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# Theragatha

## Chapter VII -- The Sevens

### (Selected suttas)

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VII.1 -- Sundara Samudda and the Courtesan {vv. 459-465}
[Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]

> 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 recluses,
> 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.

Revised: Fri 12 April 2002