, they apply themselves |
Jātimaraṇappahānāya. |
to giving up rebirth and death. |
Ajjeva tātabhinikkha- |
On this very day, dad, I shall renounce: |
Missaṃ bhogehi kiṃ asārehi; |
what’s to enjoy in hollow riches? |
Nibbinnā me kāmā, |
I’m disillusioned with sensual pleasures, |
Vantasamā tālavatthukatā”. |
they’re like vomit, made like a palm stump.” |
Sā cevaṃ bhaṇati pitara- |
As she spoke thus to her father, |
Manīkaratto ca yassa sā dinnā; |
Anīkaratta, to whom she was betrothed, |
Upayāsi vāraṇavate, |
approached from Vāraṇavatī |
Vāreyyamupaṭṭhite kāle. |
at the time appointed for the marriage. |
Atha asitanicitamuduke, |
Then Sumedhā took up a knife, |
Kese khaggena chindiya sumedhā; |
and cut off her hair, so black, thick, and soft. |
Pāsādaṃ pidahitvā, |
Shutting herself in the longhouse, |
Paṭhamajjhānaṃ samāpajji. |
she entered the first absorption. |
Sā ca tahiṃ samāpannā, |
And as she entered it there, |
Anīkaratto ca āgato nagaraṃ; |
Anīkaratta arrived at the city. |
Pāsāde ca sumedhā, |
Then in the longhouse, Sumedhā |
Aniccasaññaṃ subhāveti. |
well developed the perception of impermanence. |
Sā ca manasi karoti, |
As she investigated in meditation, |
Anīkaratto ca āruhī turitaṃ; |
Anīkaratta quickly climbed the stairs. |
Maṇikanakabhūsitaṅgo, |
His limbs adorned with gems and gold, |
Katañjalī yācati sumedhaṃ. |
he begged Sumedhā with joined palms: |
“Rajje āṇādhanamissa- |
“As a royal there is command, wealth, authority, |
Riyaṃ bhogā sukhā daharikāsi; |
and the happiness of possessions. |
Bhuñjāhi kāmabhoge, |
Enjoy sensual pleasures while you’re still young! |
Kāmasukhā dullabhā loke. |
Sensual pleasures are hard to find in the world! |
Nissaṭṭhaṃ te rajjaṃ, |
I’ve handed royalty to you— |
Bhoge bhuñjassu dehi dānāni; |
enjoy riches, give gifts! |
Mā dummanā ahosi, |
Don’t be sad; |
Mātāpitaro te dukkhitā”. |
your parents are upset.” |
Taṃ taṃ bhaṇati sumedhā, |
Sumedhā, having no use for sensual pleasures, |
Kāmehi anatthikā vigatamohā; |
and having done away with delusion, spoke right back: |
“Mā kāme abhinandi, |
“Do not take pleasure in sensuality! |
Kāmesvādīnavaṃ passa. |
See the danger in sensual pleasures! |
Cātuddīpo rājā, |
Mandhātā, king of four continents, |
Mandhātā āsi kāmabhoginamaggo; |
foremost in enjoying sensual pleasures, |
Atitto kālaṅkato, |
died unsated, |
Na cassa paripūritā icchā. |
his desires unfulfilled. |
Satta ratanāni vasseyya, |
Were the seven jewels to rain from the sky |
Vuṭṭhimā dasadisā samantena; |
all over the ten directions, |
Na catthi titti kāmānaṃ, |
there would be no sating of sensual pleasures: |
Atittāva maranti narā. |
people die insatiable. |
Asisūnūpamā kāmā, |
Like a butcher’s knife and chopping block, |
kāmā sappasiropamā; |
sensual pleasures are like a snake’s head. |
Ukkopamā anudahanti, |
They burn like a fire-brand, |
aṭṭhikaṅkala sannibhā. |
they resemble a skeleton. |
Aniccā adhuvā kāmā, |
Sensual pleasures are impermanent and unstable, |
bahudukkhā mahāvisā; |
they’re full of suffering, a terrible poison; |
Ayoguḷova santatto, |
like a hot iron ball, |
aghamūlā dukhapphalā. |
