Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the One Enlightened by himself
In the Minor Collection
Past Life Ηistories of the Elder Nuns
1.
The Chapter on Sumedhā
1.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Sumedhā
Now listen to the life histories of the senior nuns -
1.
We three friends, women, gave the gift of a dwelling."
2.
We were reborn among the gods, what then to say of human existence.
3.
I was the chief queen of one with the seven treasures, I was the woman treasure.
4.
Dhanañjānī and Khemā and I too, three people.
5.
Having dedicated it to the Community headed by the Buddha, she rejoiced.
6.
I attained the foremost position among the gods, and likewise among human beings.
7.
Kassapa by clan, the best of speakers arose.
8.
The King of Kāsi named Kikī, in the best city of Bārāṇasī.
9.
Devoted to attending upon the Buddha, they lived the holy life.
10.
Having given gifts thoroughly, I practised religious duty while still in the household.
11.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
12.
From there to Nimmānarati, and from there to the city of Vasavatti.
13.
There in each place, I attained the status of chief queen of kings.
14.
And of regional kings, I attained the status of chief queen.
15.
Having been happy everywhere, I wandered in the round of rebirths through many births.
16.
That is the first combination, that is Nibbāna for one delighted in the Dhamma.
17.
Like a she-elephant having cut the bond, I dwell without mental corruptions.
18.
The three true knowledges have been attained, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled.
19.
The six higher knowledges have been realized, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the nun Sumedhā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Sumedhā is first.
2.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Who Gave a Girdle
20.
A girdle was given by me, for the new construction work of the Teacher.
21.
To the sage, the Protector of the World, devoted, with my own hands.
22.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of making a stupa.
23.
24.
25.
Thus the nun Mekhalādāyikā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Mekhalādāyikā is second.
3.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Who Gave a Pavilion
26.
Constantly I gave the three robes to the Buddha, the kinsman of the world.
27.
Everywhere I am venerated, this is the fruit of meritorious action.
28.
29.
30.
Thus the nun Maṇḍapadāyikā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Maṇḍapadāyikā is third.
4.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Who Gave for the Purpose of a Bridge
31.
Proceeding along the road, helping living beings to cross over.
32.
The compassionate Lord of the World stepped upon my head.
33.
By that confidence of mind, I went to Tusita.
34.
35.
36.
Thus the nun Saṅkamanattā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Saṅkamanatthā is fourth.
5.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Who Gave a Reed Garland
37.
I saw the stainless Buddha, the Self-Become One, the unconquered.
38.
Having taken a reed garland, I venerated the Self-Become One.
39.
Having abandoned the kinnarī body, I went to the destination among the deities.
40.
I attained the status of chief queen of ten universal monarchs;
Having caused agitation in my mind, I went forth into homelessness.
41.
With all mental corruptions eliminated, there is now no more rebirth.
42.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of flower-offering.
43.
44.
45.
Thus the Elder Nun Naḷamālikā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Naḷamālikā is fifth.
6.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Who Gave One Almsfood
46.
I was the wife of that king, I lived together with him.
47.
'Indeed there is nothing wholesome done by me to take along when going.
48.
Surely I go to hell, here there is no doubt for me.'
49.
'Give me one ascetic, I will feed him, O warrior.'
50.
Having taken his bowl, I filled it with the finest food.
51.
Having covered it with a net, I concealed it with a pair of cloths.
52.
Having gladdened my mind there, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
53.
What is wished for by my mind, arises as desired.
54.
Having become as if gathered, I wander in the round of rebirths from existence to existence.
55.
With all mental corruptions eliminated, there is now no more rebirth.
56.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of almsfood.
57.
58.
59.
Thus the nun Ekapiṇḍapātadāyikā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Ekapiṇḍapātadāyikā is sixth.
7.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Who Gave a Ladle of Almsfood
60.
Having held up a ladle of almsfood, I gave to the Buddha, the foremost.
61.
The Teacher, standing in the street, gave me thanksgiving.
62.
You will become the chief queen of thirty-six divine kings.
63.
All that is wished for by mind, you will obtain always.
