Therīgāthā 61

Verses of the Senior Nuns 8.1

The Book of the Eights

1 “A nun accomplished in ethics,

her sense faculties well-restrained,

would realize the peaceful state,

so delectable and nutritious.”

2 “There are the gods of the thirty-three,

and those of Yama;

also the Joyful Deities,

the gods who love to create,

and the gods who control what is created by others.

Set your heart on such places,

where you used to live.”

3 “The gods of the thirty-three,

and those of Yama;

also the Joyful Deities,

the gods who love to create,

and the gods who control what is created by others—

4 time after time, life after life,

are governed by substantial reality.

They haven’t passed beyond substantial reality,

those who transmigrate through birth and death.

5 All the world is on fire,

all the world is alight,

all the world is ablaze,

all the world is rocking.

6 The Buddha taught me the Dhamma,

unshakable, incomparable,

not frequented by ordinary people;

my mind adores that place.

7 After hearing his words,

I happily did his bidding.

I’ve attained the three knowledges,

and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

8 Relishing is banished in every respect,

and the mass of darkness is shattered.

So know this, Wicked One:

you’re beaten, terminator!”