Inspiration from Enlightened Nuns is a collection of poems composed by the arahant bhikkhunisor enlightened Buddhist nuns. Most of the poems in the book come from the Therigatha, a small section of the vast Pali Canon. The actual poems exhibit a wide range in tone and subject matter. They were almost all spoken after the author had realized that rebirth and all its associated suffering had ended by the perfection of insight and total elimination of defilements. So virtually all the poems contain some form of lion’s roar, an exclamation that the author has become awakened. Download Inspiration from Enlightened Nuns here:
Inspiration from Enlightened Nuns
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What is Therigatha in the Pali Canon?
The Therīgāthā, often translated as “Verses of the Elder Nuns,” is a significant text within the Pāli Canon, the primary scriptural tradition of Theravāda Buddhism. It is a collection of poems or verses attributed to the early Buddhist nuns, expressing their spiritual experiences, insights, and the challenges they faced.
Some key points about the Therīgāthā:
- Historical Importance: It is one of the world’s oldest collections of women’s literature.
- Contained in the Khuddaka Nikāya: The Therīgāthā is found in the Khuddaka Nikāya (“Minor Collection”) of the Sutta Piṭaka.
- Diverse Experiences: The verses in the Therīgāthā cover a wide range of topics. They express the joys of liberation, the pains of household life, gratitude to the Buddha, and more. These accounts provide a window into the lives of ancient Buddhist women, reflecting their personal, social, and spiritual challenges and triumphs.
- Parallel with the Theragāthā: While the Therīgāthā contains verses from the elder nuns, the Theragāthā (“Verses of the Elder Monks”) comprises verses attributed to the early Buddhist monks. Together, these collections highlight the spiritual journeys of both male and female members of the monastic Sangha.
- Inspiration and Instruction: For contemporary Buddhists, the Therīgāthā serves as both an inspirational and instructional text, offering lessons about the path to enlightenment and the experiences of those who walk it.
In essence, the Therīgāthā provides valuable insights into the spiritual lives of early Buddhist women and stands as a testament to their significant roles and contributions in the early Buddhist community.