the root of misery, their fruit is pain. |
Rukkhapphalūpamā kāmā, |
Sensual pleasures are like fruits of a tree, |
maṃsapesūpamā dukhā; |
like lumps of meat, painful, |
Supinopamā vañcaniyā, |
they trick you like a dream; |
kāmā yācitakūpamā. |
sensual pleasures are like borrowed goods. |
Sattisūlūpamā kāmā, |
Sensual pleasures are like swords and stakes; |
rogo gaṇḍo aghaṃ nighaṃ; |
a disease, a boil, misery and trouble. |
Aṅgārakāsusadisā, |
Like a pit of glowing coals, |
aghamūlaṃ bhayaṃ vadho. |
the root of misery, fear and slaughter. |
Evaṃ bahudukkhā kāmā, |
Thus sensual pleasures have been explained |
akkhātā antarāyikā; |
to be obstructions, so full of suffering. |
Gacchatha na me bhavagate, |
Please leave! As for me, |
vissāso atthi attano. |
I have no trust in a new life. |
Kiṃ mama paro karissati, |
What can someone else do for me |
Attano sīsamhi ḍayhamānamhi; |
when their own head is burning? |
Anubandhe jarāmaraṇe, |
When stalked by old age and death, |
Tassa ghātāya ghaṭitabbaṃ”. |
you should strive to destroy them.” |
Dvāraṃ apāpuritvānahaṃ, |
She opened the door |
Mātāpitaro anīkarattañca; |
and saw her parents with Anīkaratta, |
Disvāna chamaṃ nisinne, |
sitting crying on the floor. |
Rodante idamavocaṃ. |
And so she said this: |
“Dīgho bālānaṃ saṃsāro, |
“Transmigration is long for fools, |
Punappunañca rodataṃ; |
crying again and again at that with no known beginning— |
Anamatagge pitu maraṇe, |
the death of a father, |
Bhātu vadhe attano ca vadhe. |
the killing of a brother or of themselves. |
Assu thaññaṃ rudhiraṃ, |
Remember the ocean of tears, of milk, of blood, |
Saṃsāraṃ anamataggato saratha; |
transmigration with no known beginning. |
Sattānaṃ saṃsarataṃ, |
Remember the bones piled up |
Sarāhi aṭṭhīnañca sannicayaṃ. |
by beings transmigrating. |
Sara caturodadhī, |
Remember the four oceans |
Upanīte assuthaññarudhiramhi; |
compared with tears, milk, and blood; |
Sara ekakappamaṭṭhīnaṃ, |
Remember bones piled up high as Mount Vipula |
Sañcayaṃ vipulena samaṃ. |
in the course of a single eon. |
Anamatagge saṃsarato, |
Transmigration with no known beginning |
Mahiṃ jambudīpamupanītaṃ; |
is compared to this broad land of India; |
Kolaṭṭhimattaguḷikā, |
if divided into lumps the size of jujube seeds, |
Mātā mātusveva nappahonti. |
they’d still be fewer than his mother’s mothers. |
Tiṇakaṭṭhasākhāpalāsaṃ, |
Remember the grass, sticks, and leaves, |
Upanītaṃ anamataggato sara; |
compare that with no known beginning: |
Caturaṅgulikā ghaṭikā, |
if split into pieces four inches in size, |
Pitupitusveva nappahonti. |
they’d still be fewer than his father’s fathers. |
Sara kāṇakacchapaṃ pubba- |
Remember the one-eyed turtle and the yoke with a hole |
Samudde aparato ca yugachiddaṃ; |
blown in the ocean from east to west— |
Siraṃ tassa ca paṭimukkaṃ, |
sticking the head in the hole |
Manussalābhamhi opammaṃ. |
is a metaphor for gaining a human birth. |
Sara rūpaṃ pheṇapiṇḍopa- |
Remember the form of this unlucky body, |
Massa kāyakalino asārassa; |
insubstantial as a lump of foam. |
Khandhe passa anicce, |
See the aggregates as impermanent, |
Sarāhi niraye bahuvighāte. |
