Patacara

[I thought:]

“Plowing the field with plows,
sowing the ground with seed,
supporting their wives & children,
young men gather up wealth.

So why is it that I,
consummate in virtue,
a doer of the teacher’s bidding,
don’t gain Unbinding?
I’m not lazy or proud.”

Washing my feet, I noticed
the
water.

And in watching it flow from high
to
low,
my heart was composed
like a fine thoroughbred steed.

Then taking a lamp, I entered the hut,
checked the bedding,
sat down on the bed.
And taking a pin, I pulled out the wick:
Like the flame’s unbinding
was the liberation
of awareness.

Translated from Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu 

Image courtesy: Wiki: Tales of Bhikkhuni Patacara Theri, Shwezigon, artist Anandjoti