Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.1

The Book of the Fives

An Unnamed Nun (2nd)

In the twenty-five years

since I went forth

I have not found peace of mind,

even for as long as a finger-snap.

Failing to find peace of heart,

festering with sensual desire,

I cried with flailing arms

as I entered a dwelling.

I approached a nun

in whom I had faith.

She taught me the Dhamma:

the aggregates, sense fields, and elements.

When I heard her teaching,

I retired to a discreet place.

I know my past lives;

my clairvoyance is purified;

I encompass the minds of others;

my clairaudience is purified;

I’ve realized the psychic powers,

and attained the ending of defilements.

I have realized the six kinds of direct knowledge,

and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.