In Pāṭaliputta, the cream of the world, Nagaramhi kusumanāme, the city named for a flower, Pāṭaliputtamhi pathaviyā maṇḍe; there were two nuns from the Sakyan clan, Sakyakulakulīnāyo, both of them ladies of quality. Dve bhikkhuniyo hi guṇavatiyo.

One was named Isidāsī, the second Bodhī. Isidāsī tattha ekā, They both were accomplished in ethics, Dutiyā bodhīti sīlasampannā ca; lovers of meditation and chanting, Jhānajjhāyanaratāyo, learned, crushing corruptions. Bahussutāyo dhutakilesāyo.

They wandered for alms and had their meal. Tā piṇḍāya caritvā, When they had washed their bowls, Bhattatthaṁ kariya dhotapattāyo; they sat happily in a private place Rahitamhi sukhanisinnā, and started a conversation. Imā girā abbhudīresuṁ.

“You’re so lovely, Mistress Isidāsī, “Pāsādikāsi ayye, your youth has not yet faded. Isidāsi vayopi te aparihīno; What problem did you see that made you Kiṁ disvāna byālikaṁ, dedicate your life to renunciation?” Athāsi nekkhammamanuyuttā”.

Being pressed like this in private, Evamanuyuñjiyamānā sā, Isidāsī, skilled in teaching Dhamma, Rahite dhammadesanākusalā; voiced the following words. Isidāsī vacanamabravi, “Bodhī, hear how I went forth. “Suṇa bodhi yathāmhi pabbajitā”.

In the fine town of Ujjenī, “Ujjeniyā puravare, my father was a financier, a good and moral man. Mayhaṁ pitā sīlasaṁvuto seṭṭhi; I was his only daughter, Tassamhi ekadhītā, dear, beloved, and cherished. Piyā manāpā ca dayitā ca.

Then some suitors came for me Atha me sāketato varakā, from the top family of Sāketa. Āgacchumuttamakulīnā; They were sent by a financier abounding in wealth, Seṭṭhī pahūtaratano, to whom my father then gave me as daughter-in-law. Tassa mamaṁ suṇhamadāsi tāto.

Come morning and come night, Sassuyā sasurassa ca, I bowed with my head to the feet Sāyaṁ pātaṁ paṇāmamupagamma; of my father and mother-in-law, Sirasā karomi pāde, just as I had been told. Vandāmi yathāmhi anusiṭṭhā.

Whenever I saw my husband’s sisters, Yā mayhaṁ sāmikassa, his brothers, his servants, Bhaginiyo bhātuno parijano vā; or even he, my one and only, Tamekavarakampi disvā, I nervously gave them a seat. Ubbiggā āsanaṁ demi.

Whatever they wanted—food and drink, Annena ca pānena ca, treats, or whatever was in the cupboard—Khajjena ca yañca tattha sannihitaṁ; I brought out and offered to them, Chādemi upanayāmi ca, ensuring each got what was fitting. Demi ca yaṁ yassa patirūpaṁ.

Having risen bright and early, Kālena upaṭṭhahitvā, I approached the main house, Gharaṁ samupagamāmi ummāre; washed my hands and feet, Dhovantī hatthapāde, and went to my husband with joined palms. Pañjalikā sāmikamupemi.

Taking a comb, adornments, Kocchaṁ pasādaṁ añjaniñca, eyeshadow, and a mirror, Ādāsakañca gaṇhitvā; I myself did the makeup for my husband, Parikammakārikā viya, as if I were his beautician. Sayameva patiṁ vibhūsemi.

I myself cooked the rice; Sayameva odanaṁ sādhayāmi, I myself washed the pots. Sayameva bhājanaṁ dhovantī; I looked after my husband Mātāva ekaputtakaṁ, like a mother her only child. Tathā bhattāraṁ paricarāmi.

Thus I showed my devotion to him, Evaṁ maṁ bhattikataṁ, a loyal, virtuous, and humble servant, Anurattaṁ kārikaṁ nihatamānaṁ; getting up early, and working tirelessly: Uṭṭhāyikaṁ analasaṁ, yet still my husband did me wrong. Sīlavatiṁ dussate bhattā.

He said to his mother and father: So mātarañca pitarañca, ‘I’ll take my leave and go, Bhaṇati ‘āpucchahaṁ gamissāmi; I can’t stand to live together with Isidāsī Isidāsiyā na saha vacchaṁ, staying in the same house.’ Ekāgārehaṁ saha vatthuṁ’.

‘Son, don’t speak like this! ‘Mā evaṁ putta avaca, Isidāsī is astute and competent, Isidāsī paṇḍitā paribyattā; she gets up early and works tirelessly, Uṭṭhāyikā analasā, son, why doesn’t she please you?’ Kiṁ tuyhaṁ na rocate putta’.

