Therīgāthā 53

Verses of the Senior Nuns 6.4

The Book of the Sixes

Sujātā

1 I was adorned with jewelry and all dressed up,

with garlands, and sandalwood makeup piled on,

all covered over with decorations,

and surrounded by my maids.

2 Taking food and drink,

staples and dainties in no small amount,

I left my house

and took myself to the park.

3 I enjoyed myself there and played about,

and then, returning to my own house,

I saw a monastic dwelling,

and so I entered the Añjana wood at Sāketa.

4 Seeing the light of the world,

I paid homage and sat down.

Out of compassion

the Clear-eyed One taught me the Dhamma.

5 When I heard the great seer,

I penetrated the truth.

Right there I found the stainless Dhamma,

the state free of death.

6 Then, having understood the true teaching,

I went forth to homelessness.

I’ve attained the three knowledges;

the Buddha’s bidding was not in vain.