remember the hells so full of anguish. |
Sara kaṭasiṃ vaḍḍhente, |
Remember those swelling the charnel grounds |
Punappunaṃ tāsu tāsu jātīsu; |
again and again in life after life. |
Sara kumbhīlabhayāni ca, |
Remember the threat of the crocodile! |
Sarāhi cattāri saccāni. |
Remember the four truths! |
Amatamhi vijjamāne, |
When the deathless is there to be found, |
Kiṃ tava pañcakaṭukena pītena; |
why would you drink the five bitter poisons? |
Sabbā hi kāmaratiyo, |
For every enjoyment of sensual pleasures |
Kaṭukatarā pañcakaṭukena. |
is so much more bitter than them. |
Amatamhi vijjamāne, |
When the deathless is there to be found, |
Kiṃ tava kāmehi ye pariḷāhā; |
why would you burn for sensual pleasures? |
Sabbā hi kāmaratiyo, |
For every enjoyment of sensual pleasures |
Jalitā kuthitā kampitā santāpitā. |
is burning, boiling, bubbling, seething. |
Asapattamhi samāne, |
When there is freedom from enmity, |
Kiṃ tava kāmehi ye bahusapattā; |
why would you want your enemy, sensual pleasures? |
Rājaggicoraudakappiyehi, |
Like kings, fire, robbers, flood, and people you dislike, |
Sādhāraṇā kāmā bahusapattā. |
sensual pleasures are very much your enemy. |
Mokkhamhi vijjamāne, |
When liberation is there to be found, |
Kiṃ tava kāmehi yesu vadhabandho; |
what good are sensual pleasures that kill and bind? |
Kāmesu hi asakāmā, |
For though unwilling, when sensual pleasures are there, |
Vadhabandhadukhāni anubhonti. |
they are subject to the pain of killing and binding. |
Ādīpitā tiṇukkā, |
As a blazing grass torch |
Gaṇhantaṃ dahanti neva muñcantaṃ; |
burns one who grasps it without letting go, |
Ukkopamā hi kāmā, |
sensual pleasures are like a grass torch, |
Dahanti ye te na muñcanti. |
burning those who do not let go. |
Mā appakassa hetu, |
Don’t give up abundant happiness |
Kāmasukhassa vipulaṃ jahī sukhaṃ; |
for the trivial joys of sensual pleasure. |
Mā puthulomova baḷisaṃ, |
Don’t suffer hardship later, |
Gilitvā pacchā vihaññasi. |
like a catfish on a hook. |
Kāmaṃ kāmesu damassu, |
Deliberately control yourself among sensual pleasures! |
Tāva sunakhova saṅkhalābaddho; |
You’re like a dog fixed to a chain: |
Kāhinti khu taṃ kāmā, |
sensual pleasures will surely devour you |
Chātā sunakhaṃva caṇḍālā. |
as hungry outcasts would a dog. |
Aparimitañca dukkhaṃ, |
Harnessed to sensual pleasure, |
Bahūni ca cittadomanassāni; |
you undergo endless pain, |
Anubhohisi kāmayutto, |
along with much mental anguish: |
Paṭinissaja addhuve kāme. |
relinquish sensual pleasures, they don’t last! |
Ajaramhi vijjamāne, |
When the unaging is there to be found, |
Kiṃ tava kāmehi yesu jarā; |
what good are sensual pleasures in which is old age? |
Maraṇabyādhigahitā, |
All rebirths everywhere |
Sabbā sabbattha jātiyo. |
are bonded to death and sickness. |
Idamajaramidamamaraṃ, |
This is the ageless, this is the deathless! |
Idamajarāmaraṃ padamasokaṃ; |
This is the ageless and deathless, the sorrowless state! |
Asapattamasambādhaṃ, |
Free of enmity, unconstricted, |
Akhalitamabhayaṃ nirupatāpaṃ. |
faultless, fearless, without tribulations. |
Adhigatamidaṃ bahūhi, |
This deathless has been realized by many; |
