The Book of the Ones

An Unnamed Nun (1st)

Homage to him, the blessed one, the perfected one, the fully awakened Buddha!

thig1.1:1 Sleep softly, little nun, wrapped in the cloth you sewed yourself; for your desire has been quelled, like vegetables boiled dry in a pot.

thig1.1:2 That is how this verse was recited by a certain unnamed nun.

The Book of the Ones

Muttā (1st)

thig1.2:1 Muttā, be released from your yokes, like the moon released from the eclipse. When your mind is released, enjoy your alms free of debt.

thig1.2:2 That is how the Buddha regularly advised the trainee nun Muttā with these verses.

The Book of the Ones

Puṇṇā

thig1.3:1 Puṇṇā, be filled with good qualities, like the moon on the fifteenth day. When your wisdom is full, shatter the mass of darkness.

thig1.3:2 That is how this verse was recited by the senior nun Puṇṇā.

The Book of the Ones

Tissā

thig1.4:1 Tissā, train in the trainings— don’t let your yokes overcome you. Unyoked from all yokes, live in the world free of defilements.

The Book of the Ones

Another Tissā

thig1.5:1 Tissā, apply yourself to good qualities— don’t let the moment pass you by. For if you miss your moment, you’ll grieve when sent to hell.

The Book of the Ones

Dhīrā

thig1.6:1 Dhīrā, touch cessation, the blissful settling of perception. Win extinguishment, the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

The Book of the Ones

Vīrā

thig1.7:1 She’s known as Vīrā because of her heroic qualities, a nun with faculties developed. She bears her body to the last, having vanquished Satan with his legions.

The Book of the Ones

Mittā (1st)

thig1.8:1 Having gone forth in faith, appreciate your spiritual friends, Mittā. Develop skillful qualities for the sake of sanctuary from the yoke.

The Book of the Ones

Bhadrā

thig1.9:1 Having gone forth in faith, appreciate your blessings, Bhadrā. Develop skillful qualities for the sake of the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

The Book of the Ones

Upasamā

thig1.10:1 Upasamā, cross the flood, Death’s dominion so hard to pass. When you have vanquished Satan and his legions, bear this body to the last.

The Book of the Ones

Muttā (2nd)

thig1.11:1 I’m well freed, so very well freed, freed from the three things that humped me: the mortar, the pestle, and my humpbacked husband. I’m freed from birth and death; the leash to existence is eradicated.

The Book of the Ones

Dhammadinnā

thig1.12:1 One who is eager and determined would be filled with awareness. Their mind not bound to pleasures of sense, they’re said to be heading upstream.

The Book of the Ones

Visākhā

thig1.13:1 Do the Buddha’s bidding, you won’t regret it. Having quickly washed your feet, sit in a discreet place to meditate.

The Book of the Ones

Sumanā

thig1.14:1 Having seen the elements as suffering, don’t cling to worldly life. When you’ve discarded craving for this world, you will live at peace.

The Book of the Ones

Uttarā (1st)

thig1.15:1 I was restrained in body, speech, and mind. Having plucked out craving, root and all, I’m cooled and quenched.

The Book of the Ones

Sumanā, Who Went Forth Late in Life

thig1.16:1 Sleep softly, old lady, wrapped in the cloth you sewed yourself; for your desire has been quelled, you’re cooled and quenched.

The Book of the Ones

Dhammā

thig1.17:1 I wandered for alms though feeble, leaning on a staff. My limbs wobbled and I fell to the ground right there. Seeing the danger of the body, my mind was freed.

The Book of the Ones

Saṅghā

thig1.18:1 I gave up my home, my child, my cattle, and all that I love, and went forth. And now that I’ve given up desire and hate, dispelled ignorance, and plucked out craving, root and all, I’m at peace, I’m quenched.