Therigatha5.2

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

5.2 Vimala, Daughter Of A Harlot Of Vesali, Ex-Harlot

She too, having lived in the past as the previous Theris, was born, in this Buddha-era, at Vesali as the daughter of a certain woman who earned her living by her beauty. Her name was Vimala. When she was grown up, and was imagining vicious things, she saw one day the venerable Maha-Moggallana (Chief of Monks)  going about Vesali for alms, and feeling attracted of him, she went to his dwelling and tried to entice him. Some say she was instigated to do so by those of other sects. The Elder rebuked her inappropriate behaviour and admonished her, as may be read in the Hymns of the Monks(Theragatha). And she was filled with shame and self-criticism, and became a believer and lay-follower. Later she entered the Order, and with hard work and striving–because the root of attainment was in her–not long after that she won Arahantship(enlightenment equal to Buddha). From that time on, looking back at her gain, she blissfully said thus:

How I was once proud, incensed with the bloom of my beauty, Vain of my perfect form, my fame and success amidst the people, Filled with the pride of my youth, unknowing the Truth and unheeding! (72) Lo! I made my body, boldly decorated, deftly painted, Spoke to the boys, while I at the door of the harlots Stood, like a clever hunter, weaving his snares, ever watchful. (73) Yes, I bared without shame my body and wealth of adorning; Many wiles I caused, devouring the virtue of many. (74)

To-day with shaven head, wrapped in my robe, I go forth on my daily alms for food; And beneath the spreading branches of forest tree I sit, and gain the Second-Jhana's rapture (Bliss of meditative trance), Where reasonings(thoughts) cease. (75) Now all the evil bonds that enslave gods(angels) and men both Are fully torn apart and cut away. Cleansed are the desires that intoxicated me, <p style="text-align:center;">Calm and content I know Nibbana's Peace(Nirvana). (76)