Therigatha5.5

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

5.5 Nanduttara, Daughter Of A Brahmin Of Kammassadamma, Ex-Jain, Pupil Of The Great Moggallana

She, too, faring in the past as the aforementioned Theris, was, in this Buddha-age, born in the kingdom of the Kurus at the town of Kammasadamma, in a brahmin family. And when she had learnt from some of them their arts and sciences, she entered the Order of the Niganthas(Jains), and, as a renowned speaker, took her rose-apple(Jamun) tree branch, like Bhadda Curlyhair,  and toured about the plain of India. Thus she met Maha-Moggallana the Elder, and in debate suffered defeat. She upon that listened to his advice, entered the Order, and not long after attained Arahantship(enlightenment equal to Buddha), together with thorough grasp of the teaching and meaning of the Dhamma(path of eternal truth). And meditating on her victory, she blissfully said thus:

Fire and the moon, the sun and the gods(angels) I once was striving to worship, I used to go to great assembley on river-banks in the waters for the bathing rites. (87) Many (religious) observances I took Upon me, for I shaved one-half my head, Nor laid me down to rest except on the earth, Nor ever broke my fast at close of day. (88)

(Earlier) I had delight in decorating(makeup) myself With gems and ornaments etc. I administered baths, ointments & massage to this body, moved by lusts of senses(kaam-raag). (89)

Then found I faith(in Buddha's path), became ordained(as nun),  I went into the ascetic life, for I have seen the body as it really is(filthy), And lusts of sense can never return now. (90)

<p style="text-align:center;">All rebirth causing factors(bhava) were broken well, <p style="text-align:center;">Every wish and yearning has gone away. <p style="text-align:center;">All that had tied me (in bonds) was loosened, <p style="text-align:center;">Calmed I am from sins, and now ever conscious. (91)