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# Thig 5.9 · The Former Jain Ascetic (Bhadda Kundalakesa)
- URL: https://www.journal.ninthheaven.co/civilisation/trad-buddhism/thig-5-9/
- Published: 2026-06-20T02:36:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-13T16:50:43.000Z
- Description: Therīgāthā · Thig 5.9. Translated by Hellmuth Hecker & Sister Khema.
- Author: Ninth Heaven Literature & Arts Association (NHLAA)
- Tags: Buddhism, Text, Indian, The Elder Nuns, Therīgāthā, Verse, English, Early Buddhist, Library, Sutta Piṭaka

I traveled before in a single cloth, With shaven head, covered in dust, Thinking of faults in the faultless, While in the faulty seeing no faults. When done was the day's abiding, I went to Mount Vulture Peak And saw the stainless Buddha By the Order of Bhikkhus revered. Then before Him my hands in añjali Humbly, I bowed down on my knees. "Come, Bhadda," He said to me: And thus was I ordained. Debt-free, I traveled for fifty years In Anga, Magadha and Vajji, In Kasi and Kosala, too, Living on the alms of the land. That lay-supporter — wise man indeed — May many merits accrue to him! Who gave a robe to Bhadda for Free of all ties is she.

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*Translated from the Pali by Hellmuth Hecker & Sister Khema.* From [Access to Insight](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/thig/thig.05.09.hekh.html?ref=journal.ninthheaven.co) (BCBS Edition). Licensed under free distribution only (see source for the specific license) — for free distribution only. Never sold.