Verses of the Elder Paṭācārā (THIG5.10)

Verses of the Elder Bhikkhunīs

Chapter of the Fives

Verses of the Elder Paṭācārā

“Young men plough the field,

sowing seeds in the earth.

As they nourish wife and children,

young men prosper.

I have perfect morality,

I follow the teaching of the Teacher,

I am not lazy nor conceited,

so why have I not attained Nirvana?

After washing my feet,

I observed the water

flowing

downhill.

From there I sought one-pointedness of mind,

like a good thoroughbred horse.

Later, I took the lamp,

and entered my dwelling.

I checked the bed

and took a seat on a mat.

I took the needle

and pulled out the wick.

The emancipation of my mind

was like the extinguishing of a lamp.”

The Elder Paṭācārā