Thig 5.5 - Verses of the Elder Nanduttarā
Translated by Bhikkhuni Soma
Source: https://suttacentral.net/thig5.5/en/soma
License: CC0-1.0

Verses of the Elder Bhikkhunīs
Chapter of the Fives
Verses of the Elder Nanduttarā
“I used to worship fire, the moon,
the sun, and the Devas.
I would go to the river ford
and descend into the water.
I took on many spiritual practices:
I shaved half of my head,
I set my sleeping place on the ground,
and ate no food at night.
At the same time I enjoyed jewelry and makeup,
I pampered this body
with baths and massages,
afflicted with longing to gratify the senses.
Eventually I acquired faith,
and went forth into homelessness.
After I accurately saw the body,
I uprooted sense-desire.
All states of existence have been cut off,
as well as desire and aspiration.
All bonds unbound,
I have attained peace of mind.”
The Elder Nanduttarā