Ninety-one aeons ago the
Leader, whose name was Vipassi,
arose, the One Good to Look At,
the One with Eyes for Everything.

I was then in Bandhumatī,
born in a large clan, prosperous
and rich; beautiful and held dear,
I am worshipped by the people.

Having approached the Great Hero,
Vipassi, Leader of the World,
hearing the Teaching, I went for
refuge in the Leader of Men.

Having been restrained in morals,
when the Best Man reached nirvana,
I offered a gold umbrella
on top of the relic-stupa.

I’m freely generous, moral
as long as life; fallen from there,
discarding my human body,
I went to Tāvatiṃsa then.

In ten ways I was outshining
all the other gods who lived there:
through shapes and sounds and fragrances,
through tastes and the things that I touch,

in terms of lifespan, complexion,
happiness and famousness too
and likewise through supreme power
I shone, having attained those ten.

And now, in my final rebirth,
I’m born in Kapilavastu.
I’m well-known by the name Nandā,
the Śākyan Khemaka’s daughter.

The nickname “Very Beautiful”
indicated my loveliness;
when I had attained discretion,
I’m adorned with gorgeous beauty.

Then there was a very big fight
over me among the Śākyans.
Then my father had me ordained,
“don’t let the Śākyas be destroyed.”

Going forth like that, having heard
that the Supreme Man hates beauty,
I did not approach the Buddha,
bring proud about my beauty.

Not even going for advice,
I’m afraid to see the Buddha.
Then the Victor had me led to
his presence by means of a trick.

Clever in the Path, the Buddha
made three different women appear
with forms like celestial nymphs:
one young, one diseased, the third dead.

Seeing them, very moved, I was
freed from delighting in bodies.
I stood there, weary of being,
then the Leader said this to me:

“Nandā, see this complex heap as
diseased, disgusting and putrid.
It is oozing and it’s dripping,
the delight of foolish people.

With one-pointed focus, steadfast,
fix your mind on impurity.
Just as is this, so too is that;
just as is that, so too is this.

Considering that in this way,
industrious by night and day,
you will see with your own wisdom,
having turned away in disgust.”

Not delaying in that purpose,
thinking it all through thoroughly,
I saw this body as it is,
on the inside and the outside.

Then I’m disgusted with bodies,
and inwardly free of passion;
not negligent, no longer yoked,
at peace, and I’ve reached nirvana.

I’ve mastered the superpowers
like the “divine ear” element.
I’m also a master, Great Sage,
of the knowledge in others’ hearts.

I remember my former lives;
my “divine eye” is purified.
All the defilements are destroyed;
I will not be reborn again.

In meaning and in the Teaching,
etymology and preaching,
this knowledge of mine was produced
in your presence, O Great Hero.

My defilements are now burnt up;
all new existence is destroyed.
Like elephants with broken chains,
I am living without constraint.

Being in Best Buddha's presence
was a very good thing for me.
The three knowledges are attained;
I have done what the Buddha taught!

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
I have done what the Buddha taught!

Thus indeed the bhikkhunī Abhirūpanandā spoke these verses.

The legend of Abhirūpanandā Therī is finished