ထေရီဂါထာပါဠိ

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.1 The Book of the Ones An Unnamed Nun (1st) Homage to him, the blessed one, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha! Sleep softly, little nun, wrapped in the cloth you sewed yourself; for your desire has been quelled, like vegetables boiled dry in a pot. That is how this verse was recited by a certain unnamed nun.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.2 The Book of the Ones Muttā (1st) Muttā, be released from your yokes, like the moon released from the eclipse. When your mind is released, enjoy your alms free of debt. That is how the Buddha regularly advised the trainee nun Muttā with these verses.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.3 The Book of the Ones Puṇṇā Puṇṇā, be filled with good qualities, like the moon on the fifteenth day. When your wisdom is full, shatter the mass of darkness. That is how this verse was recited by the senior nun Puṇṇā.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.4 The Book of the Ones Tissā Tissā, train in the trainings— don’t let your yokes overcome you. Unyoked from all yokes, live in the world free of defilements.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.5 The Book of the Ones Another Tissā Tissā, apply yourself to good qualities— don’t let the moment pass you by. For if you miss your moment, you’ll grieve when sent to hell.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.6 The Book of the Ones Dhīrā Dhīrā, touch cessation, the blissful settling of perception. Win extinguishment, the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.7 The Book of the Ones Vīrā She’s known as Vīrā because of her heroic qualities, a nun with faculties developed. She bears her final body, having vanquished Māra with his legions.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.8 The Book of the Ones Mittā (1st) Having gone forth in faith, appreciate your spiritual friends, Mittā. Develop skillful qualities for the sake of sanctuary from the yoke.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.9 The Book of the Ones Bhadrā Having gone forth in faith, appreciate your blessings, Bhadrā. Develop skillful qualities for the sake of the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.10 The Book of the Ones Upasamā Upasamā, cross the flood, Death’s dominion so hard to pass. When you have vanquished Māra and his legions, bear your final body.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.11 The Book of the Ones Muttā (2nd) I’m well freed, so very well freed, freed from the three things that humped me: the mortar, the pestle, and my humpbacked husband. I’m freed from birth and death; the leash to existence is eradicated.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.12 The Book of the Ones Dhammadinnā One who is eager and determined would be filled with awareness. Their mind not bound to pleasures of sense, they’re said to be heading upstream.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.13 The Book of the Ones Visākhā Do the Buddha’s bidding, you won’t regret it. Having quickly washed your feet, sit in a discreet place to meditate.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.14 The Book of the Ones Sumanā Having seen the elements as suffering, don’t get reborn again. When you’ve discarded desire for rebirth, you will live at peace.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.15 The Book of the Ones Uttarā (1st) I was restrained in body, speech, and mind. Having plucked out craving, root and all, I’m cooled and quenched.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.16 The Book of the Ones Sumanā, Who Went Forth Late in Life Sleep softly, old lady, wrapped in the cloth you sewed yourself; for your desire has been quelled, you’re cooled and quenched.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.17 The Book of the Ones Dhammā I wandered for alms though feeble, leaning on a staff. My limbs wobbled and I fell to the ground right there. Seeing the danger of the body, my mind was freed.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 1.18 The Book of the Ones Saṅghā I gave up my home, my child, my cattle, and all that I love, and went forth. And now that I’ve given up desire and hate, dispelled ignorance, and plucked out craving, root and all, I’m at peace, I’m quenched.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.1 The Book of the Twos Abhirūpanandā Nandā, see this bag of bones as diseased, filthy, and rotten. With mind unified and serene, meditate on the ugly aspects of the body.

Meditate on the signless, give up the tendency to conceit; and when you comprehend conceit, you will live at peace. That is how the Buddha regularly advised the trainee nun Nandā with these verses.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.2 The Book of the Twos Jentā Of the seven awakening factors, the path for attaining extinguishment, I have developed them all, just as the Buddha taught.

For I have seen the Blessed One, and this bag of bones is my last. Transmigration through births is finished, now there’ll be no more future lives. That is how these verses were recited by the senior nun Jentā.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.3 The Book of the Twos Sumaṅgala’s Mother I’m well freed, well freed, so very well freed from the pestle! My shameless husband was most certainly a mushroom, my mortar wafted like an eel.

Greed and hate sizzle and hiss as I squelch them. Having gone to the root of a tree, I meditate happily, thinking, “Oh, what bliss!”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.4 The Book of the Twos Aḍḍhakāsi The price for my services amounted to the nation of Kāsi. By setting that price, the townsfolk made me priceless.

