Candā (THIG5.12)

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.12

The Book of the Fives

Candā

I used to be in a sorry state.

As a childless widow,

bereft of friends or relatives,

I got neither food nor clothes.

I took a bowl and a staff

and went begging from family to family.

For seven years I wandered,

burned by heat and cold.

Then I saw a nun

receiving food and drink.

Approaching her, I said:

“Send me forth to homelessness.”

Out of sympathy for me,

Paṭācārā gave me the going forth.

Then, having advised me,

she urged me on to the ultimate goal.

After hearing her words,

I did her bidding.

The lady’s advice was not in vain:

master of the three knowledges, I am free of defilements.