Verses of a Certain Unknown Elder (THIG5.1)

Verses of the Elder Bhikkhunīs

Chapter of the Fives

Verses of a Certain Unknown Elder

“For twenty-five years,

since I had gone forth,

I had not experienced serenity of mind,

not even for a split second.

I had not attained peace of mind—

I yearned for sensory gratification.

I entered the monastery with my arms in the air,

crying aloud.

I approached a bhikkhunī

whom I trusted.

She taught me the Dhamma:

the khandhas, elements, and sense domains.

After I listened to her Dhamma,

I sat down to one side.

I know my past lives,

I have purified my divine eye.

I am able to read the minds of others,

and I have purified the ear element.

I have attained psychic powers,

and reached the destruction of the influences.

I have realized the six special knowledges,

and completed the teaching of the Buddha.”

A Certain Unknown Elder