Ambapali

[Guest guest]

The news that the Buddha was staying in her Mango Grove made Ambapali

extremely happy. Who would not take this unexpected visit from so

exalted a sage as a great blessing? Wearing a simple dress without

any jewellery, she approached the Buddha and respectfully sat near

his feet. It is reported that the Buddha thought to himself as

follows: " This woman's heart is tranquil and composed, in spite of

her earthly friends and the kings and princes who treat her with

special kindness. This maiden is thoughtful and steadfast, although

she associates with pleasure-loving persons. How rare she is! This

wise woman of true piety has the capacity for understanding the Truth

in its entirety, despite her life of luxury. "

 

Thereafter he preached her a sermon. Her face lit up as she listened

to the Dharma, the liberating teachings of the Enlightened One.

 

" May I have the honour, " said Ambapali, " of inviting you and the

monks for a meal in my home tomorrow? "

 

The Buddha indicated his consent by being quiet.

 

The Lichchavi princes heard that Ambapali was going to have the

privilege of entertaining the Buddha in her own home. They reacted to

this piece of news in an envious and resentful way. After dressing up

in all their finery, the princes mounted their beautiful carriages

and proceeded to meet the Buddha in person. But Ambapali in her

carriage drove up against them. The two parties confronted each other.

 

" Ambapali, " they pleaded, " we will give you one hundred thousand gold

coins if you allow us to play host to the Blessed One. Let him be our

guest instead of yours. " " No, my lords, " replied Ambapali, " even if

you give me the whole of Vaisali and all its territory, I will still

not forego this great honour. "

 

Feeling disappointed but not defeated, the Lichchavi princes then

went to meet the Buddha himself. They felt very happy when the master

delivered a religious discourse. Next the princes invited him for a

meal at their palace. " I have already promised to be Ambapali's

guest, " said the Buddha, declining their request. On returning home,

the princes were complaining that they had been outdone by a mere

mundane maid!

 

Taking his begging-bowl with him and accompanied by monks, the Buddha

went to Ambapali's residence early in the morning. She served them

with sweet rice and cakes and various kinds of good food that had

been prepared in her own park. After the meal was over, Ambapali took

a low seat beside the Buddha and declared: " Lord, I present this

Mango Grove to the community of monks that is headed by the Buddha. "

He accepted the gift and gave her spiritual instructions.

 

We have referred to the baby boy who was born in consequence of King

Bimbisara's liaison with his paramour Ambapali. This son became not

only the monk Wimala-Kondanna but also an Arhat. It was after

listening to an inspiring sermon preached by this great son of hers

that Ambapali decided to enter the order of nuns and she subsequently

became an Arhat herself. It is ironic indeed that the very human

being who came into existence because of Ambapali's sexual

promiscuity was indirectly instrumental in her own Liberation from

the shackles of Samsara and Karma.

 

What precipitated her attainment of Nirvana? She took as her subject

of meditation the perishable nature of her physical organism.

 

to be continued...