3.
The Chapter on Kuṇḍalakesī
1.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Kuṇḍalakesā
1.
A hundred thousand cosmic cycles ago from now, the Leader arose.
2.
Radiant with various jewels, endowed with great happiness.
3.
Then, with confidence arisen, I approached the Conqueror for refuge.
4.
Established the nun Subhā as foremost among those of quick direct knowledge."
5.
Having bowed down with my head at his feet, I aspired for that state.
6.
All that will succeed, may you be happy, quenched.'
7.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
8.
Bhaddā Kuṇḍalakesā by name, will be a disciple of the Teacher."
9.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
10.
From there to Nimmānarati, and from there to the city of Vasavatti.
11.
There in each place, I attained the status of chief queen of kings.
12.
And of regional kings, I attained the status of chief queen.
13.
Having been happy everywhere, I wandered in the round of rebirths through many cosmic cycles.
14.
Kassapa by clan, the best of speakers arose.
15.
The King of Kāsi named Kikī, in the best city of Bārāṇasī.
16.
Having heard the Teaching of the foremost Conqueror, I delighted in the going forth.
17.
For twenty thousand years, we wandered untiringly.
18.
Devoted to attending upon the Buddha, joyful were the seven daughters.
19.
Dhammā and Sudhammā, and the seventh Saṅghadāyikā.
20.
Kisāgotamī, Dhammadinnā, Visākhā is the seventh.
21.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
22.
Born in a prosperous millionaire's family, when I was standing in youth.
23.
My father, having released him from murder with a thousand, thereupon.
24.
To him I was devoted, exceedingly beloved and dear.
25.
Having led me to the thieves' precipice, the mountain, he intended murder.
26.
Protecting my own life, I spoke these words.
27.
Take it all, venerable one, and announce me as a slave.'
28.
And I do not directly know wealth brought by having killed.'
29.
And I do not directly know another more dear than you."
30.
And now there is no more meeting of me and you.
31.
A woman too may be wise, discerning here and there.
32.
A woman too may be wise, quickly discerning what is beneficial.
33.
Just as wool a deer, then I killed the flour.
34.
He, of slow wit, is destroyed, like a thief in a mountain cave.
35.
Is freed from the confinement of flour, just as I was from the flour."
36.
Having approached the presence of the white-robed ones, I went forth.
37.
Having gone forth, they explained the teaching continuously.
38.
I thought over that teaching, a dog performing human deeds.
39.
Having seen it, I obtained a sign, that hand swarming with worms.
40.
They said they understand, that matter, the Sakyan monks.
41.
They, having taken me, went to the presence of the Buddha, the foremost.
42.
Foulness, impermanence, and suffering, and non-self," said the Leader.
43.
Then having cognised the Good Teaching, I received the going forth and the full ordination.
44.
Then I became fully ordained, I saw a small amount of water.
45.
Likewise all activities, thus I reflected then.
46.
The Conqueror then made known to me the path of quick direct knowledge.
47.
I know the minds of others, carrying out the Teacher's instruction.
48.
Having exhausted all mental corruptions, I was pure, completely stainless.
49.
The heavy burden has been laid down, the conduit to existence has been uprooted.
50.
That purpose has been attained by me, the destruction of all mental fetters.
51.
My knowledge is spotless, pure, in the Dispensation of the Buddha, the foremost.
52.
Like a she-elephant having cut the bond, I dwell without mental corruptions.
53.
The three true knowledges have been attained, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled.
54.
The six higher knowledges have been realized, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the nun Bhaddākuṇḍalakesā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Kuṇḍalakesā is first.
2.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Kisāgotamī
55.
A hundred thousand cosmic cycles ago from now, the Leader arose.
56.
Having approached that excellent man, I went for refuge.
57.
Sweet, of supreme gratification, bringing the happiness of peace from the round of rebirths.
58.
Placing her in the foremost position, praised the nun who wore coarse robes.
