Therigatha8.1

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

8.1 Sisupachala, Sister of Chala, Upachala & Sariputta

Her story has been told in that of Chala her sister–how she followed in her great brother's (Sariputra, Captain of Order of Monks) steps, entered the Order,practiced insight meditation (Vipassana[1]) and became an Arahant(enlightened equal to Buddha). Dwelling in the bliss of fruition, she reflected one day on her attainment, and having done all that was to be done, was elated & said in her blissfulness thus:

Bhikkuni(nun) adept in the Moral Precepts(Sheel), Well-guarded in the all senses, Who has attained to that Holy Path, calmed That unending elixir of life. (196) Mara(devil): Tavantis, Yama & Tusita devata(angels of heaven), The Nimmanarati devas(angels) & Vasavatti devas(angels) aspire with longing in their minds, Where in past ages you have lived before. (197) When the Theri heard, she said: 'Stop, Mara(devil)! the Kamaloka of which you talk is, even as is the whole of the world, burning and blazing with the fires of lust, hate, and ignorance. It is not there the discerning mind can find any charm.' And showing Mara(devil) how her mind was turned away from the world and from desires of sense, she rebuked him thus: Tavantis, Yama & Tusita devata(angels of heaven), The Nimmanarati devas(angels) & Vasavatti devas(angels)(198) Consider how time after time they go from birth to death, and death to birth again, Becoming this and then becoming that, Ever beset by the recurring doom <p style="text-align:center;">Of wretched individuality, <p style="text-align:center;">From where comes no merciful liberation. (199)

<p style="text-align:center;">On fire are all the worlds, all are in flames! <p style="text-align:center;">Ablaze is all the world, all the worlds are transient! (200) <p style="text-align:center;">But that which changes not, incomparable, <p style="text-align:center;">That unknown to the worldly people, <p style="text-align:center;">That, for which, Buddha has taught the Dhamma(path of eternal truth) <p style="text-align:center;">in that my mind delights to dwell. (201) <p style="text-align:center;">And I who has heard his words , <p style="text-align:center;">will follow his discipline sincerely. <p style="text-align:center;">The Threefold Wisdom[2] unparalleled I have gotten now, <p style="text-align:center;">Within the Era of the Buddha's time. (202) <p style="text-align:center;">In every way, the attraction of senses is eliminated. <p style="text-align:center;">And the region of darkness (ignorance) within is torn apart <p style="text-align:center;">Know this, you Sinful One, hence! <p style="text-align:center;">Here, O Destroyer! you shall not prevail. (203)

[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] Three attainments due to enlightenment (i) recall of past rebirths, (ii) the all seeing Heavenly Eye(or divine eyesight) which can see anywhere in the universe, and (iii) the destruction of all the Asavas(sensual desires) within i.e. purity.