3.
The Book of the Threes
1.
Verses of the Elder Nun Aparā Sāmā
I do not know of having attained tranquillity of mind at any time.
Then I attained religious emotion, having remembered the Conqueror's Dispensation.
The elimination of craving has been attained, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled;
Today is my seventh night, since when craving was dried up."
... Another Elder Nun Sāmā...
2.
Verses of the Elder Nun Uttamā
Not having gained peace of mind, not having control over my mind.
She taught me the Teaching, the aggregates, sense bases, and elements.
For seven days in a single cross-legged posture, I sat, endowed with joy and happiness;
On the eighth day I stretched out my feet, having shattered the mass of darkness."
... The Elder Nun Uttamā...
3.
Verses of the Elder Nun Aparā Uttamā
All of them were developed by me, as taught by the Buddha.
A legitimate daughter of the Buddha, always delighting in Nibbāna.
The cycle of birth and wandering is eliminated, there is now no more rebirth."
... Another Elder Nun Uttamā...
4.
Verses of the Elder Nun Dantikā
I saw an elephant that had plunged in and emerged, on the riverbank.
The elephant stretched out its foot, the man mounted the elephant.
Thereupon I concentrated my mind, indeed having gone to the forest for that reason."
... The Elder Nun Dantikā...
5.
Verses of the Elder Nun Ubbirī
Eighty-four thousand, all bearing the name Jīvā;
Were cremated at this cremation ground, for which of them do you grieve?"
He who, for me overcome with sorrow, dispelled my grief for my daughter.
I go to the Buddha, the Teaching, and the Community for refuge, the sage."
... The Elder Nun Ubbirī...
6.
Verses of the Elder Nun Sukkā
Who do not attend upon Sukkā, teaching the Buddha's teaching.
The wise drink it, methinks, like travellers from a rain cloud.
Bears her final body, having conquered Māra with his army."
... The Elder Nun Sukkā...
7.
Verses of the Elder Nun Selā
Enjoy sensual delights, do not be one who regrets afterwards."
What you call 'sensual delight', that is now discontent for me.
Know thus, Evil One, you are defeated, O Death."
... The Elder Nun Selā...
8.
Verses of the Elder Nun Somā
That cannot be attained by a woman with her two-finger wisdom."
When knowledge is progressing, rightly seeing the Teaching.
Know thus, Evil One, you are defeated, O Death."
... The Elder Nun Somā...
The Book of Threes is concluded.