‘She hasn’t done anything to hurt me, ‘Na ca me hiṁsati kiñci, but I just can’t stand to live with her. Na cahaṁ isidāsiyā saha vacchaṁ; As far as I’m concerned, she’s just detestable. Dessāva me alaṁ me, I’ve had enough, I’ll take my leave and go.’ Apucchāhaṁ gamissāmi’.

When they heard his words, Tassa vacanaṁ suṇitvā, my father-in-law and mother-in-law asked me: Sassu sasuro ca maṁ apucchiṁsu; ‘What did you do wrong? ‘Kissa tayā aparaddhaṁ, Boldly tell how it occurred.’ Bhaṇa vissaṭṭhā yathābhūtaṁ’.

‘I’ve done nothing wrong, ‘Napihaṁ aparajjhaṁ kiñci, I haven’t hurt him, or said anything bad. Napi hiṁsemi na bhaṇāmi dubbacanaṁ; What can I possibly do, Kiṁ sakkā kātuyye, when my husband finds me so hateful?’ Yaṁ maṁ viddessate bhattā’.

They led me back to my father’s home, Te maṁ pitugharaṁ paṭinayiṁsu, distraught, overcome with suffering, and said: Vimanā dukhena adhibhūtā; ‘By caring for our son, Puttamanurakkhamānā, we’ve lost her, so lovely and lucky!’ ‘Jitāmhase rūpiniṁ lakkhiṁ’.

Next my dad gave me to the household Atha maṁ adāsi tāto, of a second wealthy family-man. Aḍḍhassa gharamhi dutiyakulikassa; For this he got half the bride-price Tato upaḍḍhasuṅkena, of that which the financier paid. Yena maṁ vindatha seṭṭhi.

In his house I also lived a month, Tassapi gharamhi māsaṁ, before he too wanted me gone; Avasiṁ atha sopi maṁ paṭiccharayi; though I served him like a slave, Dāsīva upaṭṭhahantiṁ, virtuous and doing no wrong. Adūsikaṁ sīlasampannaṁ.

My father then spoke to a beggar for alms, Bhikkhāya ca vicarantaṁ, a tamer of others and of himself: Damakaṁ dantaṁ me pitā bhaṇati; ‘Be my son-in-law; ‘Hohisi me jāmātā, set aside your tonsure-cloth and pot.’ Nikkhipa poṭṭhiñca ghaṭikañca’.

He stayed a fortnight before he said to my dad: Sopi vasitvā pakkhaṁ, ‘Give me back my tonsure-cloth, Atha tātaṁ bhaṇati ‘dehi me poṭṭhiṁ; my pot and my mug—Ghaṭikañca mallakañca, I’ll wander begging again.’ Punapi bhikkhaṁ carissāmi’.

So then my mum and my dad Atha naṁ bhaṇatī tāto, and my whole group of relatives said: Ammā sabbo ca me ñātigaṇavaggo; ‘What has not been done for you here? ‘Kiṁ te na kīrati idha, Quickly, tell us what we can do for you!’ Bhaṇa khippaṁ taṁ te karihi’ti.

When they spoke to him like this he said, Evaṁ bhaṇito bhaṇati, ‘If I can make do for myself, that is enough. ‘Yadi me attā sakkoti alaṁ mayhaṁ; I can’t stand to live together with Isidāsī Isidāsiyā na saha vacchaṁ, staying in the same house.’ Ekagharehaṁ saha vatthuṁ’.

Released, he left. Vissajjito gato so, But I sat all alone contemplating: Ahampi ekākinī vicintemi; ‘Having taken my leave, I’ll go, ‘Āpucchitūna gacchaṁ, either to die or to go forth.’ Marituye vā pabbajissaṁ vā’.

But then Mistress Jinadattā, Atha ayyā jinadattā, learned and virtuous, Āgacchī gocarāya caramānā; who had memorized the monastic law, Tātakulaṁ vinayadharī, came resorting to my dad’s house for alms. Bahussutā sīlasampannā.

When I saw her, Taṁ disvāna amhākaṁ, I got up from my seat and prepared it for her. Uṭṭhāyāsanaṁ tassā paññāpayiṁ; When she had taken her seat, Nisinnāya ca pāde, I honored her feet and offered her a meal, Vanditvā bhojanamadāsiṁ.

satiating her with food and drink, Annena ca pānena ca, treats, or whatever was in the cupboard. Khajjena ca yañca tattha sannihitaṁ; Then I said: Santappayitvā avacaṁ, ‘Ma’am, I wish to go forth!’ ‘Ayye icchāmi pabbajituṁ’.

But my dad said to me: Atha maṁ bhaṇatī tāto, ‘Child, practice Dhamma right here then! ‘Idheva puttaka carāhi tvaṁ dhammaṁ; With food and drink Annena ca pānena ca, satisfy ascetics and the twice-born.’ Tappaya samaṇe dvijātī ca’.

