Therigatha2.9

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

2.9 Abhaya, Daughter Of A Clansman Of Ujjeni

She, too, having made her resolve under former Buddhas, and accumulating merit of good karma(deeds) of age-enduring efficacy in many rebirths, was, in the time of Sikhi Buddha,[1] reborn in a great noble's family, and became the chief queen of his father Aruna. And one day she worshipped the Buddha with offering of red lotuses given her by the King, when Sikhi Buddha, at alms-time, entered the palace. Reborn for this act among gods(angels) and men many times(high rebirths), she was, in this Buddha-period, born once more at Ujjeni in a respectable family, and became the very close to Abhaya's mother. And when the latter had renounced the world, Abhaya, for love of her, also became recluse. Dwelling with her at Rajagaha, she went one day to Cool-Grove (Seet-vanam) to meditate on a idea of ugliness[of world].The Master(Buddha), seated in his Fragrant Chamber, caused her to see before her the kind of object she had been directed to choose. Seeing the vision, dread seized her. Then the Master, sending forth his radiant ethereal form, appeared as if seated before her, and said:

Brittle, O Abhaya, the body is, To which the worldling's happiness is bound. For me, I shall lay down this mortal frame, Mindful and self-conscious in all I do. (35) Was in many kinds of suffering causing (activities) without sloth I struggled, free from all that. Craving have I destroyed, and Buddha's discipline fulfilled. (36) And when he had finished speaking she attained Arahantship(enlightenment equal to Buddha). Elated in this, she turned the verses round into an address to herself.

[1] Second of the Seven Buddhas.