Then, growing disillusioned with my form, I became dispassionate. Don’t journey on and on, transmigrating through rebirths! I’ve realized the three knowledges, and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.5 The Book of the Twos Cittā Even though I’m skinny, sick, and very feeble, I climb the mountain, leaning on a staff.

Having laid down my outer robe, and overturned my bowl, propping myself against a rock, I shattered the mass of darkness.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.6 The Book of the Twos Mettikā Though in pain, feeble, my youth long gone, I climb the mountain, leaning on a staff.

Having laid down my outer robe and overturned my bowl, sitting on a rock, my mind was freed. I’ve attained the three knowledges, and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.7 The Book of the Twos Mittā (2nd) I rejoiced in the host of gods, having observed the sabbath complete in all eight factors, on the fourteenth and the fifteenth days,

and the eighth day of the fortnight, as well as on the fortnightly special displays. Today I eat just once a day, my head is shaven, I wear the outer robe. I don’t long for the heavenly host, for stress has been removed from my heart.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.8 The Book of the Twos To Abhayā’s Mother From Her Daughter My dear mother, examine this body, up from the soles of the feet, and down from the tips of the hairs, so impure and foul-smelling.

Meditating like this, all my lust is eradicated. The fever of passion is cut off, I’m cooled and quenched.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.9 The Book of the Twos Abhayā Abhayā, the body is fragile, yet ordinary people are attached to it. I’ll lay down the body, aware and mindful.

Though subject to so many painful things, I have, through my love of diligence, reached the ending of craving, and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 2.10 The Book of the Twos Sāmā Four or five times I left my dwelling. I had failed to find peace of heart, or any control over my mind. Now it is the eighth night since craving was eradicated.

Though subject to so many painful things, I have, through my love of diligence, reached the ending of craving, and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 3.1 The Book of the Threes Another Sāmā In the twenty-five years since I went forth, I don’t know that I had ever found serenity in my mind.

I had failed to find peace of heart, or any control over my mind. When I remembered the victor’s instructions, I was struck with a sense of urgency.

Though subject to so many painful things, I have, through my love of diligence, reached the ending of craving, and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions. This is the seventh day since my craving dried up.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 3.2 The Book of the Threes Uttamā Four or five times I left my dwelling. I had failed to find peace of heart, or any control over my mind.

I approached a nun in whom I had faith. She taught me the Dhamma: the aggregates, sense fields, and elements.

When I had heard her teaching, in accordance with her instructions, I sat cross-legged for seven days without moving, given over to rapture and bliss. On the eighth day I stretched out my feet, having shattered the mass of darkness.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 3.3 The Book of the Threes Another Uttamā Of the seven awakening factors, the path for attaining extinguishment, I have developed them all, just as the Buddha taught.

I attain the meditations on emptiness and signlessness whenever I want. I am the Buddha’s bosom daughter, always delighting in extinguishment.

All sensual pleasures are cut off, whether human or heavenly. Transmigration through births is finished, now there’ll be no more future lives.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 3.4 The Book of the Threes Dantikā Leaving my day’s meditation on Vulture’s Peak Mountain, I saw an elephant on the riverbank having just come up from his bath.

A man, taking a pole with a hook, asked the elephant, “Give me your foot.” The elephant presented his foot, and the man mounted him.

Seeing a wild beast so tamed, submitting to human control, my mind became serene: <em>that</em> is why I’ve gone to the forest!

Verses of the Senior Nuns 3.5 The Book of the Threes Ubbirī “You cry ‘Live, my dear mother!’ in the forest. Ubbirī, get a hold of yourself! Eighty-four thousand people, all named ‘Live’, have been burnt in this funeral ground: which one do you grieve for?”

“Oh! For you have plucked the arrow from me, so hard to see, stuck in the heart. You’ve swept away the grief for my daughter in which I once was mired.

Today I’ve plucked the arrow, I’m hungerless, quenched. I go for refuge to that sage, the Buddha, to his teaching, and to the Saṅgha.”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 3.6 The Book of the Threes Sukkā “What’s up with these people in Rājagaha? They sprawl like they’ve been drinking mead! They don’t attend on Sukkā as she teaches the Buddha’s instructions.

But the wise— it’s as if they drink it up, so irresistible, delectable, and nutritious, like travelers enjoying a cool cloud.”

