Verses of the Elder Guttā (THIG6.7)

Verses of the Elder Bhikkhunīs

Chapter of the Sixes

Verses of the Elder Guttā

“Guttā, why did you go forth?

You have left behind child, wealth, and all that is dear.

Practice in this way,

do not be controlled by the mind.

Sentient beings are misguided by the mind,

enjoying the realm of Māra.

Fools wander along in saṁsāra,

running through countless births.

Interest in sensual pleasures, ill will,

attachment to self-identity,

clinging to rites and rituals,

and the fifth is doubt.

Once you abandon these fetters,

Bhikkhunī,

you will not return

to the near shore again.

Once you forsake passion, conceit, ignorance,

and restlessness,

having cut off the fetters,

you will bring suffering to an end.

Once you have discarded birth in saṁsāra,

having fully understood how existence is renewed,

seeing the Dhamma, without cravings,

you will walk in peace.”

The Elder Guttā