Therigatha6.5

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

6.5 Anopama, Daughter Of The Millionare(Setthi) Majjha Of Saketa

She, too, having made resolve under former Buddhas, and accumulating good karma(deeds) of age-enduring efficacy in many rebirths, perfecting the conditions tending to bring about enlightenment(vimutti, vimukti), was, in this Buddha-era, reborn at Saketa as the daughter of the millionare(setthi), Majjha. Because of her beauty she got the name 'Matchless' (Anopama). When she grew up, many rich men's sons, Kings' ministers, and Princes, sent messengers to the father, saying: 'Give us your daughter Anopama, and we will give this, or that.' Hearing of this, she–for that the promise of the highest was in her–thought: 'Profit to me in the life of the House there is none'; and searched for the Master(Buddha). She heard him teach, and her intelligence maturing, the memory of that teaching, and the strenuous effort in insight meditaton (Vipassana[1]) she made, established her in the Third State–that of No-return(Anagami, Arch-angel world bound[2]). Asking the Master(Buddha) for admission, she was by his order admitted among the Bhikkhunis. And on the seventh day from that time on, she realized Arahantship(enlightenment equal to Buddha). Looking back at that, she was elated & said:

Daughter of millionare(setthi) Majjha's famous house, Rich, beautiful and prosperous, I was born To vast possessions and to lofty rank. (151) Nor lacked I suitors–many came and wooed; The sons of Kings and merchant princes came With costly gifts, all eager for my hand. And messengers were sent from many a land With promise to my father: 'Give to me (152) Anopama, and look! whatever she weighs, Anopama your daughter, I will give Eightfold that weight in gold and gems of price'. (153)

But I had seen the Enlightened Buddha, One Supreme of the World, Incomparable. In lowliness I sat and worshipped at his feet. (154) He, Gotama, out of his pity He taught me the Dhamma(path of eternal truth). <p style="text-align:center;">And seated even there, <p style="text-align:center;">I attained the Third Goal (Anagami, Arch-angel world bound[2]), <p style="text-align:center;">And knew this world should see me never return(no more rebirth). (155) <p style="text-align:center;">Then shaving off my hair, <p style="text-align:center;">I entered on the homeless ascetic ways of life. <p style="text-align:center;">It is now the seventh night since all sense <p style="text-align:center;">craving has dried up within me. (156)

[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] Anagami - lit. non-returner, The state prior to nirvana , one who will be reborn in Brahmaloka (arch-angel world) and then from there one will achieve Nirvana.