“She’s known as Sukkā because of her bright qualities, free of greed, serene. She bears her final body, having vanquished Māra with his legions.”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 3.7 The Book of the Threes Selā “There’s no escape in the world, so what will seclusion do for you? Enjoy erotic delights; don’t regret it later.”

“Sensual pleasures are like swords and spears the aggregates are their chopping block. What you call erotic delight is now no delight for me.

Relishing is banished in every respect, and the mass of darkness is shattered. So know this, Wicked One: you’re beaten, terminator!”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 3.8 The Book of the Threes Somā “That state’s very challenging; it’s for the sages to attain. With her two-inch wisdom, it’s not possible for a woman.”

“What difference does womanhood make when the mind is serene, and knowledge is present as you rightly discern the Dhamma.

Relishing is banished in every respect, and the mass of darkness is shattered. So know this, Wicked One: you’re beaten, terminator!”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 4.1 The Book of the Fours Bhaddā Daughter of Kapila Kassapa is the son and heir of the Buddha, whose mind is immersed in samādhi. He who knows his past lives, sees heaven and places of loss,

and has attained the end of rebirth: is a sage of perfect insight. It’s because of these three knowledges that the brahmin is a master of the three knowledges.

In exactly the same way, Bhaddā daughter of Kapila is master of the three knowledges, <j>conqueror of death. She bears her final body, having vanquished Māra with his legions.

Seeing the danger of the world, both of us went forth. Now we are tamed, our defilements have ended; we’ve become cooled and quenched.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.1 The Book of the Fives An Unnamed Nun (2nd) In the twenty-five years since I went forth, I have not found peace of mind, even as long as a finger-snap.

Failing to find peace of heart, festering with sensual desire, I cried with flailing arms as I entered a dwelling.

I approached a nun in whom I had faith. She taught me the Dhamma: the aggregates, sense fields, and elements.

When I heard her teaching, I retired to a discreet place. I know my past lives; my clairvoyance is purified;

I encompass the minds of others; my clairaudience is purified; I’ve realized the psychic powers, and attained the ending of defilements. I have realized the six kinds of direct knowledge, and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.2 The Book of the Fives Vimalā, the Former Courtesan Intoxicated by my appearance, my figure, my beauty, my fame, and owing to my youth, I looked down on others.

I adorned this body all pretty, lamented by fools, and stood at the brothel door, like a hunter setting a snare.

I stripped for them, revealing my many hidden treasures. Creating an intricate illusion, I laughed, teasing those men.

Today, having wandered for alms, my head shaven, wearing the outer robe, I sat at the root of a tree to meditate; I’ve gained freedom from thought.

All yokes are severed, both human and heavenly. Having wiped out all defilements, I have become cooled and quenched.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.3 The Book of the Fives Sīhā Due to irrational application of mind, I was racked by desire for pleasures of the senses. I was restless in the past, lacking control over my mind.

Overcome by corruptions, pursuing perceptions of the beautiful, I gained no peace of mind. Under the sway of lustful thoughts,

thin, pale, and wan, for seven years I wandered, full of pain, finding no happiness by day or night.

Taking a rope I entered deep into the forest, thinking: “It’s better that I hang myself than I return to a lesser life.”

I made a strong noose and tied it to the branch of a tree. Casting it round my neck, my mind was freed.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.4 The Book of the Fives Sundarīnandā “Nandā, see this bag of bones as diseased, filthy, and rotten. With mind unified and serene, meditate on the ugly aspects of the body:

as this is, so is that, as that is, so is this. A foul stink wafts from it, it is the fools’ delight.”

Reflecting in such a way, tireless all day and night, having broken through with my own wisdom, I saw.

Being diligent, rationally investigating, I truly saw this body both inside and out.

Then, growing disillusioned with the body, I became dispassionate within. Diligent, detached, I’m quenched and at peace.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.5 The Book of the Fives Nanduttarā In the past I worshiped the sacred flame, the moon, the sun, and the gods. Having gone to a river ford, I plunged into the water.

Undertaking many vows, I shaved half my head. Preparing a bed on the ground, I ate no food at night.

I loved my ornaments and decorations; and with baths and oil-massages, I pandered to this body, racked by desire for pleasures of the senses.

But then I gained faith, and went forth to homelessness. Truly seeing the body, desire for sensual pleasure is eradicated.