59.
Having done service to the Buddha, according to ability, according to strength.
60.
The One Enlightened by himself, the Leader, gave thanks for the attainment of that state.
61.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
62.
Kisāgotamī by name, will be a disciple of the Teacher."
63.
With a mind of friendliness I tended, with requisites, the Guide.
64.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
65.
Kassapa by clan, the best of speakers arose.
66.
The King of Kāsi named Kikī, in the best city of Bārāṇasī.
67.
Having heard the Teaching of the foremost Conqueror, I delighted in the going forth.
68.
For twenty thousand years, we wandered untiringly.
69.
Devoted to attending upon the Buddha, joyful were the seven daughters.
70.
Dhammā and Sudhammā, and the seventh Saṅghadāyikā.
71.
And I and Dhammadinnā, Visākhā is the seventh.
72.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
73.
When it had become poor, without wealth, ruined, I went to a wealthy family.
74.
But when I had given birth, I was beloved by all then.
75.
Pleasant to me like life itself, then he went under Yama's control.
76.
Having taken up the dead corpse, lamenting, I went.
77.
I said, 'Give medicine for reviving my son, friend.'
78.
Said the Conqueror, skilled in the means of monastic discipline.
79.
Whence mustard seed? Therefore, from that I obtained mindfulness.
80.
Having seen me from afar, he with the sweet voice spoke.
81.
Better is the life of one day, of one seeing rise and fall.
82.
For the whole world including the gods, this alone is the principle, namely impermanence.'
83.
Then having cognised the Good Teaching, I went forth into homelessness.
84.
Not long after, I attained arahantship.
85.
I know the minds of others, carrying out the Teacher's instruction.
86.
Having exhausted all mental corruptions, I was pure, completely stainless.
87.
The heavy burden has been laid down, the conduit to existence has been uprooted.
88.
That purpose has been attained by me, the destruction of all mental fetters.
89.
My knowledge is spotless, pure, owing to the Buddha, the foremost.
90.
From that having made a double robe, I wear a coarse robe.
91.
The great leader established me in the foremost position, in the assemblies.
92.
93.
94.
Thus the nun Kisāgotamī spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Kisāgotamī is second.
3.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Dhammadinnā
95.
A hundred thousand cosmic cycles ago from now, the Leader arose.
96.
I was a worker for others, prudent, restrained by morality.
97.
Having gone forth from the dwelling, goes for almsfood.
98.
Having seen him, I gave a cake, devoted, with my own hands.
99.
Then having led him to the house, I gave food to him.
100.
Having gone together with my mother-in-law, I paid respect to the Enlightened by himself.
101.
Established her in the foremost position, having heard that, I was joyful.
102.
Having given a great gift, I aspired for that state.
103.
'To one delighting in my attendance, serving food together with the Community.
104.
Dear lady, be joyful, you will obtain the fruit of your aspiration.
105.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
106.
Dhammadinnā by name, will be a disciple of the Teacher."
107.
With a mind of friendliness I tended, with requisites, the Guide.
108.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
109.
Kassapa by clan, the best of speakers arose.
110.
The King of Kāsi named Kikī, in the best city of Bārāṇasī.
111.
Having heard the Teaching of the foremost Conqueror, I delighted in the going forth.
112.
For twenty thousand years, we wandered untiringly.
The third recitation section.
113.
Devoted to attending upon the Buddha, joyful were the seven daughters.
114.
Dhammā and Sudhammā, and the seventh Saṅghadāyikā.
115.
Gotamī and I myself, Visākhā is the seventh.
116.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
117.
Born in a prosperous millionaire's family, abounding in all sensual pleasures.
118.
Then having gone to another's family, I dwelt, devoted to happiness.
119.
My husband, of great wisdom, has attained the fruition of non-returning.
120.
Not long after, I attained arahantship.
121.
Profound and subtle questions, all those I answered.
122.
'I do not see another nun who is a Teaching-preacher such as this.'
