[450] 12. Formerly I was destitute, a widow and childless;
without friends or kin, I obtained no food or clothing.
Taking a bowl and a staff, begging from family to family,
scorched by cold and heat, I wandered for seven years.
Then, seeing a bhikkhunī, one who received food and drink,
having approached, I spoke to her; and I went forth into homelessness (anagāriya).
And she, Paṭācārā, out of compassion gave me the going forth (pabbajjā);
then, having exhorted me, she directed me to the ultimate goal (paramattha).
Having heard her word, I carried out her instruction;
the noble lady's exhortation was not in vain: I possess the three true knowledges (tevijjā), free from taints (āsava).
Candā.
The Chapter of Fives (Pañcakanipāta) is concluded.
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The Chapter of Sixes (Chakkanipāta) of the Therīgāthā
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.