All rebirths are cut off, wishes and aspirations too. Unyoked from all yokes, I’ve found peace of mind.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.6 The Book of the Fives Mittākāḷī Having gone forth in faith from the lay life to homelessness, I wandered here and there, jealous of possessions and honors.

Neglecting the highest goal, I pursued the lowest. Under the sway of corruptions, I never knew the goal of the ascetic life.

I was struck with a sense of urgency as I was sitting in my hut: “I’m walking the wrong path, under the sway of craving.

My life is short, trampled by old age and sickness. Before this body breaks apart, there is no time for me to be careless.”

I examined in line with the truth the rise and fall of the aggregates. I stood up with mind liberated, having fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.7 The Book of the Fives Sakulā While staying at home I heard the teaching from a monk. I saw the stainless Dhamma, extinguishment, the state that does not pass.

Leaving behind my son and my daughter, my riches and my grain, I had my hair cut off, and went forth to homelessness.

As a trainee nun, I developed the direct path. I gave up greed and hate, along with associated defilements.

When I was fully ordained as a nun, I recollected my past lives, and purified my clairvoyance, immaculate and fully developed.

Conditions are born of causes, crumbling; having seen them as other, I gave up all defilements, I’m cooled and quenched.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.8 The Book of the Fives Soṇā I gave birth to ten sons in this form, this bag of bones. Then, when feeble and old, I approached a nun.

She taught me the Dhamma: the aggregates, sense fields, and elements. When I heard her teaching, I shaved off my hair and went forth.

When I was a trainee nun, my clairvoyance was clarified, and I knew my past lives, the places I used to live.

I meditate on the signless, my mind unified and serene. I achieved the immediate liberation, quenched by not grasping.

The five aggregates are fully understood; they remain, but their root is cut. Curse you, wretched old age! now there’ll be no more future lives.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.9 The Book of the Fives Bhaddā of the Curly Hair My hair plucked out, covered in mud, I used to wander wearing just one robe. I saw fault where there was none, and was blind to the actual fault.

Leaving my day’s meditation on Vulture’s Peak Mountain, I saw the stainless Buddha at the fore of the mendicant Saṅgha.

I bent my knee and bowed, and in his presence raised my cupped palms. “Come Bhaddā,” he said; that was my ordination.

“I’ve wandered among the Aṅgans and Magadhans, the Vajjis, Kāsis, and Kosalans. I have eaten the almsfood of the nations free of debt for fifty years.”

“O! He has made so much merit! That lay follower is so very wise. He gave a robe to Bhaddā, who is released from all ties.”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.10 The Book of the Fives Paṭācārā Plowing the fields, sowing seeds in the ground, providing for partners and children, young men acquire wealth.

I am accomplished in ethics, and I do the Teacher’s bidding, being neither lazy nor restless— why then do I not achieve quenching?

Having washed my feet, I took note of the water, seeing the foot-washing water flowing from high ground to low.

My mind became serene, like a fine thoroughbred steed. Then, taking a lamp, I entered my dwelling, inspected the bed, and sat on my cot.

Then, grabbing the pin, I drew out the wick. The liberation of my heart was like the quenching of the lamp.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.11 The Book of the Fives Thirty Nuns “Taking a pestle, young men pound grain. Providing for partners and children, young men acquire wealth.

Do the Buddha’s bidding, you won’t regret it. Having quickly washed your feet, sit in a discreet place to meditate. Devoted to serenity of heart, do the Buddha’s bidding.”

After hearing her words, the instructions of Paṭācārā, they washed their feet and retired to a discreet place. Devoted to serenity of heart, they did the Buddha’s bidding.

In the first watch of the night, they recollected their past lives. In the middle watch of the night, they purified their clairvoyance. In the last watch of the night, they shattered the mass of darkness.

They rose and paid homage at her feet: “We have done your bidding; we shall abide honoring you, as the Thirty gods honor Indra, undefeated in battle. Masters of the three knowledges, <j>we are free of defilements.” That is how thirty senior nuns declared their enlightenment in the presence of Paṭācārā.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.12 The Book of the Fives Candā I used to be in a sorry state. As a childless widow, bereft of friends or relatives, I got neither food nor clothes.

I took a bowl and a staff and went begging from family to family. For seven years I wandered, burned by heat and cold.

Then I saw a nun receiving food and drink. Approaching her, I said: “Send me forth to homelessness.”

Out of sympathy for me, Paṭācārā gave me the going forth. Then, having advised me, she urged me on to the ultimate goal.