123.
"Thus I am wise, shown compassion by the leader.
124.
The heavy burden has been laid down, the conduit to existence has been uprooted.
125.
That purpose has been attained by me, the destruction of all mental fetters.
126.
I know the minds of others, carrying out the Teacher's instruction.
127.
Having exhausted all mental corruptions, I was pure, completely stainless.
128.
129.
130.
Thus the nun Dhammadinnā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Dhammadinnā is third.
4.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Sakulā
131.
A hundred thousand cosmic cycles ago from now, the Leader arose.
132.
For the benefit of those including the gods, the remarkable man is practicing.
133.
Venerated by the whole world, renowned in all directions.
134.
With mind and thought fulfilled, he attained the highest enlightenment.
135.
And the undeclared he declared, and the unproduced he produced.
136.
The Teacher skilled in the path, the most excellent among charioteers.
137.
He lifts up living beings sunk in the mire of sensual pleasure.
138.
Handsome and wealthy too, beloved and glorious.
139.
And also the half-sister of the one named Padumuttara.
140.
Having approached the great hero, I heard the teaching of the Dhamma.
141.
Praising her in the midst of the assembly, established her in the foremost position.
142.
And having venerated the Enlightened by himself, I aspired to the divine eye.
143.
This is the well-determined fruit of the gift of lamps and the Teaching.
144.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
145.
Sakulā by name, will be a disciple of the Teacher."
146.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
147.
Kassapa by clan, the best of speakers arose.
148.
Having wandered about for alms, I obtained just a little oil.
149.
The shrine of the highest of bipeds, with a clear mind.
150.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
151.
Great lamps blaze forth for me, wherever I have gone.
152.
I see whatever I wish, this is the fruit of giving a lamp.
153.
And I am endowed with faith and wisdom, this is the fruit of giving a lamp.
154.
In one abundant in wealth and grain, joyful, honoured by the king.
155.
At the city entrance, standing at the window, I saw the Fortunate One.
156.
Accomplished in features, adorned with characteristics.
157.
Not long after, I attained arahantship.
158.
I know the minds of others, carrying out the Teacher's instruction.
159.
Having exhausted all mental corruptions, I was pure, completely stainless.
160.
The heavy burden has been laid down, the conduit to existence has been uprooted.
161.
That purpose has been attained by me, the destruction of all mental fetters.
162.
Foremost among those with the divine eye, Sakulā," said the highest of men.
163.
164.
165.
Thus the nun Sakulā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Sakulā is fourth.
5.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Nandā
166.
A hundred thousand cosmic cycles ago from now, the Leader arose.
167.
The Buddha, skilled in teaching, helped many people to cross.
168.
He established all the sectarians who had arrived in the five precepts.
169.
Decorated with Worthy Ones, by those who had become masters, by such ones.
170.
Resembling the radiance of gold, possessing the thirty-two excellent characteristics.
171.
Remaining for that long, he helped many people to cross.
172.
Radiant with various jewels, endowed with great happiness.
173.
The Deathless, of supreme gratification, the announcer of ultimate reality.
174.
Having given to him a great gift, devoted, with my own hands.
175.
Having bowed down with my head to the wise one, the leader of the world together with the Community.
176.
The trainer of men declared, 'You will obtain that which is well wished for.'
177.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
178.
Nandā by name, will be a disciple of the Teacher."
179.
With a mind of friendliness I tended, with requisites, the Guide.
180.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
181.
From there to Nimmānarati, and from there to the city of Vasavatti.
182.
There in each place, I attained the status of chief queen of kings.
183.
And of regional kings, I attained the status of chief queen.
184.
Having been happy everywhere, I wandered in the round of rebirths through many cosmic cycles.
185.
I was the blameless daughter of King Suddhodana.
186.
Therefore my name is Nandā, it was beautiful and excellent.
187.
In that charming city, having set aside that Yasodhara.
