Thig 5.2 - Vimalā, the Former Courtesan
Translated by Bhikkhu Sujato
Source: https://suttacentral.net/thig5.2/en/sujato
License: CC0-1.0

Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.2
The Book of the Fives
Vimalā, the Former Courtesan
Intoxicated by my appearance,
my figure, my beauty, my fame,
and owing to my youth,
I looked down on others.
I adorned this body
all pretty, lamented by fools,
and stood at the brothel door,
like a hunter setting a snare.
I stripped for them,
revealing my many hidden treasures.
Creating an intricate illusion,
I laughed, teasing those men.
Today, having wandered for alms,
my head shaven, wearing the outer robe,
I sat at the root of a tree to meditate;
I’ve gained freedom from thought.
All yokes are severed,
both human and heavenly.
Having wiped out all defilements,
I have become cooled and quenched.