Reading outline · Poetic recollection
Isidāsī tells her story
Bodhī asks Isidāsī what led her to renunciation. The framing conversation is set in Pāṭaliputta.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
Two nuns in conversation
Bodhī asks Isidāsī what led her to renunciation. The framing conversation is set in Pāṭaliputta.
In Pāṭaliputta, the cream of the world, the city named for a flower, there were two nuns from the Sakyan clan, both of them ladies of quality. One was named Isidāsī, the second Bodhī. They both were accomplished in ethics, lovers of meditation and chanting, learned, crushing corruptions. …
Marriage and rejection
Isidāsī recounts her family life, service in her husband’s house and repeated rejection.
In the fine town of Ujjenī, my father was a financier, a good and moral man. I was his only daughter, dear, beloved, and cherished. Then some suitors came for me from the top family of Sāketa. They were sent by a financier abounding in wealth, to whom …
Going forth
Meeting Jinadattā leads to Isidāsī’s request to become a nun and her account of attainment.
But then Mistress Jinadattā, learned and virtuous, who had memorized the monastic law, came resorting to my dad’s house for alms. When I saw her, I rose from my seat and prepared it for her. When she had taken her seat, I honored her feet and offered her …
Remembered lives
The poem closes with a karmic account of earlier lives. It is presented as the speaker’s recollection, not independent biographical evidence.
I know my last seven lives; I shall relate to you the deeds of which this life is the fruit and result: focus your whole mind on that. In the city of Erakacca I was a goldsmith with lots of money. Drunk on the pride of youth, I …
Places in this story
Pāṭaliputta / Patna areaSources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
Two nuns in conversation. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Marriage and rejection. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Going forth. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Remembered lives. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
Two nuns in conversation
Bodhī asks Isidāsī what led her to renunciation. The framing conversation is set in Pāṭaliputta.
Marriage and rejection
Isidāsī recounts her family life, service in her husband’s house and repeated rejection.
Going forth
Meeting Jinadattā leads to Isidāsī’s request to become a nun and her account of attainment.
Remembered lives
The poem closes with a karmic account of earlier lives. It is presented as the speaker’s recollection, not independent biographical evidence.