Thag 7.1
Sundara Samudda and the Courtesan
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
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Ornamented, finely clothed garlanded, adorned, her feet stained red with lac, she wore slippers: a courtesan. Stepping out of her slippers — her hands raised before me, palm-to-palm over her heart — she softly, tenderly, in measured words spoke to me first: "You are young, recluse. Heed my message: Partake of human sensuality. I will give you luxury. Truly I vow to you, I will tend to you as to a fire. When we are old, both leaning on canes, then we will both become contemplatives, winning the benefits of both worlds." And seeing her before me — a courtesan, ornamented, finely clothed, hands palm-to-palm over her heart — like a snare of death laid out, apt attention arose in me, the drawbacks appeared, disenchantment stood at an even keel: With that, my heart was released. See the Dhamma's true rightness! The three knowledges have been attained; the Buddha's bidding, done.