Verses of the Thirty Elders (THIG5.11)

Verses of the Elder Bhikkhunīs

Chapter of the Fives

Verses of the Thirty Elders

“With a pestle,

young men pound grain.

As they nourish wife and children,

young men prosper.

Do what the Buddha taught,

and you will have no regrets.

Quickly wash your feet,

and sit down on one side.

Commit to tranquility of mind—

do what the Buddha taught.”

Upon hearing these words,

the teaching of Paṭācārā,

they washed their feet

and sat down to one side.

Committing to tranquility of mind,

they followed the teachings of the Buddha.

In the first watch of the night,

they remembered their previous lives.

In the second watch of the night,

they purified the divine eye.

In the third watch of the night,

they destroyed this mass of darkness.

They stood up and paid homage at her feet:

“We did as you instructed.

We now possess the three knowledges and are free from influences,

and will dwell revering you

just as the thirty Devas honor Indra,

unconquered in battle.”

In this way Thirty Elder Bhikkhunīs attained perfect knowledge in the presence of Paṭācārā.