• Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.11 Therīgāthā 5.11
  • The Book of the Fives Pañcakanipāta

Thirty Nuns Tiṁsamattātherīgāthā

“Taking a pestle, “Musalāni gahetvāna, young men pound grain. dhaññaṁ koṭṭenti māṇavā; Providing for partners and children, Puttadārāni posentā, young men acquire wealth. dhanaṁ vindanti māṇavā.

Do the Buddha’s bidding, Karotha buddhasāsanaṁ, you won’t regret it. yaṁ katvā nānutappati; Having quickly washed your feet, Khippaṁ pādāni dhovitvā, sit in a discreet place to meditate. ekamante nisīdatha; Devoted to serenity of heart, Cetosamathamanuyuttā, do the Buddha’s bidding.” karotha buddhasāsanaṁ”.

After hearing her words, Tassā tā vacanaṁ sutvā, the instructions of Paṭācārā, paṭācārāya sāsanaṁ; they washed their feet Pāde pakkhālayitvāna, and retired to a discreet place. ekamantaṁ upāvisuṁ; Devoted to serenity of heart, Cetosamathamanuyuttā, they did the Buddha’s bidding. akaṁsu buddhasāsanaṁ.

In the first watch of the night, Rattiyā purime yāme, they recollected their past lives. pubbajātimanussaruṁ; In the middle watch of the night, Rattiyā majjhime yāme, they purified their clairvoyance. dibbacakkhuṁ visodhayuṁ; In the last watch of the night, Rattiyā pacchime yāme, they shattered the mass of darkness. tamokhandhaṁ padālayuṁ.

They rose and paid homage at her feet: Uṭṭhāya pāde vandiṁsu, “We have done your bidding; “katā te anusāsanī; we shall abide honoring you, Indaṁva devā tidasā, as the Thirty gods honor Indra, saṅgāme aparājitaṁ; undefeated in battle. Purakkhatvā vihassāma, Masters of the three knowledges,
we are free of defilements.”
tevijjāmha anāsavā”ti.

That is how thirty senior nuns declared their enlightenment in the presence of Paṭācārā.