188.
I alone remained a householder, urged on by my mother.
189.
Being without Nanda too, why do you remain in the house?
190.
But health ends in disease, life ends in death.
191.
An ornament among decorations, resembling a cluster of glory.
192.
Producing fame for the meritorious, the delight of the Okkāka clan.
193.
Having left the house, out of compassion, practise the blameless teaching.'
194.
With body but not with mind, being charmed by beauty and youth.
195.
My mother speaks of doing, but I am not zealous for that.
196.
For the purpose of disenchantment with matter, the Conqueror appeared in my range of vision.
197.
Beautiful to behold, very lovely, and more handsome than me.
198.
I thought 'this is fruitful for me', and the gaining of eyes as a human.
199.
Tell me your family, name and clan, if it is dear to you.
200.
My limbs are sinking, let me sleep for a moment."
201.
On her forehead fell one who was greedy, extremely cruel.
202.
And having burst, they oozed, corpse-like, with pus and blood.
203.
Swollen and discoloured, and also the body full of pus.
204.
Experiencing her own suffering, lamented pitiably.
205.
I am sunk in great suffering, be a refuge to me, friend.'
206.
Your lips like excellent copper-coloured bimba fruit, where has your face gone?
207.
Your ears, like swinging ornaments, have become discoloured.
208.
Broken open, putrid corpses, having reached the utmost foul odour.
209.
Born filled with impurity, alas, such form is not eternal.
210.
Loathsome like a cemetery, where fools delight."
211.
Having seen me with an agitated mind, spoke these verses.
212.
Develop the mind towards foulness, fully focused, well concentrated.
213.
Foul-smelling and putrid it blows, delighted in by the foolish.
214.
Then with your own wisdom, having broken through, you shall see."
215.
Standing right there, being peaceful, I attained arahantship.
216.
The Conqueror, satisfied with that virtue, established me in the foremost position.
217.
218.
219.
Thus the nun Nandā, the most beautiful girl in the country, spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Nandā is fifth.
6.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Soṇā
220.
A hundred thousand cosmic cycles ago from now, the Leader arose.
221.
Having approached that excellent sage, I heard the sweet speech.
222.
Having heard that, having become joyful, having done service to the Teacher.
223.
The great hero gave thanks, 'May your aspiration succeed.
224.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
225.
Soṇā by name, will be a disciple of the Teacher."
226.
With a mind of friendliness I tended, with requisites, the Guide.
227.
Having abandoned the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
228.
In the excellent city of Sāvatthī, prosperous, opulent, of great riches.
229.
Gave birth to ten children, handsome distinctively.
230.
Pleasing even to enemies, how much more dear are they to me.
231.
My husband went forth, in the Dispensation of the god of gods.
232.
Abandoned by husband and sons, and old, a wretched woman.'
233.
Having thus reflected, I went forth into homelessness.
234.
Going for the exhortation, 'Heat the water,' thus.
235.
Having placed it on the stove, seated, thereupon I concentrated my mind.
236.
Having exhausted all mental corruptions, I attained arahantship.
237.
Having determined upon the heat element, I quickly heated the water.
238.
Having heard that, the joyful protector spoke this verse.
239.
Better is the life of one day, of one who firmly arouses energy.'
240.
That great sage said I was foremost among those putting forth strenuous energy.
241.
242.
243.
Thus the nun Soṇā spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Soṇā is sixth.
7.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Bhaddakāpilānī
244.
A hundred thousand cosmic cycles ago from now, the Leader arose.
245.
A millionaire with abundant wealth, I was his wife.
246.
Heard the teaching of the Buddha, which dispels all suffering and fear.
247.
Having heard, having given a week-long gift to the Buddha, such a one.
248.
He, the bull among men, gladdening the assembly then.
249.
'You will obtain the wished for state, be one with passion quenched, dear son.
250.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
251.
Kassapa by clan, will be a disciple of the Teacher.'
