Question

What is the Therigatha?

Hint:

Therigatha = “Verses of Elder Nuns” in Buddhism. It is the earliest collection of writings by Buddhist women, highlighting their spiritual journey and liberation.

Answer 1

The Therigatha is one of the earliest collections of Buddhist literature and is considered highly significant in the \textit{Pali Canon}. It is a compilation of verses composed by the earliest Buddhist nuns (Theris), hence the name “Therigatha” which literally means “verses of the elder nuns.” These verses were written around the 6th to 5th century BCE.
The Therigatha includes:
- Spiritual experiences and struggles of the first Buddhist nuns.
- Personal stories of renunciation, suffering, enlightenment, and liberation.
- Teachings that highlight women’s capability to attain Nirvana, showing that spiritual progress was not limited to men alone.
It is an extraordinary text because it provides one of the earliest records of women’s voices in world literature. The verses express a wide range of emotions—from the hardships of worldly life to the ultimate joy of spiritual freedom.
Thus, the Therigatha is not just a religious text but also an important historical and literary document, giving us a glimpse into the lives of women in ancient India and their role in the Buddhist Sangha.