“Vaḍḍha, please never ever get snarled in the world. My child, do not partake in suffering again and again.
For happy dwell the sages, Vaḍḍha, unstirred, their doubts cut off, cooled and tamed, and free of defilements.
Vaḍḍha, foster the path that the seers have walked, for the attainment of vision, and for making an end of suffering.”
“Mother, you speak with such assurance to me on this matter. My dear mom, I can’t help thinking that no snarls are found in you.”
“Vaḍḍha, not a jot or a skerrick of snarl is found in me for any conditions at all, whether low, high, or middling.
All defilements are ended for me, meditating and diligent. I’ve attained the three knowledges and fulfilled the Buddha’s instructions.”
“Oh so excellent was the goad my mother spurred me with! Owing to her compassion, she spoke verses on the ultimate goal.
On hearing her words, advised by my mother, I was struck with righteous urgency for the sake of sanctuary from the yoke.
Striving, resolute, tireless all day and night, urged on by my mother, I realized supreme peace.
Vaḍḍha’s Mother
Thig 9.1 · Vaḍḍhamātutherīgāthā
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.