Khuddaka Nikaya - Theragatha 7

Khuddaka Nikaya - Theragatha 7

Thag 7.1
Sundara Samudda and the Courtesan
Translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro BhikkhuPTS: vv. 459-465



Source: Transcribed from a file provided by the translator.



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Ornamented, finely clothed
garlanded, adorned,
her feet stained red with lac,
she wore slippers:
a courtesan.

Stepping out of her slippers —
her hands raised before me,
palm-to-palm over her heart —
she softly, tenderly,
in measured words
spoke to me first:
"You are young, recluse.
Heed my message:
Partake of human sensuality.
I will give you luxury.
Truly I vow to you,
I will tend to you as to a fire.
When we are old,
both leaning on canes,
then we will both become contemplatives,
winning the benefits of both worlds."

And seeing her before me —
a courtesan, ornamented, finely clothed,
hands palm-to-palm over her heart —
like a snare of death laid out,
apt attention arose in me,
the drawbacks appeared,
disenchantment stood
at an even keel:
With that, my heart was released.
See the Dhamma's true rightness!
The three knowledges
have been attained;
the Buddha's bidding,
done.