Verses of the Elder Vimalā (THIG5.2)

Verses of the Elder Bhikkhunīs

Chapter of the Fives

Verses of the Elder Vimalā

“Intoxicated with this beautiful body,

as well as glory, success,

and my youth,

I despised anyone who was not my equal.

Dressed in flashy clothes,

prattling on,

I stood at the entrance of the pleasure house,

like a hunter setting traps.

I flaunted my assets

and often exposed my private parts;

I made fun of many people,

and deceived them in many ways.

Today I walk for alms,

with a shaven-head, wrapped in a robe.

Seated at the root of a tree,

I attain absence of thought.

All bonds have been cut off,

both divine and human.

Having cast away all influences,

I have become cool and quenched.”

The Elder Vimalā, a Former Courtesan.