Therigatha2.5

Tipitaka >> Sutta Pitaka >> Khuddaka Nikaya >> Therigatha >> Therigatha2.5

Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

2.5 Citta, Daughter Of Great Elite Of Rajagaha

She, too, having made her resolve under former Buddhas, and accumulating good karma(deeds) of age-enduring efficacy in many rebirths, was born in the 94th aeon(kappa/kalpa) [1] as a fairy. She worshipped with offering of flowers a Silent Buddha (Pachekabuddha). And after many other births among men and gods(angels), she was, in this Buddha-period, born at Rajagaha in the family of a leading elite. When she had come to years of discretion she heard the Master(Buddha) teaching at the gate of Rajagaha, and, becoming a believer, she was ordained by the Great Pajapati the Gotami (The sister and co-wife of the Buddha's departed mother as well as head of nuns order). And at length, in her old age, when she had climbed the Vulture's Peak, and had done the exercises of a recluse, her insight meditation (Vipassana[2]) progressed, and she won to Arahantship(enlightenment equal to Buddha). Looking back at that, she gave utterance as follows:

Though I be ill and weak, and all My youthful spring be gone, yet have I climbed, Leaning upon my staff, the mountain crest. (27) Thrown from my shoulder hangs my cloak, overturned My little bowl. So against the rock I lean And prop this self of me, and broken away The darkness of ignorance within. (28)

[1] kappa/Kalpa i.e.cycles of expansion & contraction of universe; before this present age.

[2] 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.