Therigatha1.2

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

1.2 Mutta, Daughter of a Brahmin(priest) of Savatthi

Be free, Mutta,  free even as the Moon From out the Rahu's(eclipse) jaws,  moves free in the sky. Wipe off the debts that hinder your consciousness,  and so, With mind in liberation(vimukti/vimutti), break you your fast. (2) This is the verse of a student named Mutta[1]. She, too, being one who had made a resolve under former Buddhas, went on accumulating good karma(deeds) of age-enduring effect in many rebirths. Finally, she was reborn in this Buddha-period as the child of an eminent brahmin at Savatthi, and named Mutta. And in her twentieth year, her destiny being fully ripe, she renounced the world under the Great Pajapati the Gotami (Foster Mother & Aunt of Buddha as well as head of nuns order), was ordained and studied the exercises for insight meditation(Vipassana[2]). Returning one day from her round for alms, she discharged her duties toward her seniors, and then going apart to rest, and seated out of sight, she began to do insight meditation(Vipassana[2]) herself on the mind's phenomenon. Then the Master(Buddha), sitting in the 'Fragrant Chamber'[3]of the Vihara(monastery), sent forth his radiant ethereal form, and revealing himself as if seated before her, uttered the verse above. And she, firm in that teaching, in a short time, attained Arahantship(enlightenment equal to Buddha), and so attaining, joyous in the words of that verse. Completing her studies and promoted to full rank, she yet again uttered it, when about to pass away.

[1] Mutta=Mukta or freed (woman)

[2] Vipassana : This refers to the foremost insight meditation called 'Vipassana' taught by Buddha in which attention is focussed on inner phenomenon (breath,body,mind,emotions & sensations) with detachment (samata/equanimity) leading to self-awakening & enlightenment.

[3] Gandha-kuti, the traditional term for the Buddha's own room, especially that at the Jetavana Vihara(monastery), Savatthi. This room was daily decorated with fragrant flowers by the disciples.