252.
With a mind of friendliness he tended, with requisites, the Guide.
253.
And having trained those fit to be trained, he, together with his disciples, attained final Nibbāna.
254.
Having brought together relatives and friends, together with them he made an offering.
255.
Blazing like the sun with a hundred rays, like a fully blossomed king of sal trees.
256.
Shining like a fire of reeds, with the seven jewels.
257.
For the purpose of venerating the great sage, compassionate towards all beings.
258.
Filled with jewels indeed, for the purpose of venerating the great sage.
259.
They outshine in beauty, like the sun in autumn.
260.
Raised delightful planks shine, made of jewels.
261.
Banners hoisted, the jewels shine brilliantly.
262.
It outshines in beauty, like the sun at evening.
263.
One with red arsenic, and one with eye ointment.
264.
He gave a gift to the Community, for as long as life, according to his strength.
265.
Having done so for as long as life, together they went to a fortunate destination.
266.
Like a shadow with the body, together with that very one I wandered in the round of rebirths.
267.
Arose, lovely to behold, one with insight into all phenomena.
268.
Being wealthy in virtue, but very poor in riches.
269.
Sometimes that excellent twice-born one met with the great sage.
270.
Having heard the Teaching, greatly delighted, he gave a single cloth.
271.
'Rejoice in the great merit, the cloth given to the Buddha'.
272.
'The cloth is well given, my lord, to the Buddha, the foremost, such a one.'
273.
In the charming city of Bārāṇasī, there was a king, a lord of the earth.
274.
I was beloved to him, through former affection for my husband.
275.
Having seen them, being greatly delighted, having given very precious almsfood.
276.
A bowl made by smiths, golden, indeed of such size.
277.
To those seated on golden seats, devoted, with his own hands.
278.
Again I in Bārāṇasī, was born in a Kāsika village.
279.
I was the wife of the eldest brother, a devoted wife.
280.
Having given him a portion of food, when he came I spoke to him.
281.
Having brought that food in a pot, he gave it again to that very one.
282.
That bowl filled with mud, I gave to such a one.
283.
Having seen his face with equanimous mind, then I was stirred exceedingly.
284.
With a confident mind, having filled it, I gave ghee and sugar.
285.
But with foul-smelling speech owing to injury to the Buddha.
286.
I gave an excellent golden brick, joyful.
287.
Freed from the fault of bad odour, well-endowed with all limbs.
288.
Having made them filled with ghee, and wicks by the thousands.
289.
For the purpose of honouring the Protector of the World, with a clear mind.
290.
Again born among the Kāsis, renowned as Sumitta.
291.
Then to the solitary sage, I gave a thick head-wrap.
292.
Again in the Kāsi country, born of the Koliya clan.
293.
He attended upon five hundred Paccekabuddhas.
294.
His wife then I was, following the path of meritorious action.
295.
I was also his chief queen, endowed with all sensual pleasures.
296.
Of the sons of Padumavatī, the solitary sages then.
297.
Having housed them in a royal garden, and I worshipped those who were quenched.
298.
Having developed the boundless states, we went to the Brahma world.
299.
His mother was Sumanadevī, his father a twice-born of the Kosiya clan.
300.
I was the daughter of Kappila, a brahmin, my mother was Sucīmatī.
301.
Gave me to Kassapa the wise, to his hermitage, one who had renounced sensual pleasures.
302.
Having seen living beings being eaten by crows and so on, he was stirred.
303.
Worms being eaten by crows, I then gained a sense of urgency.
304.
For five rains retreats I dwelt, I as a wandering ascetic.
305.
Then I, having approached her, was advised by the Buddha.
306.
Oh, the good friendship of the glorious Kassapa!
307.
He who knows past lives, and sees heaven and the realms of misery.
308.
By these three true knowledges, one becomes a possessor of the threefold true knowledge, a brahmin.
309.
Bears her final body, having conquered Māra with his mount.
