Theragatha
Chapter VI — The Sixes

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

For free distribution only.

 

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VI.1[idx][pāḷi] Khemā

In SN 5:4, a variation of the verse attributed to Māra, and the first verse attributed here to Sister Khemā, are included in a poem attributed to Sister Vijayā (see Thig 6:8). Sister Khema’s second verse is attributed to Sister Aḷavikā in SN 5:1. Her third verse also appears in Thig 7:2; its first half, in SN 5:3.

Māra:
"You, a beautiful young woman;
I, a young man, full of youth.
Come, Khemā,
let’s enjoy ourselves
    to the music of a five-piece band."

Khemā:
"I’m disgusted, ashamed
of this putrid body—
disintegrating, dissolving.
    Sensual craving
     is rooted out.

Sensual pleasures
    are like swords and spears;
the aggregates,
    their executioner’s block.
What you call sensual delight
    is no delight for me.

Everywhere enjoyment
    is defeated;
the mass of darkness,
    burst.
So know,    Evil One,
that you have been,
    End-maker,
   struck down."

 

§

 

Paying homage to the zodiac stars,
tending the fire in the forest,
not knowing it as it actually was,
    fools, you conceived it
    as purity.
Whereas I
    am one who pays homage
    to the One Self-awakened,
    the utmost man.
I’m one who has done the Teacher’s bidding,
entirely released
from sufferings and stress.