Therigatha5.3

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

5.3 Siha, Niece Of Army General Siha, Of Vesali

She too, faring in the past as the previous Theris, was in this Buddha-era born at Vesali as the daughter of General Siha's  sister. And, being named after her maternal uncle, she was called Siha. Come to years of discretion, she heard the Master(Buddha) one day teaching the Dhamma(path of eternal truth) to the General, and, becoming a believer, gained her parents' consent to enter the Order. When she strove in insight meditation (Vipassana[1]), she was unable to prevent her mind from running on objects of external charm. Harassed thus for seven years, she concluded, 'How shall I extricate myself from this evil living? I will die.' And, taking a noose, she hung it round the branch of a tree, and, fastening it round her neck, with all the cumulative effect of former efforts, she impelled her mind in insight meditation (Vipassana[1]). Then to her, who was really come to her last birth, at that very moment, through her knowledge attaining maturity, insight grew within, and she won Arahantship(enlightenment equal to Buddha), together with thorough grasp of the Dhamma(path of eternal truth) in true form and in meaning. So, loosening the rope from her neck, she turned back again. Established as an Arahant(enlightened equal to Buddha), she blissfully said thus:

Distracted, harassed by desires of sense, having unrighteous thoughts, [2] Stung and inflated by the memories Of former days, over which I lacked control– (77) Corrupting canker spreading over my mind– I followed heedless dreams of happiness, And got no equanimity to my mind, All given over to likings of senses. (78) So did I live for seven weary years, In misery of unrest I, wretched, found no happiness by day or night, (79) So took a rope and plunged into the wood: 'Better for me a friendly gallows-tree! I'll live again the low life of the world.' (80) Strong was the noose I made; and on a branch I bound the rope and flung it round my neck, <p style="text-align:center;">When see! my mind was set at liberty(Vimucchi/Vimukti)! (81)

[1] Vipassana : This refers to the foremost insight meditation called 'Vipassana'  taught by Buddha in which attention is focussed on inner phenomenon (breath,body,emotions, sensations & mind) with detachment (samata/equanimity) leading to self-awakening & enlightenment.

[2]Ayoniso-manasikara, lit., unrighteous thinking.