64.
Having fully understood all mental corruptions, she will attain nibbāna, without mental corruptions.'
65.
The hero rose up into the sky, like a king of swans in the firmament.
66.
Having given a ladle of almsfood, I have attained the unshakeable state.
67.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of giving almsfood.
68.
69.
70.
Thus the nun Kaṭacchubhikkhādāyikā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Kaṭacchubhikkhādāyikā is seventh.
8.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Sattuppalamālikā
71.
I was the wife of that king, I prevented what was to be prevented.
72.
Having sat down in the excellent mansion, thus she thought at that very moment.
73.
Better for me is what is planted in the knowledge of the Buddha, the foremost.'
74.
'When the Enlightened by himself comes, I will honour the great sage.'
75.
Together with the Community of monks, the Conqueror came along the street.
76.
Having opened the door, I honoured the foremost Buddha.
77.
Making a canopy, they bear them upon the Buddha's head.
78.
Having gladdened my mind there, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
79.
I waft divine fragrance, this is the fruit of seven water lilies.
80.
As far as my assembly extended, a great canopy was held.
81.
Having been lord everywhere, I wander in the round of rebirths from existence to existence.
82.
All conformed to me, my words were acceptable.
83.
I do not know ugliness, this is the fruit of honouring the Buddha.
84.
Having attained the perfection of direct knowledge, this is the fruit of honouring the Buddha.
85.
Engaged in right striving, this is the fruit of honouring the Buddha.
86.
With all mental corruptions eliminated, there is now no more rebirth.
87.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of honouring the Buddha.
88.
89.
90.
Thus the nun Sattuppalamālikā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Sattuppalamālikā is eighth.
9.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Pañcadīpikā
91.
From park to park, I wander seeking the wholesome.
92.
Having gladdened my mind there, I sat down at the foot of the Bodhi tree.
93.
Having declared my pleasure, thus I thought at that very moment.
94.
Let him show me a miracle, let this Bodhi tree shine forth.'
95.
Entirely made of gold it was, all directions shine brilliantly.
96.
When the seventh day arrived, I made an offering of lamps.
97.
Until the sun rose, my lamps blazed then.
98.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
99.
Sixty yojanas in height, thirty yojanas in width.
100.
As far as the divine abode, it shines with the light of lamps.
101.
Above, below, and across, I see all with my eye.
102.
There is no obstruction, whether in trees or mountains.
103.
Of a hundred universal monarchs, I attained the status of chief queen.
104.
A hundred thousand lamps blaze in my retinue.
105.
While gone into my mother's womb, my eye does not close.
106.
Blaze in the maternity house, this is the fruit of five lamps.
107.
I touched Nibbāna, the ageless, deathless, state of coolness.
108.
The Buddha, Gotama, gave me full ordination, having understood my virtues.
109.
For me dwelling in an empty house, five lamps blaze.
110.
Having attained the perfection of direct knowledge, this is the fruit of five lamps.
111.
Five lamps, O great hero, I pay homage at your feet, O One with Vision.
112.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of five lamps.
113.
114.
115.
Thus the nun Pañcadīpikā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Pañcadīpikā is ninth.
10.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Udakadāyikā
116.
I live by carrying water, by that I support my children.
117.
Having approached the porch, I started the water.
118.
There my divine mansion was well made, fashioned by carrying water.
119.
In ten respects I always outshine all of them.
120.
Of twenty universal monarchs, I attained the status of chief queen.
121.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of giving water.
122.
Whenever I wish for water, I quickly obtain it.
123.
Having understood my thought, a great cloud sheds rain.
124.
Whenever I wished for rain, a great cloud arose.
125.
And no dust is on my body, this is the fruit of giving water.
126.
With all mental corruptions eliminated, there is now no more rebirth.
127.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of giving water.
128.
129.
130.
Thus the nun who gave water spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Udakadāyikā is tenth.
The Sumedhā Chapter is first.
Its summary:
Naḷamālī, the almsfood-giver, the ladle-giver, the lotus-giver.
One hundred verses, and thirty beyond that.