[36. Abhirūpanandā^[1]]

Ninety-one aeons ago the
Leader, whose name was Vipassi,
arose, the One Good to Look At,^[2]
the One with Eyes for Everything. (1) [1246]

I was then in Bandhumatī,
born in a large clan, prosperous
[and] rich; beautiful and held dear,
I am worshipped^[3] by^[4] the people. (2) [1247]

Having approached the Great Hero,
Vipassi, Leader of the World,
hearing the Teaching, I went for
refuge [in] the Leader of Men. (3) [1248]

Having been restrained in morals,
when the Best Man^[5] reached nirvana,
I offered^[6] a gold umbrella
on top of the relic-stupa. (4) [1249]

I’m freely generous, moral
as long as life; fallen from there,
discarding [my] human body,
I went to Tāvatiṃsa [then]. (5) [1250]

In ten ways I was outshining
[all the] other [gods who lived there]:
through shapes [and] sounds [and] fragrances,
through tastes and the [things that I] touch, (6) [1251]

in terms of lifespan, complexion,
happiness and famousness too
[and] likewise through supreme power
I shone, having attained [those ten]. (7) [1252]

And now, in [my] final rebirth,
I’m born in Kapilavastu.^[7]
I’m well-known [by the] name Nandā,
the Śākyan Khemaka’s daughter. (8) [1253]

The nickname^[8] “Very Beautiful”^[9]
indicated my loveliness;^[10]
when I had attained discretion,
[I’m] adorned with gorgeous beauty.^[11] (9) [1254]

Then there was a very big fight^[12]
over me^[13] among the Śākyans.
Then [my] father had me ordained,
“don’t let the Śākyas be destroyed.”^[14] (10) [1255]

Going forth like that, having heard
that the Supreme Man hates^[15] beauty,
I did not approach [the Buddha,]
bring proud about my beauty. (11) [1256]

Not even going for advice,
I’m afraid to see the Buddha.
Then the Victor had me led to
his presence by means of a trick. (12) [1257]

Clever in the Path, [the Buddha]
made three [different] women appear
with forms like celestial nymphs:
[one] young, [one] diseased, [the third] dead. (13) [1258]

Seeing them, very moved, I was
freed from delighting in bodies.
I stood [there,] weary of being,
then the Leader said [this] to me: (14) [1259]

“Nandā, see this complex heap^[16] as
diseased, disgusting [and] putrid.
It is oozing and it’s dripping,
the delight of foolish people. (15) [1260]

With one-pointed focus, steadfast,
fix your mind on impurity.
Just as is this, so too is that;
just as is that, so too is this. (16) [1261]

Considering that in this way,
industrious by night and day,
you will see with your own wisdom,
having turned away in disgust.” (17) [1262]

Not delaying in that [purpose,]
thinking^[17] [it all] through thoroughly,
I saw this body as it is,
on the inside and the outside. (18) [1263]

Then I’m disgusted with bodies,
and inwardly free of passion;
not negligent, no longer yoked,
at peace, and [I’ve reached] nirvana. (19) [1264]

I’ve mastered the superpowers
[like] the “divine ear” element.
I’m also a master, Great Sage,^[18]
of the knowledge in others’ hearts. (20) [1265]

I remember [my] former lives;
[my] “divine eye” is purified.
All the defilements are destroyed;
[I] will not be reborn again. (21) [1266]

In meaning and in the Teaching,
etymology and preaching,
[this] knowledge of mine was produced
in your presence, O Great Hero. (22) [1267]

My defilements are [now] burnt up;
all [new] existence is destroyed.
Like elephants with broken chains,
I am living without constraint. (23) [1268]

Being in Best Buddha’s presence
was a very good thing for me.
The three knowledges are attained;
[I have] done what the Buddha taught! (24) [1269]

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
[I have] done what the Buddha taught! (25) [1270]

Thus indeed the bhikkhunī Abhirūpanandā spoke these verses.

The legend of Abhirūpanandā Therī^[19] is finished