Amataṃ ajjāpi ca labhanīyamidaṃ; |
even today it can be obtained |
Yo yoniso payuñjati, |
by those who properly apply themselves; |
Na ca sakkā aghaṭamānena”. |
but it’s impossible if you don’t try.” |
Evaṃ bhaṇati sumedhā, |
So said Sumedhā, |
Saṅkhāragate ratiṃ alabhamānā; |
lacking delight in conditioned things. |
Anunentī anikarattaṃ, |
Soothing Anīkaratta, |
Kese ca chamaṃ khipi sumedhā. |
Sumedhā cast her hair on the ground. |
Uṭṭhāya anikaratto, |
Standing up, Anīkaratta |
Pañjaliko yācatassā pitaraṃ so; |
raised his joined palms to her father and begged: |
“Vissajjetha sumedhaṃ, |
“Let go of Sumedhā, so that she may go forth! |
Pabbajituṃ vimokkhasaccadassā”. |
She will see the truth of liberation.” |
Vissajjitā mātāpitūhi, |
Released by her mother and father, |
pabbaji sokabhayabhītā; |
she went forth, afraid of grief and fear. |
Cha abhiññā sacchikatā, |
While still a trainee nun she realized the six direct knowledges, |
aggaphalaṃ sikkhamānāya. |
along with the highest fruit. |
Acchariyamabbhutaṃ taṃ, |
The extinguishment of the princess |
Nibbānaṃ āsi rājakaññāya; |
was incredible and amazing; |
Pubbenivāsacaritaṃ, |
on her deathbed, she declared |
Yathā byākari pacchime kāle. |
her several past lives. |
“Bhagavati koṇāgamane, |
“In the time of the Buddha Koṇāgamana, |
Saṃghārāmamhi navanivesamhi; |
we three friends gave the gift |
Sakhiyo tisso janiyo, |
of a newly-built dwelling |
Vihāradānaṃ adāsimha. |
in the Saṅgha’s monastery. |
Dasakkhattuṃ satakkhattuṃ, |
Ten times, a hundred times, |
Dasasatakkhattuṃ satāni ca satakkhattuṃ; |
a thousand times, ten thousand times, |
Devesu uppajjimha, |
we were reborn among the gods, |
Ko pana vādo manussesu. |
let alone among humans. |
Devesu mahiddhikā ahumha, |
We were mighty among the gods, |
Mānusakamhi ko pana vādo; |
let alone among humans! |
Sattaratanassa mahesī, |
I was queen to a king with the seven treasures— |
Itthiratanaṃ ahaṃ āsiṃ. |
I was the treasure of a wife. |
So hetu so pabhavo, |
That was the cause, that the origin, that the root, |
Taṃ mūlaṃ sāva sāsane khantī; |
that was the acceptance of the dispensation; |
Taṃ paṭhamasamodhānaṃ, |
that first meeting culminated in extinguishment |
Taṃ dhammaratāya nibbānaṃ. |
for one delighting in the teaching. |
Evaṃ karonti ye sadda- |
So say those who have faith in the words |
Hanti vacanaṃ anomapaññassa; |
of the one unrivaled in wisdom. |
Nibbindanti bhavagate, |
They’re disillusioned with being reborn, |
Nibbinditvā virajjantī”ti. |
and being disillusioned they become dispassionate.” |
Itthaṃ sudaṃ sumedhā therī gāthāyo abhāsitthāti. |
It was thus that these verses were recited by the senior nun Sumedhā. |
Mahānipāto niṭṭhito. |
The Great Book is finished. |
Samattā therīgāthāyo |
THE VERSES OF THE SENIOR NUNS ARE FINISHED. |
Gāthāsatāni cattāri, |
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asīti puna cuddasa; |
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Theriyekuttarasatā, |
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sabbā tā āsavakkhayāti. |
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THERĪGĀTHĀPĀḶI NIṬṬHITĀ. |