Therigatha5.12

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

5.12 Chanda, Daughter Of A Poor Brahmin

She, too, having lived in former ages like the previous, was, in this Buddha-era, born in a brahmin village as the daughter of a brahmin of whom nothing is known. From her childhood, her family lost its possessions, and she grew up in wretched circumstances.

Now, in her home the snake-blast disease (infectious disease) broke out, and all her family caught it, and died. She, being unable to support herself otherwise, went from house to house with a potsherd, maintaining herself by alms. One day she came to where Patachara had just finished her meal. The Bhikkhunis, seeing her wretched and overcome with hunger, received her with affectionate kindness in the pity they felt for her, and satisfied her with such food as they had. Gladdened by their virtuous conduct, she drew near to the Theri, saluted her, and sat down on one side while the Theri discoursed. She listened in delight, and, growing anxious concerning the round of life, renounced the world (ordained). Abiding in the Theri's admonition, she was established in insight meditation (Vipassana[1]), devoted to practice. Then, because of her resolve and of the maturity of her knowledge, she not long after won Arahantship (enlightenment equal to Buddha), with thorough grasp of the Dhamma(path of eternal truth) in the form and the meaning. And, looking back at her attainment, she blissfully said thus:

Fallen on evil days was I before. No husband had I, nor no child, no friends Or relative–from where could I food or dress find? (122) As beggars go, I took my bowl and staff, And tried to obtain alms for me, begging from house to house, Sunburnt, frost-bitten, seven weary years. (123) Then came I where a woman ascetic Shared with me food, and drink, and welcomed me, And said: 'Come forth into our homeless ascetic life!' (124) In gracious pity did she let me come– the Patachara–and heard me take the vows. And from then on words of wisdom and of power She spoke, and set before my face The way of going to the highest achievement. 251 (125) I heard her teaching and followed her discipline. Wise and clear is our Lady's teaching! <p style="text-align:center;">The Threefold Wisdom[2] have I gotten now. <p style="text-align:center;">Free from deadly desires. (126)

[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] 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.