310.
We are ones who have eliminated the mental corruptions, tamed, become cool, quenched.
311.
312.
313.
Thus the nun Bhaddā Kāpilānī spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Bhaddakāpilānī is seventh.
8.
The Life History of the Senior Nun Yasodharā
314.
On an excellent mountain slope, while the leader of men was dwelling.
315.
For the nun Yasodharā, thus was the reflection.
316.
Well-known great elders, and elder nuns of great supernormal power.
317.
While the Lord of the World was still living, I too attained the safe state.
318.
Having seen the life principle, on that very day gone to destruction.
319.
She, honoured by nuns, by hundreds of thousands.
320.
Having paid respect to the One Enlightened by himself, at the wheel-characteristic of the Teacher;
Seated on one side, she spoke these words.
321.
Having reached the mountain slope, I inform you, great sage.
322.
Leaving you, I shall go, I have made myself my own refuge.
323.
Tonight, O great hero, I shall attain peace.
324.
I shall go to the city without ageing and death, the unconditioned.
325.
Not knowing any offence, being patient in the presence of the sage.
326.
I inform you, O great hero, forgive my offence.'
327.
"What further shall I say to you, who are going to Nibbāna.
328.
Cut off the doubt of all the assemblies, as far as they extend.'
329.
Having paid homage to that king of sages, spoke these words.
330.
Born in the Sakyan clan, established in a woman's form.
331.
In the house, I, O hero, was the chief of all, the lord.
332.
All pay homage to me, humans as if to a deity.
333.
Sharing the same happiness and suffering, like deities in the Nandana grove.
334.
There is none similar in matter, except for the leader of the world.
335.
Many of various kinds, he also displayed great supernormal power.
336.
Both wings as two islands, Jambudīpa from the body.
337.
The moon and the sun are the eyes, and from Mount Meru the crest.
338.
Flying towards and approaching, they pay homage to the leader of the world.
339.
The moon, the sun, Meru, and the appearance of Sakka he showed.
340.
With a full-blown lotus, he covered a thousand world systems.
341.
I am Yasodharā, O hero, I pay homage at your feet, O One with Vision.
342.
In the knowledge of others' mental states, I am a master, O great sage.
343.
With all mental corruptions eliminated, there is now no more rebirth.
344.
Knowledge for me, O great hero, has arisen in your presence.
345.
Much aspiration of mine, for your benefit, O great sage.
346.
For your benefit, O great hero, merit was accumulated by me.
347.
For your benefit, O great hero, life was sacrificed by me.
348.
I am not displeased therein, for your benefit, O great sage.
349.
I am not displeased therein, for your benefit, O great sage.
350.
I am not displeased therein, for your benefit, O great sage.
351.
They will bring release from fear, I give my life.
352.
Women's adornments I do not conceal, for your benefit, O great sage.
353.
Field, sons and daughters, have been given up, O great sage.
354.
For your benefit, O great hero, given up innumerable times.
355.
I do not see displeasure in me, while giving the highest gift.
356.
For your benefit, O great hero, was undergone, incalculable.
357.
I am balanced everywhere, for your benefit, O great sage.
358.
Having experienced happiness and suffering, the great sage attained enlightenment.
359.
The meeting with other lords of the world was much by me.
360.
While seeking the Buddha's teachings, I was your attendant.
361.
Dīpaṅkara, the great hero, arose as the leader of the world.
362.
They clean the path for his coming, with satisfied minds.
363.
And he prepared the path for the coming of the All-Seeing One.
364.
Sumittā by name, I approached the assembly.
365.
Having taken them, in the midst of the people, I saw the sage risen high.
366.
Having seen, then I imagined my life to be fruitful.
367.
Through former action, my mind became confident in the Enlightened by himself.
368.
I see nothing else to give, I give you flowers, O sage.
369.
Together with that let them be equal, for the sake of your enlightenment, O seer."
The fourth recitation section.
370.
