In the past I worshiped the sacred flame, the moon, the sun, and the gods. Having gone to a river ford, I plunged into the water.
Undertaking many vows, I shaved half my head. Preparing a bed on the ground, I ate no food at night.
I loved my ornaments and decorations; and with baths and oil-massages, I pandered to this body, racked by desire for pleasures of the senses.
But then I gained faith, and went forth to homelessness. Truly seeing the body, desire for sensual pleasure is eradicated.
All rebirths are cut off, wishes and aspirations too. Unyoked from all yokes, I’ve found peace of mind.
Nanduttarā
Thig 5.5 · Nanduttarātherīgāthā
Connections
Collection & context
- TherīgāthāThe collection containing this text
- The Pāli canonCanonical collection in which this edition is preserved
- Theravāda traditionsTransmission and study context
- The early Buddhist communityHistorical and traditional setting
About this edition
Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato and Jessica Walton · SuttaCentral · CC0
This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.
Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.
The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.