37. Aḍḍhakāsikā (THI-AP37)

In this present lucky aeon,
Brahma’s Kinsman, Greatly Famed One,
the Buddha known as Kassapa
was born, the Best of Debaters.

At that time, having been ordained
in that Buddha’s dispensation,
I’m restrained in the five senses,
and in monastic discipline.

Moderate in eating, I was
committed to being watchful,
dwelling fixed on practice. One time
however, with a filthy mind,
I slandered an undefiled nun
by saying, “She’s a prostitute.”
Because of that evil karma,
I roasted in a fearful hell.

Due to the rest of that karma,
I was born in a clan of whores,
repeatedly committing sins;
and then in my final rebirth,

I’m born among the Kāsians,
in a millionaire’s clan. Due to
former celibacy I was
gorgeous, like a nymph among gods.

Seeing my extreme beauty, in
Rajgir, best city, they made me
enter prostitution due to
my formerly having slandered.

After hearing the good Teaching
which was preached by the Best Buddha,
endowed with former impressions,
I went forth into homelessness.

Seeking ordination having
gone into the Victor’s presence,
hearing that rogues were on the road,
I got ordained by messenger.

All my karma has been burnt up,
merit and likewise evil too;
birth and rebirth crossed beyond,
and prostitution’s thrown away.

I’ve mastered the superpowers
like the “divine ear” element.
I’m also a master, Great Sage,
of the knowledge in others’ hearts.

I remember my former lives;
my “divine eye” is purified.
All the defilements are destroyed;
I will not be reborn again.

In meaning and in the Teaching,
etymology and preaching,
this knowledge of mine was produced
in your presence, O Great Hero.

My defilements are now burnt up;
all new existence is destroyed.
Like elephants with broken chains,
I am living without constraint.

Being in Best Buddha's presence
was a very good thing for me.
The three knowledges are attained;
I have done what the Buddha taught!

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
I have done what the Buddha taught!

Thus indeed the bhikkhunī Aḍḍhakāsikā spoke these verses.

The legend of Aḍḍhakāsikā Therī is finished

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

Legends of the Buddhist Saints (Apadāna) is released under the Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share Alike license.

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