He honoured in the midst of the people, for the sake of enlightenment, the great sage.
371.
The great hero declared concerning the sage with uplifted mind.
372.
Explained my action, my uprightness, the great sage.
373.
She will be dear by action, for your benefit, O great sage.
374.
His heir in the teachings, she will dwell with supernormal power.
375.
So this one will guard wholesome mental states.
376.
Like a lion having broken through a cage, he will attain enlightenment.'
377.
Rejoicing in that speech, I became one who acts thus.
378.
Having experienced the realm of gods and humans, incalculable.
379.
When the final existence was attained, I was born in a Sakyan family.
380.
I am accomplished in all qualities, greatly honoured among families.
381.
And my mind is not afflicted, I dwell free from fear from any quarter.
382.
Before the warriors, O hero, he pointed out the benefit.
383.
The woman who shows what is beneficial, and the woman who is compassionate.
384.
To those gods of gods, I carried on the great giving.
385.
Eleven hundred ten millions, twelve ten millions of Buddhas.
386.
My aspiration was great, King of the Dhamma, listen to me.
387.
To those gods of gods, I carried on the great giving.
388.
Four thousand ten millions, and five thousand ten millions.
389.
My aspiration was great, King of the Dhamma, listen to me.
390.
To those gods of gods, I carried on the great giving.
391.
Eight thousand million Buddhas, and nine thousand million too.
392.
My aspiration was great, King of the Dhamma, listen to me.
393.
To those gods of gods, I carried on the great giving.
394.
Nine thousand koṭis, other lords of the world.
395.
My aspiration was great, King of the Dhamma, listen to me.
396.
Eighty-five hundred crores, and thirty-seven crores.
397.
My aspiration was great, King of the Dhamma, listen to me.
398.
My aspiration was great, King of the Dhamma, listen to me.
399.
My aspiration was great, King of the Dhamma, listen to me.
400.
One who practises the Teaching sleeps happily, in this world and the next.
401.
One who practises the Teaching sleeps happily, in this world and the next.
402.
With a retinue of a thousand, having gone forth, owning nothing.
403.
Before a fortnight had passed, I attained the four truths.
404.
Many people bring, like waves to the ocean.
405.
406.
407.
408.
Having attained the state of purification, I obtain the accomplishment of all.
409.
They become endowed with friendship, the unconditioned state of Nibbāna.
410.
All my action is eliminated, I pay homage at your feet, O One with Vision."
Thus the nun Yasodharā spoke these verses in the presence of the Blessed One.
The Life History of the Elder Nun Yasodharā is eighth.
9.
The Life History of Ten Thousand Nuns Headed by Yasodharā
411.
The Conqueror named Dīpaṅkara, the leader of the world, arose.
412.
Sumedha and Sumitta, as sharing the same happiness and suffering.
413.
For their praise, having approached us at the assembly.
414.
All of us will be your wives, agreeable and speaking kindly.
415.
And all of ours for a long time, has been given up, O great sage.
416.
Whatever was wished for, all was given up by the great sage.
417.
For a long time all of ours, has been given up, O great sage.
418.
Having experienced lordship, having wandered in the round of rebirths from existence to existence.
419.
Reborn in various families, a nymph of sensual appearance.
420.
Obtainers of food and drink, we are always revered.
421.
Before a fortnight had passed, we all attained the final bliss.
422.
All requisites come to them, always honoured and revered.
423.
424.
425.
Thus ten thousand nuns headed by Yasodharā spoke these verses in the presence of the Blessed One.
The Life History of Ten Thousand Nuns headed by Yasodharā is ninth.
10.
The Life History of Eighteen Thousand Nuns Headed by Yasodharā
426.
Headed by Yasodharā, approached the Enlightened by himself.
427.
They pay homage at the sage's feet, they report according to their strength.
428.
We go to the state without mental corruptions, peaceful, the Deathless, O leader.
429.
