Therīgāthā 60

Verses of the Senior Nuns 7.3

The Book of the Sevens

Upacālā

1 “A nun with faculties developed,

mindful, seeing clearly,

I penetrated that peaceful state,

which reprobates do not cultivate.”

2 “Why don’t you approve of rebirth?

When you’re born, you get to enjoy sensual pleasures.

Enjoy erotic delights;

don’t regret it later.”

3 “Death comes to those who are born;

and when born they fall into suffering:

the chopping off of hands and feet,

killing, caging, misery.

4 But there is one born in the Sakyan clan,

awakened and undefeated.

He taught me the Dhamma

for transcending rebirth:

5 suffering, suffering’s origin,

suffering’s transcendence,

and the noble eightfold path

that leads to the stilling of suffering.

6 After hearing his words,

I happily did his bidding.

I’ve attained the three knowledges

and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

7 Relishing is banished in every respect,

and the mass of darkness is shattered.

So know this, Wicked One:

you’re beaten, terminator!”