Therigatha: Poems by early Buddhist nuns
View(s):- Unduvap Poya falls on Thursday
By Udumbara Udugama
Unduvap Full Moon Poya is very significant for Buddhists in Sri Lanka, more so for women as Arahant Sanghamitta Theri arrived in Sri Lanka with a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi from India, to be presented to King Devanampiyatissa. With the Theri’s arrival, the Bhikkhuni (nuns) order (Sasana) was established in the country.
In ancient India during the time of the Buddha, Brahmins felt that women could not be equated with men. They were not given a place in social, spiritual and religious activities and were considered to be on par with the Susdras, the lowest caste, according to the Brahmins. But with the arrival of Buddhism around the 5th-6th century BCE, the status of women changed. Buddha said, “Both men and women possess the same spiritual capacity to achieve Nirvana.”
With the spread of the Buddha Dhamma, the Bhikkhu (almsmen) order was established and six years later, the Bhikkhuni (nuns – almswomen) order was established in India.
After listening to the Buddha Dhamma, women from diverse social backgrounds entered the monastic life and attained enlightenment as Arahants. It was not easy for them to obtain the permission of their guardians – parents and husbands – to leave their homes and lead a life of non-attachment.
A slim book, an anthology of poems known as Therigatha was written by the earliest Buddhist women, the Senior Nuns (Theris). Many of the verses express the struggle they experienced during their lay life. These verses are highly suggestive of the improved status of women under Buddhism. The Order was opened to widows, matrons as well as to the unmarried.
Only 73 identifiable Theris (nuns) appear in the text. They are believed to be from different social standings.
Royal and noble entrants - 23
Entrants from families of great merchants – 13
Entrants from eminent Brahmin families - 7
Entrants from lesser Brahmin families - 9
Entrants from poor Brahmin families – 2
Entrants from other castes - 4
Entrants from castes not given – 11
Courtesans - 4
(I.B. Horner, Women Under Primitive Buddhism, 1930, London)
Therigatha, the poems were originally passed down orally in the Maghadi language and later written in the Pali language.
Bhaddha of the Kapilas, from a Brahmin family became famous for her memories of former lives and her religious discourses. Nanduttara was converted from Jainism to Buddhism by Mahamoggalana. Sakula had the gift of higher vision.
Sundari had made many converts including her kinsfolk. She had to face a great struggle with her mother to obtain her consent to join the order. Sundari’s younger brother had died recently and her grief-stricken father met the Buddha to find solace. Listening to the Dhamma, he was converted to Buddhism and joined the Order.
When her mother heard of this, she had –
“A mind to leave the world
Near him of chiefest wisdom to abide.”
(Verse – 326)
She wished her daughter would enjoy her wealth but Sundari rejected that and sought to find her own path to salvation –
“May this, then thine intention, Sundari
Thy heart’s desire, be crowned with success.”
(Verse - 329)
Isidasi gained her father’s consent. Three husbands had repudiated her and she realized that the worldly life was not for her.
“Nay but the evil karma I have done,
That will I expiate and wear away.”
(Verse – 431)
Patacara was versed in the Vinaya. Sujata attained Aarahantship when a laywoman. She was considered one of the two well known authors to achieve this status.
Kisagotami lost her child –
“A child dead
And a mad search for a magic seed…….
Brave up my sisters.
A day will come when you will run
From house to house.
People will meet you at the door
Look you in the eye
And they won’t let you in
I’m sorry they’ll say
But we can’t help you……..”
Sumedha entered the order against her parents’ wishes –
Mother
And father mine, never will I again
As a laywoman break my fast and eat,
Hear will I sooner lie and die.”
(Verse – 460)
“The afflicted mother wept, the father stunned
With grief strove to dissuade and comfort her
Who prostate lay upon the palace floor.”
(Verse – 461)
Khema and Uppalavanna set the standard for other women to join the order. “Let me be a Khema or Uppalawanna.” It may have been their special powers – Khema for her wisdom and Uppalawanna who directed her will towards the end goal. Subha, Anopoama, Gutta, Bhadda Kundalakesa, they all speak of their desire to achieve their final goal as Arahants.
Therigatha is a profound collection of poems by Buddhist nuns explaining their personal struggle, challenges, triumph, spiritual awakening and liberation, in ancient times..
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