Then I said to my dad, Athahaṁ bhaṇāmi tātaṁ, crying, my joined palms raised to him: Rodantī añjaliṁ paṇāmetvā; ‘I’ve done bad things in the past; ‘Pāpañhi mayā pakataṁ, I shall wear that bad deed away.’ Kammaṁ taṁ nijjaressāmi’.

And my dad said to me: Atha maṁ bhaṇatī tāto, ‘May you attain awakening, the highest state, ‘Pāpuṇa bodhiñca aggadhammañca; and may you find the extinguishment Nibbānañca labhassu, that was realized by the best of men!’ Yaṁ sacchikarī dvipadaseṭṭho’.

I bowed down to my mother and father, Mātāpitū abhivādayitvā, and my whole group of relatives; Sabbañca ñātigaṇavaggaṁ; and then, seven days after going forth, Sattāhaṁ pabbajitā, I realized the three knowledges. Tisso vijjā aphassayiṁ.

I know my last seven lives; Jānāmi attano satta, I shall relate to you the deeds Jātiyo yassayaṁ phalavipāko; of which this life is the fruit and result: Taṁ tava ācikkhissaṁ, focus your whole mind on that. Taṁ ekamanā nisāmehi.

In the city of Erakacca Nagaramhi erakacche, I was a goldsmith with lots of money. Suvaṇṇakāro ahaṁ pahūtadhano; Drunk on the pride of youth, Yobbanamadena matto, I had sex with someone else’s wife. So paradāraṁ asevihaṁ.

Having passed away from there, Sohaṁ tato cavitvā, I burned in hell for a long time. Nirayamhi apaccisaṁ ciraṁ; Rising up from there Pakko tato ca uṭṭhahitvā, I was conceived in a monkey’s womb. Makkaṭiyā kucchimokkamiṁ.

When I was only seven days old, Sattāhajātakaṁ maṁ, I was castrated by the monkey chief. Mahākapi yūthapo nillacchesi; This was the fruit of that deed, Tassetaṁ kammaphalaṁ, because of adultery with another’s wife. Yathāpi gantvāna paradāraṁ.

Having passed away from there, Sohaṁ tato cavitvā, passing away in Sindhava grove, Kālaṁ karitvā sindhavāraññe; I was conceived in the womb Kāṇāya ca khañjāya ca, of a lame, one-eyed she-goat. Eḷakiyā kucchimokkamiṁ.

I carried children on my back for twelve years, Dvādasa vassāni ahaṁ, and all the while I was castrated, Nillacchito dārake parivahitvā; worm-eaten, and tail-less, Kimināvaṭṭo akallo, because of adultery with another’s wife. Yathāpi gantvāna paradāraṁ.

Having passed away from there, Sohaṁ tato cavitvā, I was reborn in a cow Govāṇijakassa gāviyā jāto; owned by a cattle merchant. Vaccho lākhātambo, A red calf, castrated, for twelve months Nillacchito dvādase māse.

I drew a big plow. Voḍhūna naṅgalamahaṁ, I shouldered a cart, Sakaṭañca dhārayāmi; blind, tail-less, feeble, Andhovaṭṭo akallo, because of adultery with another’s wife. Yathāpi gantvāna paradāraṁ.

Having passed away from there, Sohaṁ tato cavitvā, I was born of a slave in the street, Vīthiyā dāsiyā ghare jāto; with neither male nor female parts, Neva mahilā na puriso, because of adultery with another’s wife. Yathāpi gantvāna paradāraṁ.

I died at thirty years of age, Tiṁsativassamhi mato, and was reborn as a girl in a carter’s family. Sākaṭikakulamhi dārikā jātā; We were poor, of little wealth, Kapaṇamhi appabhoge, greatly oppressed by creditors. Dhanika purisapātabahulamhi.

Because of the huge interest we owed, Taṁ maṁ tato satthavāho, I was dragged away screaming, Ussannāya vipulāya vaḍḍhiyā; taken by force from the family home Okaḍḍhati vilapantiṁ, by a caravan leader. Acchinditvā kulagharasmā.

When I was sixteen years old, Atha soḷasame vasse, seeing I was a girl of marriageable age, Disvā maṁ pattayobbanaṁ kaññaṁ; his son confined me as his wife—Orundhatassa putto, Giridāsa was his name. Giridāso nāma nāmena.

He also had another wife, Tassapi aññā bhariyā, a virtuous and well-known lady of quality, Sīlavatī guṇavatī yasavatī ca; loyal to her husband; Anurattā bhattāraṁ, yet I stirred up resentment in her. Tassāhaṁ viddesanamakāsiṁ.

As the fruit of that deed, Tassetaṁ kammaphalaṁ, they abandoned me and left, Yaṁ maṁ apakīritūna gacchanti; though I served them like a slave. Dāsīva upaṭṭhahantiṁ, Now I’ve made an end to this as well.” Tassapi anto kato mayā”ti.

… Isidāsī therī ….

Cattālīsanipāto niṭṭhito.