Verses of the Elder Bhikkhunīs

Chapter of the Sixes

Verses of the Elder Sujātā

“Bejeweled and all dolled up,

wearing flower garlands, scented with sandalwood,

I was completely covered with adornments,

attended by a following of servants.

After taking food and drink,

many tasty dishes and a generous amount of grains,

I left home,

and went to the park.

There I had a good time, played around,

and then went back to my own house.

Since I wanted to see a monastery,

I went into Añjana forest at Sāketa.

There I saw the Buddha, shedding light on the world.

I paid respects and sat down.

The Seer taught me the Dhamma

out of compassion.

After hearing the Great Sage,

I penetrated the truth.

There I touched the stainless Dhamma,

the path to the deathless.

Then, because I had become aware of the true Dhamma,

I went forth into homelessness.

I obtained the three knowledges,

the teaching of the Buddha was not in vain.”

The Elder Sujātā