Therīgāthā 58

Verses of the Senior Nuns 7.1

The Book of the Sevens

Uttarā (2nd)

1 “Taking a pestle,

young men pound grain.

Providing for partners and children,

young men acquire wealth.

2 Work at the Buddha’s bidding,

you won’t regret it.

Having quickly washed your feet,

sit in a discreet place to meditate.

3 Establish the mind,

unified and serene.

Examine conditions

as alien, not as self.”

4 “After hearing her words,

the instructions of Paṭācārā,

I washed my feet

and retired to a discreet place.

5 In the first watch of the night,

I recollected my past lives.

In the middle watch of the night,

I purified my clairvoyance.

6 In the last watch of the night,

I shattered the mass of darkness.

I rose up master of the three knowledges:

your bidding has been done.

7 I shall abide honoring you

as the Thirty gods honor Sakka,

undefeated in battle.

Master of the three knowledges,

I am free of defilements.”