After hearing her words, I did her bidding. The lady’s advice was not in vain: master of the three knowledges, <j>I am free of defilements.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 6.1 The Book of the Sixes Five Hundred Students of Paṭācārā “One whose path you do not know, not whence they came nor where they went; though they came from who knows where, you mourn that being, crying, ‘Oh my son!’

But one whose path you do know, whence they came or where they went; that one you do not lament— such is the nature of living creatures.

Unasked he came, he left without leave. He must have come from somewhere, and stayed who knows how many days. He left from here by one road, he will go from there by another.

Departing with the form of a human, he will go on transmigrating. As he came, so he went: why weep over that?”

“Oh! For you have plucked the arrow from me, so hard to see, stuck in the heart. You’ve swept away the grief for my son, in which I once was mired.

Today I’ve plucked the arrow, I’m hungerless, quenched. I go for refuge to that sage, the Buddha, to his teaching, and to the Saṅgha.” That is how five hundred nuns declared their enlightenment.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 6.2 The Book of the Sixes Vāseṭṭhī Struck down with grief for my son, deranged, out of my mind, nude, my hair flying, I wandered here and there.

I lived on rubbish heaps, in cemeteries and highways. For three years I wandered, stricken by hunger and thirst.

Then I saw the Holy One back at the city of Mithilā. Tamer of the untamed, the Awakened One fears nothing from any quarter.

Regaining my mind, I paid homage and sat down. Out of compassion Gotama taught me the Dhamma.

After hearing his teaching, I went forth to homelessness. Applying myself to the Teacher’s words, I realized the state of grace.

All sorrows are cut off, given up, they end here. I’ve fully understood the basis from which grief comes to be.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 6.3 The Book of the Sixes Khemā “You’re so young and beautiful! I too am young, just a youth. Come, Khemā, let us enjoy the music of a five-piece band.”

“This body is rotting, ailing and frail, I’m horrified and repelled by it, and I’ve eradicated sensual craving.

Sensual pleasures are like swords and spears; the aggregates are their chopping block. What you call erotic delight is now no delight for me.

Relishing is banished in every respect, and the mass of darkness is shattered. So know this, Wicked One: you’re beaten, terminator!”

“Worshiping the stars, serving the sacred flame in a grove; failing to grasp the true nature of things, foolish me, I thought this was purity.

But now I worship the Awakened One, supreme among men. Doing the Teacher’s bidding, I am released from all suffering.”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 6.4 The Book of the Sixes Sujātā I was adorned with jewelry and all dressed up, with garlands, and sandalwood makeup piled on, all covered over with decorations, and surrounded by my maids.

Taking food and drink, staples and dainties in no small amount, I left my house and took myself to the park.

I enjoyed myself there and played about, and then, returning to my own house, I saw a monastic dwelling, and so I entered the Añjana wood at Sāketa.

Seeing the light of the world, I paid homage and sat down. Out of compassion the Clear-eyed One taught me the Dhamma.

When I heard the great seer, I penetrated the truth. Right there I found the stainless Dhamma, the state free of death.

Then, having understood the true teaching, I went forth to homelessness. I’ve attained the three knowledges; the Buddha’s bidding was not in vain.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 6.5 The Book of the Sixes Anopamā I was born into an eminent family, affluent and wealthy, endowed with a beautiful complexion and figure; Majjha’s true-born daughter.

I was sought by princes, coveted by sons of the wealthy. One sent a messenger to my father: “Give me Anopamā!

However much your daughter Anopamā weighs, I’ll give you eight times that in gold coin and gems.”

When I saw the Awakened One, the world’s Elder, unsurpassed, I paid homage at his feet, and withdrew to one side.

Out of compassion, Gotama taught me the Dhamma. While sitting in that seat, I realized the third fruit.

Then, having shaved off my hair, I went forth to homelessness. This is the seventh day since my craving dried up.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 6.6 The Book of the Sixes Mahāpajāpati Gotamī Oh Buddha, my hero: homage to you! Supreme among all beings, who released me from suffering, and many other beings as well.

All suffering is fully understood; craving—its cause—is dried up; the eightfold path has been developed; and cessation has been realized by me.

Previously I was a mother, a son, a father, a brother, and a grandmother. Failing to grasp the true nature of things, I transmigrated without reward.

Since I have seen the Blessed One, this bag of bones is my last. Transmigration through births is finished, now there’ll be no more future lives.

