Psalms of the Sisters XLIX: Candā

Fallen on evil days was I of yore.
No husband had I, nor no child, no friends
Or kin–whence could I food or raiment find?

As beggars go, I took my bowl and staff,
And sought me alms, begging from house to house,
Sunburnt, frost-bitten, seven weary years.

Then came I where a woman Mendicant
Shared with me food, and drink, and welcomed me,
And said: 'Come forth into our homeless life!'

In gracious pity did she let me come–
PAṬĀCĀRĀ–and heard me take the vows.
And thenceforth words of wisdom and of power
She spake, and set before my face
The way of going to the Crown of Life.

I heard her and I marked, and did her will.
O wise and clear Our Lady's homily!
The Threefold Wisdom have I gotten now.
From deadly drugs my heart is purified.