Psalms of the Sisters XXXVIII: An Anonymous Sister

For five-and-twenty years since I came forth,
Not for one moment could my heart attain
The blessedness of calm serenity.

No peace of mind I found. My every thought
Was soaked in the fell drug of sense-desire.
With outstretched arms and shedding futile tears
I gat me, wretched woman, to my cell.

Then She to this poor Bhikkhunī drew near,
Who was my foster-mother in the faith.
She taught to me the Norm, wherein I learnt
The factors, organs, bases of this self,
Impermanent compound. Hearing her words,

Beside her I sat down to meditate.
And now I know the days of the long past,
And clearly shines the Eye Celestial,

I know the thoughts of other minds, and hear
With sublimated sense the sound of things
Ineffable. The mystic potencies
I exercise; and all the deadly Drugs
That poisoned every thought are purged away.
A living truth for me this Sixfold Lore,
And the commandment of the Lord is done.