I see the disciples in harmony, energetic and resolute, always staunchly vigorous— this is homage to the Buddhas!

It was truly for the benefit of many that Māyā gave birth to Gotama. He swept away the mass of suffering for those stricken by sickness and death.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 6.7 The Book of the Sixes Guttā Guttā, you have given up your child, your wealth, and all that you love. Foster the goal for which you went forth; do not fall under the mind’s control.

Beings deceived by the mind, playing in Māra’s domain, ignorant, they journey on, transmigrating through countless rebirths.

Sensual desire and ill will, and substantialist view; misapprehension of precepts and observances, and doubt as the fifth.

O nun, when you have given up these lower fetters, you won’t come back to this world again.

And when you’re rid of desire, conceit, ignorance, and restlessness, having cut the fetters, you’ll make an end to suffering.

Having wiped out transmigration, and fully understood rebirth, hungerless in this very life, you will live at peace.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 6.8 The Book of the Sixes Vijayā Four or five times I left my dwelling; I had failed to find peace of heart, or any control over my mind.

I approached a nun and politely questioned her. She taught me the Dhamma: the elements and sense fields,

the four noble truths, the faculties and the powers, the awakening factors, and the eightfold path for the attainment of the highest goal.

After hearing her words, I did her bidding. In the first watch of the night, I recollected my past lives.

In the middle watch of the night, I purified my clairvoyance. In the last watch of the night, I shattered the mass of darkness.

I then meditated pervading my body with rapture and bliss. On the seventh day I stretched out my feet, having shattered the mass of darkness.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 7.1 The Book of the Sevens Uttarā (2nd) “Taking a pestle, young men pound grain. Providing for partners and children, young men acquire wealth.

Work at the Buddha’s bidding, you won’t regret it. Having quickly washed your feet, sit in a discreet place to meditate.

Establish the mind, unified and serene. Examine conditions as alien, not as self.”

“After hearing her words, the instructions of Paṭācārā, I washed my feet and retired to a discreet place.

In the first watch of the night, I recollected my past lives. In the middle watch of the night, I purified my clairvoyance.

In the last watch of the night, I shattered the mass of darkness. I rose up master of the three knowledges: your bidding has been done.

I shall abide honoring you as the Thirty gods honor Sakka, undefeated in battle. Master of the three knowledges, <j>I am free of defilements.”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 7.2 The Book of the Sevens Cālā “As a nun with developed faculties, having established mindfulness, I penetrated that peaceful state, the blissful stilling of conditions.”

“In whose name did you shave your head? You look like an ascetic, but you don’t approve any creed. Why do you wander as if lost?”

“Followers of other creeds rely on their views. They don’t understand the Dhamma, for they’re no experts in the Dhamma.

But there is one born in the Sakyan clan, the unrivaled Buddha; he taught me the Dhamma for going beyond views.

Suffering, suffering’s origin, suffering’s transcendence, and the noble eightfold path that leads to the stilling of suffering.

After hearing his words, I happily did his bidding. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Relishing is banished in every respect, and the mass of darkness is shattered. So know this, Wicked One: you’re beaten, terminator!”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 7.3 The Book of the Sevens Upacālā “A nun with faculties developed, mindful, seeing clearly, I penetrated that peaceful state, which reprobates do not cultivate.”

“Why don’t you approve of rebirth? When you’re born, you get to enjoy sensual pleasures. Enjoy erotic delights; don’t regret it later.”

“Death comes to those who are born; and when born they fall into suffering: the chopping off of hands and feet, killing, caging, misery.

But there is one born in the Sakyan clan, awakened and undefeated. He taught me the Dhamma for transcending rebirth:

suffering, suffering’s origin, suffering’s transcendence, and the noble eightfold path that leads to the stilling of suffering.

After hearing his words, I happily did his bidding. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Relishing is banished in every respect, and the mass of darkness is shattered. So know this, Wicked One: you’re beaten, terminator!”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 8.1 The Book of the Eights Sīsūpacālā “A nun accomplished in ethics, her sense faculties well-restrained, would realize the peaceful state, so delectable and nutritious.”

“There are the gods of the thirty-three, <j>and those of Yama; also the Joyful Deities, the gods who love to create, and the gods who control what is created by others. Set your heart on such places, where you used to live.”

“The gods of the thirty-three, <j>and those of Yama; also the Joyful Deities, the gods who love to create, and the gods who control what is created by others—

time after time, life after life, are governed by substantial reality. They haven’t passed beyond substantial reality, those who transmigrate through birth and death.

