Paṭācārā (THIG5.10)

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.10

The Book of the Fives

Paṭācārā

Plowing the fields,

sowing seeds in the ground,

providing for partners and children,

young men acquire wealth.

I am accomplished in ethics,

and I do the Teacher’s bidding,

being neither lazy nor restless—

why then do I not achieve quenching?

Having washed my feet,

I took note of the water,

seeing the foot-washing water

flowing from high ground to low.

My mind became serene,

like a fine thoroughbred steed.

Then, taking a lamp,

I entered my dwelling,

inspected the bed,

and sat on my cot.

Then, grabbing the pin,

I drew out the wick.

The liberation of my heart

was like the quenching of the lamp.