English
The Chapter of Sixteen The Verses of Puṇṇā the Elder Nun 236. I was a water-carrier in the cold, always descending into the water; Fearing the stick of the ladies, afflicted by the fear of verbal abuse. 237. Of whom, brahmin, are you afraid, always descending into the water; With trembling limbs, you feel the cold intensely? 238. Knowing me, indeed, lady Puṇṇikā, you question me; As I perform wholesome deeds, restraining past evil. 239. Whoever, old or young, commits evil deeds; By water-ablution, he too is released from evil deeds. 240. Who, pray, told you this, an unknowing one to an unknowing one; That by water-ablution, one is released from evil deeds? 241. Surely all frogs and turtles will go to heaven; Nāgas and crocodiles, and all others who live in water. 242. Sheep-butchers, pig-butchers, fishers, hunters; Thieves and executioners, and all other evil-doers; By water-ablution, they too would be released from evil deeds. 243. If these rivers of yours carry away evil done previously; They would also carry away your merit, therefore you would be deprived of that. 244. Of whom, brahmin, you are afraid, always descending into the water; That very thing, brahmin, do not do, lest the cold harm your skin. 245. You have led me, who was treading a wrong path, to the noble path; Lady of water-ablution, I give you this cloak. 246. Let the cloak be yours, I do not wish for a cloak; If you fear suffering, if suffering is unpleasant to you. 247. Do not commit evil deeds, openly or secretly; And if you will commit evil deeds, or do commit them. 248. There is no escape for you from suffering, even if you flee after approaching; If you fear suffering, if suffering is unpleasant to you. 249. Go for refuge to the Buddha, to the Dhamma, and to the Sangha of such ones; Undertake the precepts, that will be for your benefit. 250. I go for refuge To the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Saṅgha, the steadfast ones; I undertake the precepts, May that be for my benefit. 251. In the past I was a kinsman of Brahmā, Today I am a true Brahmin; Possessing the three knowledges, Accomplished in wisdom, And I am pure and bathed. … Elder Nun Puṇṇā…. The Section of Sixteen is concluded.