Therigatha5.6

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Adapted from Archaic Translation By Mrs. Rhys Davids 1909

Compared with the Pali Tipitaka at www.tipitaka.org

5.6 Mittakali, Daughter Of A Brahmin(Priest) Of Kammassadamma

She, too, faring in the past as the aforementioned Theris, was, in this Buddha-era, born at the town of Kammasadamma in the kingdom of the Kurus(Now Punjab/Haryana), in a brahmin's(priest) family. Come to years of discretion, she gained faith by hearing the teaching of the great Discourse on the Applications of Mindfulness(Mahasatipatthana Sutta), and entered the Order of Bhikkunis(nuns). For seven years she was liable to a fondness for gifts and honours, and, while doing the duties of a recluse, she was quarrelsome now and again. Later on, while she was intellectually thinking, [1] and becoming conscious about self, she was established in insight meditation (Vipassana[2]), and upon that soon won Arahantship(enlightenment equal to Buddha), together with thorough grasp of the Dhamma(path of eternal truth) in true form and in meaning. Looking back at her victory, she blissfully said thus:

Leaving my home through call of faith, I sought The homeless ascetic life, and dwelt with eye intent On offerings from the faithful and the praise Of this one and the gratitude of that. (92) The path of insight I neglected, turned From highest good to follow baser ends. I lay enthralled to worldly vice, and did nothing To win the goal of my high teaching. (93)

But anguish crept upon me, When I pondered in my little cell: how have I come into this evil road! Into the power of Craving have I strayed! (94) Brief is the span of life yet left to me; Old age, disease, hang imminent to crush. Now, before this body perishes and dissolves, Swift let me be; no time have I for sloth. (95) <p style="text-align:center;">And meditating, as they really are, <p style="text-align:center;">The Aggregates of life that come and go, <p style="text-align:center;">I rose up with mind freed(Vimutti/Vimukti)! <p style="text-align:center;">For me the Buddha's discipline is fulfilled. (96)

[1] Yoniso uppajjanti

[2] 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.