Therigatha6.8

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

6.8 Vijaya, Daughter Of A Clansman Of Rajagaha

She, too, having made her resolve under former Buddhas, and accumulating good karma(deeds) of age-enduring efficacy in many rebirths, was, in this Buddha-era, reborn at Rajagaha, in a certain clansman's family. When grown up she became the companion of Khema, afterwards Theri, but then of the laity. Hearing that Khema had renounced the world, she said: 'If she, as a King's wife, can leave the world, surely I can.' So to Khema Theri she went, and the latter, discerning what she wanted, taught her the Dhamma(path of eternal truth) so as to agitate her mind concerning rebirth, and to make her seek comfort in the system. And so it came to pass; and the Theri ordained her. She, serving as was due, and studying as was due, grew in insight meditation (Vipassana[1]), and, the capability being in her, soon attained to Arahantship(enlightenment equal to Buddha), together with thorough grasp of the Dhamma(path of eternal truth) in form and meaning. And she, looking back at that, was elated & said thus:

Four times, no five, I swiftly moved from my cell, And roamed around to find the peace of mind I lacked, and governance of thoughts I could not bring into captivity. (169) Then to a Bhikkhuni I came and asked Full many a question of my doubts. To me she taught the Dhamma(path of eternal truth): the elements, (170) Organ and object in the life of sense, [And then the factors of the Nobler life :] The four Ariyan Truths, the Faculties, the Powers, The Seven factors of Awakening, The Eightfold Way, leading to utmost good. (171) I heard her words, her teaching I obeyed. While  passed the first watch of the night there rose Long memories of the past lives (rebirths). (172) While passed the second watch, arose within <p style="text-align:center;">the clarified divine eye celestial, of purity; <p style="text-align:center;">While passed the last watch of the night, I burst <p style="text-align:center;">And torn apart the gloom of ignorance. (173) <p style="text-align:center;">Then, letting joy and blissful ease of mind <p style="text-align:center;">Suffuse my body, seven days I sat before(in samadhi/trance), <p style="text-align:center;">Then stretching out cramped limbs I rose again. <p style="text-align:center;">And torn apart indeed, was that darkness of ignorance? (174)

[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.