All the world is on fire, all the world is alight, all the world is ablaze, all the world is rocking.

The Buddha taught me the Dhamma, unshakable, incomparable, not frequented by ordinary people; my mind adores that place.

After hearing his words, I happily did his bidding. I’ve attained the three knowledges, and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Relishing is banished in every respect, and the mass of darkness is shattered. So know this, Wicked One: you’re beaten, terminator!”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 9.1 The Book of the Nines Vaḍḍha’s Mother “Vaḍḍha, please never ever get snarled in the world. My child, do not partake in suffering again and again.

For happy dwell the sages, Vaḍḍha, unstirred, their doubts cut off, cooled and tamed, and free of defilements.

Vaḍḍha, foster the path that the seers have walked, for the attainment of vision, and for making an end of suffering.”

“Mother, you speak with such assurance to me on this matter. My dear mom, I can’t help thinking that no snarls are found in you.”

“Vaḍḍha, not a jot or a skerrick of snarl is found in me for any conditions at all, whether low, high, or middling.

All defilements are ended for me, meditating and diligent. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.”

“Oh so excellent was the goad my mother spurred me with! Owing to her compassion, she spoke verses on the ultimate goal.

On hearing her words, advised by my mother, I was struck with righteous urgency for the sake of sanctuary from the yoke.

Striving, resolute, tireless all day and night, urged on by my mother, I realized supreme peace.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 10.1 The Book of the Elevens Kisāgotamī “Pointing out how the world works, the sages have praised good friendship. Associating with good friends, even a fool becomes astute.

Associate with true persons, for that is how wisdom grows. Should you associate with true persons, you would be freed from all suffering.

And you would understand suffering, its origin and cessation, the eightfold path, and so the four noble truths.”

“‘A woman’s life is painful,’ explained the Buddha, <j>guide for those fit to train, ‘and for a co-wife it’s especially so. After giving birth just once,

some women even cut their own throat, while delicate ladies take poison. Being guilty of killing a person, they both undergo ruin.’”

“I was on the road, near to giving birth, when I saw my husband dead. I gave birth there on the road before I’d reached my own house.

My two children have died, and on the road my husband lies dead—<j>oh woe is me! Mother, father, and brother all burning up on the same pyre.”

“Oh woe is you whose family is lost, the suffering you have undergone has no measure; you have been shedding tears for many thousands of lives.”

“While staying in the charnel ground, I saw my son’s flesh being eaten. With my family destroyed, condemned by all, and my husband dead, I realized freedom from death.

I’ve developed the noble eightfold path leading to freedom from death. I’ve realized extinguishment, as seen in the mirror of the Dhamma.

I’ve plucked out the dart, laid down the burden, <j>and done what needed to be done.” The senior nun Kisāgotamī, her mind released, said this.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 11.1 The Book of the Twelves Uppalavaṇṇā “The two of us were co-wives, though we were mother and daughter. I was struck with a sense of urgency, so astonishing and hair-raising!

Curse those filthy sensual pleasures, so nasty and thorny, where we, both mother and daughter, had to be co-wives together.

Seeing the danger in sensual pleasures, seeing renunciation as sanctuary, I went forth in Rājagaha from the lay life to homelessness.

I know my past lives; my clairvoyance is clarified; I encompass the minds of others; my clairaudience is purified;

I’ve realized the psychic powers, and attained the ending of defilements. I’ve realized the six kinds of direct knowledge, and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

I created a four-horsed chariot using my psychic powers. Then I bowed at the feet of the Buddha, the glorious protector of the world.”

“You’ve come to this sal tree all crowned with flowers, and stand at its root all alone. But you have no male companion with you— silly girl, aren’t you afraid of rascals?”

“Even if 100,000 rascals like this were to gang up, I’d stir not a hair nor tremble. What could you do to me all alone, Māra?

I’ll vanish, or I’ll enter your belly; I could stand between your eyebrows and you still wouldn’t see me.

I’m the master of my own mind, I’ve developed the bases of psychic power well. I’ve realized the six kinds of direct knowledge, and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Sensual pleasures are like swords and spears; the aggregates are their chopping block. What you call erotic delight is now no delight for me.

Relishing is banished in every respect, and the mass of darkness is shattered. So know this, Wicked One: you’re beaten, terminator!”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 12.1 The Book of the Sixteens Puṇṇikā “I used to be a water-carrier. Even when it was cold, I would always plunge into the water, afraid of my masters’ beatings, harassed by fear of abuse and anger.

