The Theragāthā of the Khuddakanikāya has only ten stanzas (vv. 527–536) uttered by the Elder Kāḷudāyī. However, the Madhuratthavilāsinī (Bv-a) preserves 64 stanzas ascribed to the Elder while the Visuddhajanavilāsinī (Ap-a) quotes a different series consisting of 48 stanzas ascribed to him.

In this book, both Pāli originals and English translations are provided so it’s appropriate for those who want to learn Pāli or just read the translations. A full Pāli-English Glossary, detailed Endnotes, and other indices will help the interested reader to learn more about the elder bhikkhunis, their circumstances, and their efforts.

Considered overall, what the verses of Thig record in different ways is just one central thing: the success of committed Buddhist soteriological endeavours.

Having been the greatest worldly ruler, her final and enlightened form is of a female ascetic by choice

This article delves into the story of Bhikkhunī Uppalavaṇṇā and the growth and complexities her story took over the centuries in different Buddhist traditions, texts, and artworks.

Notable cross-culturally conceived feminist critiques of this decade show no awareness of Therīgāthā and the characteristic preoccupations with womanhood and the feminine that come to the fore in this setting are also apt to be overlooked in conventional expositions of Buddhist thought.

This work takes a closer look at the Therīgāthā, songs of the elder nuns, found in the Pāli Canon giving an introductory analysis from both the feminist and Buddhist perspectives.

When we confront our rebellious minds as we try to follow [the Buddha’s] path, we can take heart from the tales of nuns who had to put forth years and years of intense, persistent effort before they eliminated all their defilements.

You can also listen to this book on Pariyatti’s YouTube Channel.

… there may have been Bhikkhunīs in existence before the request for ordination by Mahāpajāpatī

I have seen the Blessed One;
This is my last body,
And I will not go
From birth to birth again

There’s a huge amount of it that’s positive! I’m not so surprised that there are negative attitudes towards women depicted in early Buddhist literature, because this is an ancient civilization with traditional values. So, the negativity doesn’t surprise me. But all the positivity does.

A fascinating conversation about the lives of a few of the earliest Bhikkhunis and what their biographies can tell us about life in ancient India.