Not knowing any offence, be patient with us, O great leader.
430.
Cut off the doubt of all the assemblies, as far as they extend.
431.
All were your wives, O great hero, in the house.
432.
In the house, we, O hero, were the chief of all, the lords.
433.
All pay homage to us, humans as if to a deity.
434.
Thousands of Yasodharās, eminent and lords then.
435.
There is none similar in matter, among thousands, O great sage.
436.
Many of various kinds, they also displayed great supernormal power.
437.
Both wings as two islands, Jambudīpa from the body.
438.
The moon and the sun are the eyes, and from Mount Meru the crest.
439.
Flying towards and approaching, they pay homage to the leader of the world.
440.
The moon and the sun, Meru, and the appearance of Sakka they showed.
441.
Through your long-lasting radiance, we have been produced, O leader of men.
442.
In the knowledge of others' mental states, I was a master, O great sage.
443.
With all mental corruptions eliminated, there is now no more rebirth.
444.
Knowledge for us, O great hero, arisen in your presence.
445.
Many aspirations of ours, for your benefit, O great sage.
446.
For your benefit, O great hero, merits were accumulated by us.
447.
For your benefit, O great hero, our lives were given up.
448.
We were not displeased therein, for your benefit, O great sage.
449.
We were not displeased therein, for your benefit, O great sage.
450.
We were not displeased therein, for your benefit, O great sage.
451.
We shall bring release from fear, we gave up our lives.
452.
Women's goods we do not conceal, for your benefit, O great sage.
453.
Field, sons and daughters, have been given up, O great sage.
454.
For your benefit, O great hero, given up beyond counting.
455.
We do not see displeasure in us, while giving the highest gift.
456.
For your benefit, O great hero, was undergone, incalculable.
457.
We are balanced everywhere, for your benefit, O great sage.
458.
Having experienced happiness and suffering, the great sage attained enlightenment.
459.
The meeting with other lords of the world was not much by them.
460.
While seeking the Buddha's teachings, we were your attendants.
461.
Dīpaṅkara, the great hero, arose as the leader of the world.
462.
They clean the path for his coming, with satisfied minds.
463.
And he prepared the path for the coming of the All-Seeing One.
464.
We brought flowers born on land and in water to the assembly.
465.
The great hero declared concerning the sage with uplifted mind.
466.
When praising his action, concerning the sage with uplifted mind.
467.
Having venerated various articles worthy of homage, they aspired.
468.
Those who are wished for today, they will be present.
469.
Rejoicing in that speech, we became ones who act thus.
470.
Having experienced the realm of gods and humans, incalculable.
471.
When the final existence was attained, we were born in a Sakyan family.
472.
Accomplished in all qualities, greatly honoured among families.
473.
And our minds are not afflicted, we dwell free from fear from any quarter.
474.
Before the warriors, O hero, he pointed out the benefit.
475.
The woman who shows what is beneficial, and the woman who is compassionate.
476.
One who practises the Teaching sleeps happily, in this world and the next.
477.
Before a fortnight had passed, we attained the four truths.
478.
Many bring to us, like waves to the ocean.
479.
Like she-elephants having cut the bond, we dwell without mental corruptions.
480.
The three true knowledges have been attained, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled.
481.
The six higher knowledges have been realized, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
482.
Having attained the state of purification, we obtain the accomplishment of all.
483.
They become endowed with friendship, the unconditioned state of Nibbāna.
484.
All our action too is eliminated, we pay homage at your feet, O One with Vision.
485.
For having stilled the fault of the conditioned, you have reached the Deathless state."
Thus eighteen thousand nuns headed by Yasodharā spoke these verses in the presence of the Blessed One.
The Life History of Eighteen Thousand Nuns headed by Yasodharā is tenth.
The Kuṇḍalakesī Chapter is third.
Its summary:
Varanandā and Soṇā, Kāpilānī and Yasodharā.
Four hundred verses, and seventy-six.