Brahmin, what are you afraid of, that you always plunge into the water, your limbs trembling in the freezing cold?”

“Oh, but you already know, Madam Puṇṇikā, when you ask me: I am doing good deeds, to ward off the wickedness I have done.

Whosoever young or old performs a wicked deed, by ablution in water they are released from their wicked deed.”

“Who on earth told you this, one ignoramus to another: ‘Actually, by ablution in water one is released from a wicked deed.’

Would not they all go to heaven, then: all the frogs and the turtles, dragons, dolphins, and other water-dwellers too?

Butchers of sheep and pigs, fishermen, animal trappers, bandits, executioners, and others of evil deeds: by ablution in water they too would be released from their wicked deeds.

If these rivers had carried away your bad deeds in the past, they would also carry away your good deeds, from which you’d be prevented.

Brahmin, the thing that you are afraid of, when you always plunge into the water, do not do that very thing, don’t let the cold harm your skin.”

“I have been on the wrong path, and you’ve guided me to the noble path. Madam, I give to you this ablution cloth.”

“Keep the cloth for yourself, I do not want it. If you fear suffering, if you don’t like suffering,

then don’t do bad deeds either openly or in secret. If you should do a bad deed, or you’re doing one now,

you won’t be freed from suffering, though you fly away and flee. If you fear suffering, if you don’t like suffering,

go for refuge to the Buddha, the unaffected, to his teaching and to the Saṅgha. Undertake the precepts, that will be good for you.”

“I go for refuge to the Buddha, the unaffected, to his teaching and to the Saṅgha. I undertake the precepts, that will be good for me.

I used to be brahmin only by kin, today I truly am a brahmin! Master of the three knowledges, <j>accomplished in wisdom, I’m a scholar, a bathed initiate.”

Verses of the Senior Nuns 13.1 The Book of the Twenties Ambapālī My hair was as black as bees, graced with curly tips; now old, it has become like hemp bark— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

Crowned with flowers, my head was as fragrant as a perfume box; now old, it smells like dog fur— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My hair was as thick as a well-planted forest, it shone, parted with brush and pins; now old, it’s patchy and sparse— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

With plaits of black and ribbons of gold, it was so pretty, graced with braids; now old, my head’s gone bald— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My eyebrows used to look so nice, like crescents painted by an artist; now old, they droop with wrinkles— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My eyes shone brilliant as gems, wide and indigo; ruined by age, they shine no more— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My nose was like a perfect peak, lovely in my bloom of youth; now old, it’s shriveled like a pepper; the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My ear-lobes were so pretty, like lovingly crafted bracelets; now old, they droop with wrinkles— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My teeth used to be so pretty, bright as a jasmine flower; now old, they’re broken and yellow— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My singing was sweet as a cuckoo wandering in the forest groves; now old, it’s patchy and croaking— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My neck used to be so pretty, like a polished shell of conch; now old, it’s bowed and bent— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My arms used to be so pretty, like rounded cross-bars; with age, they wrinkle and sag as a patala tree— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My hands used to be so pretty, graced with lovely golden rings; now old, they’re like red radishes— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My breasts were both once so pretty, swelling, round, close-set, and perky; now they droop like water bags— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My body used to be so pretty, like a polished slab of lustrous gold; now it’s covered with delicate wrinkles— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

Both my thighs used to be so pretty, like an elephant’s trunk; now old, they’re like bamboo— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

My calves used to be so pretty, graced with cute golden anklets; now old, they’re like sesame sticks— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

Both my feet used to be so pretty, plump as if with cotton-wool; now old, they’re cracked and wrinkly— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

This bag of bones once was such, but now it’s withered, home to so much pain; like a house in decay with plaster crumbling— the word of the truthful one is confirmed.

Verses of the Senior Nuns 13.2 The Book of the Twenties Rohinī “You fell asleep saying ‘ascetics’; you woke up saying ‘ascetics’; you only praise ascetics, madam— surely you’ll become an ascetic.

You provide ascetics with abundant food and drink. I ask you now, Rohiṇī: why do you like ascetics?

They don’t like to work, they’re lazy, they live on charity; always on the lookout, greedy for sweets— so why do you like ascetics?”

“Dad, for a long time now you’ve questioned me about ascetics. I shall extol for you their wisdom, ethics, and vigor.