Verses of the Senior Nuns 7.1
The Book of the Sevens
Uttarā (2nd)
“Taking a pestle,
young men pound grain.
Providing for partners and children,
young men acquire wealth.
Work at the Buddha’s bidding,
you won’t regret it.
Having quickly washed your feet,
sit in a discreet place to meditate.
Establish the mind,
unified and serene.
Examine conditions
as alien, not as self.”
“After hearing her words,
the instructions of Paṭācārā,
I washed my feet
and retired to a discreet place.
In the first watch of the night,
I recollected my past lives.
In the middle watch of the night,
I purified my clairvoyance.
In the last watch of the night,
I shattered the mass of darkness.
I rose up master of the three knowledges:
your bidding has been done.
I shall abide honoring you
as the Thirty gods honor Sakka,
undefeated in battle.
Master of the three knowledges,