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← Therīgāthā

Upacālā

Thig 7.3 · Upacālātherīgāthā

A rounded grassy ridge curving between two misted valleys.

“A nun with faculties developed, mindful, seeing clearly, I penetrated that peaceful state, which reprobates do not cultivate.”

“Why don’t you approve of rebirth? When you’re born, you get to enjoy sensual pleasures. Enjoy erotic delights; don’t regret it later.”

“Death comes to those who are born; and when born they fall into suffering: the chopping off of hands and feet, killing, caging, misery.

But there is one born in the Sakyan clan, awakened and undefeated. He taught me the Dhamma for transcending rebirth:

suffering, suffering’s origin, suffering’s transcendence, and the noble eightfold path that leads to the stilling of suffering.

After hearing his words, I happily did his bidding. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.

Relishing is banished in every respect, and the mass of darkness is shattered. So know this, Wicked One: you’re beaten, terminator!”

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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.