Then the Blessed One proceeded with a great number of brethren to
Vesālī, and he stayed at the grove of the courtesan Ambapālī. And
he said to the brethren: "Let a brother, O bhikkhus, be mindful
and thoughtful. Let a brother, whilst in the world, overcome the
grief which arises from bodily craving, from the lust of
sensations, and from the errors of wrong reasoning. Whatever you
do, act always in full presence of mind. Be thoughtful in eating
and drinking, in walking or standing, in sleeping or waking,
while talking or being silent." 1
When the courtesan Ambapālī heard that the Blessed One was
staying in her mango grove, she was exceedingly glad and went in
a carriage as far as the ground was passable for carriages. There
she alighted and thence proceeding to the place where the Blessed
One was, she took her seat respectfully at his feet on one side.
As a prudent woman goes forth to perform her religious duties, so
she appeared in a simple dress without any ornaments, yet
beautiful to look upon. 2
And the Blessed One thought to himself: "This woman moves in
worldly circles and is a favorite of kings and princes; yet is
her heart calm and composed. Young in years, rich, surrounded by
pleasures, she is thoughtful and steadfast. This, indeed, is rare
in the world. Women, as a rule, are scant in wisdom and deeply
immersed in vanity; but she, although living in luxury, has
acquired the wisdom of a master, taking delight in piety, and
able to receive the truth in its completeness." 3
When she was seated, the Blessed One instructed, aroused, and
gladdened her with religious discourse. 4
As she listened to the law, her face brightened with delight.
Then she rose and said to the Blessed One: "Will the Blessed One
do me the honor of taking his meal, together with the brethren,
at my house to-morrow?" And the Blessed One gave, by silence, his
consent. 5
Now, the Licchavi, a wealthy family of princely rank, hearing
that the Blessed One had arrived at Vesālī and was staying at
Ambapālī's grove, mounted their magnificent carriages, and
proceeded with their retinue to the place where the Blessed One
was. And the Licchavi were gorgeously dressed in bright colors
and decorated with costly jewels. 6
And Ambapālī drove up against the young Licchavi, axle to axle,
wheel to wheel, and yoke to yoke, and the Licchavi said to
Ambapālī, the courtesan: "How is it, Ambapālī, that you drive up
against us thus?" 7
"My lords," said she, "I have just invited the Blessed One and
his brethren for their to-morrow's meal." 8
And the princes replied: "Ambapālī! give up this meal to us for a
hundred thousand." 9
"My lords, were you to offer all Vesālī with its subject
territory, I would not give up so great an honor!" 10