Verses of the Elder Sujātā (THIG6.4)

Verses of the Elder Bhikkhunīs

Chapter of the Sixes

Verses of the Elder Sujātā

“Bejeweled and all dolled up,

wearing flower garlands, scented with sandalwood,

I was completely covered with adornments,

attended by a following of servants.

After taking food and drink,

many tasty dishes and a generous amount of grains,

I left home,

and went to the park.

There I had a good time, played around,

and then went back to my own house.

Since I wanted to see a monastery,

I went into Añjana forest at Sāketa.

There I saw the Buddha, shedding light on the world.

I paid respects and sat down.

The Seer taught me the Dhamma

out of compassion.

After hearing the Great Sage,

I penetrated the truth.

There I touched the stainless Dhamma,

the path to the deathless.

Then, because I had become aware of the true Dhamma,

I went forth into homelessness.

I obtained the three knowledges,

the teaching of the Buddha was not in vain.”

The Elder Sujātā