Therīgāthā — Versos das Monjas Anciãs — 5.2 — Vimalā, the Former Courtesan

1Intoxicated by my appearance,
my figure, my beauty, my fame,
and owing to my youth,
I looked down on others.

2I adorned this body
all pretty, lamented by fools,
and stood at the brothel door,
like a hunter setting a snare.

3I stripped for them,
revealing my many hidden treasures.
Creating an intricate illusion,
I laughed, teasing those men.

4Today, having wandered for alms,
my head shaven, wearing the outer robe,
I sat at the root of a tree to meditate;
I’ve gained freedom from thought.

5All yokes are severed,
both human and heavenly.
Having wiped out all defilements,
I have become cooled and quenched.