Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.10

The Book of the Fives

Paṭācārā

Plowing the fields,

sowing seeds in the ground,

providing for partners and children,

young men acquire wealth.

I am accomplished in ethics,

and I do the Teacher’s bidding,

being neither lazy nor restless—

why then do I not achieve quenching?

Having washed my feet,

I took note of the water,

seeing the foot-washing water

flowing from high ground to low.

My mind became serene,

like a fine thoroughbred steed.

Then, taking a lamp,

I entered my dwelling,

inspected the bed,

and sat on my cot.

Then, grabbing the pin,

I drew out the wick.

The liberation of my heart

was like the quenching of the lamp.