Verses of the Senior Nuns 5.2

The Book of the Fives

Vimalā, the Former Courtesan

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

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

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

Today, 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.

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