Difference between revisions of "Bhadda Kapilani"
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| − | [[Bhadda | + | [[Bhadda Kapilani]] was a [[Buddhist]] [[bhikkhuni]] and a leading [[disciple]] of [[Gautama Buddha]]. Among the [[bhikkhunis]] she was regarded as the foremost in analysing the previous [[reincarnations]] of [[beings]] and their previous [[karma]], as described in the [[Jataka]] of the [[Pali Canon]]. Before they both entered the [[sangha]], she was the wife of [[Mahakassapa]], the [[arahant]] who led the [[sangha]] after the [[paranibbana]] of the [[Buddha]] and his two chief [[disciples]] [[Sariputta]] and [[Mahamoggallana]]. |
Early years | Early years | ||
| − | + | [[Pipphali Kassapa]], as he was born, was [[adamant]] that he would not marry, but would become an [[ascetic]]. At the continued behest of his [[parents]], he finally agreed to marry in order to please them, on the [[condition]] that a girl could be found who conformed to his standards. His [[parents]] thus hired eight [[brahmins]] to go and find such a girl. At [[Sagala]] they found [[Bhadda Kapilani]], the wealthy daughter of a [[brahmin]], who was aged sixteen and four years younger than [[Pipphali Kassapa]]. Her [[parents]] agreed to the [[marriage]] proposal, but [[Bhadda Kapilani]] also did not wish to marry, as she too wished for a [[religious]] [[life]] as a {{Wiki|female}} [[ascetic]]. | |
| − | Pipphali, believing that the [[brahmins]] would not be successful, was [[unhappy]] with the [[brahmins]]' [[success]] and sent a [[letter]] to the [[Bhadda | + | [[Pipphali]], believing that the [[brahmins]] would not be successful, was [[unhappy]] with the [[brahmins]]' [[success]] and sent a [[letter]] to the [[Bhadda Kapilani]] stating, "[[Bhadda Kapilani]], please marry someone else of {{Wiki|equal}} {{Wiki|status}} and [[live]] a [[happy]] home [[life]] with him. As for myself, I shall become an [[ascetic]]. Please do not have regrets." [[Bhadda Kapilani]] {{Wiki|independently}} sent him a similar [[letter]], but both sets of [[parents]], suspecting such an attempt to scupper the [[marriage]] would occur, arranged for both letters to be intercepted and replaced by letters of welcome. As a result [[Bhadda Kapilani]] was taken to [[Magadha]] and the young couple were married. In accordance with their [[ascetic]] aspirations, they agreed to a [[life]] of [[celibacy]]. In accordance with this, they laid a garland of [[flowers]] between them before they went to bed, determined not to yield to [[sensual desire]]. |
| − | This young wealthy couple lived comfortably and happily for many years. As long as Pipphali's [[parents]] lived, they did not even have to look after the estate's farms. But when his [[parents]] [[died]], they were entrusted with the large property. One day when Pipphali was inspecting the fields, he saw in shocking clarity what he had not seen before. He observed that when the soil was plowed, many birds [[gathered]] and picked the worms from the furrows. This [[sight]], common to a farmer, startled him. He realised that his [[wealth]], generated by the produce of his fields, was created with the [[suffering]] of other [[living beings]]. He asked one of his laborers: "Who will have to bear the consequences of such an [[action]]?" to which the laborer replied, "You yourself, sir." Worried by the [[insight]] into [[karmic]] retribution, he went home and reflected: "If I have to carry along the [[burden]] of [[guilt]] for that killing, what use is all that [[wealth]] to me? It will be better if I give it all to [[Bhadda]] and go forth into the ascetic's [[life]]." | + | This young wealthy couple lived comfortably and happily for many years. As long as [[Pipphali's]] [[parents]] lived, they did not even have to look after the estate's farms. But when his [[parents]] [[died]], they were entrusted with the large property. One day when [[Pipphali]] was inspecting the fields, he saw in shocking clarity what he had not seen before. He observed that when the soil was plowed, many birds [[gathered]] and picked the worms from the furrows. This [[sight]], common to a farmer, startled him. He realised that his [[wealth]], generated by the produce of his fields, was created with the [[suffering]] of other [[living beings]]. He asked one of his laborers: "Who will have to bear the consequences of such an [[action]]?" to which the laborer replied, "You yourself, sir." Worried by the [[insight]] into [[karmic]] retribution, he went home and reflected: "If I have to carry along the [[burden]] of [[guilt]] for that killing, what use is all that [[wealth]] to me? It will be better if I give it all to [[Bhadda Kapilani]] and go forth into the ascetic's [[life]]." |
| − | However at the same [[time]], [[Bhadda]] had a similar [[experience]]. She noticed that when sesame [[seeds]] were left in the open to dry, various birds ate the insects that had been attracted by the [[seeds]]. When she asked her servants who was {{Wiki|morally}} responsible for the violent [[death]] of so many creatures, she was told that it was hers. [[Bhadda]] [[thought]]: "If even by that much I commit a wrong, I won't be able to lift my head above the ocean of [[rebirths]], even in a thousand [[lives]]. As soon as Pipphali returns, I shall hand over everything to him and leave to take up the [[ascetic]] [[life]]." | + | However at the same [[time]], [[Bhadda Kapilani]] had a similar [[experience]]. She noticed that when sesame [[seeds]] were left in the open to dry, various birds ate the {{Wiki|insects}} that had been attracted by the [[seeds]]. When she asked her servants who was {{Wiki|morally}} responsible for the [[violent]] [[death]] of so many creatures, she was told that it was hers. [[Bhadda Kapilani]] [[thought]]: "If even by that much I commit a wrong, I won't be able to lift my head above the ocean of [[rebirths]], even in a thousand [[lives]]. As soon as [[Pipphali]] returns, I shall hand over everything to him and leave to take up the [[ascetic]] [[life]]." |
Renouncement | Renouncement | ||
| − | When both found each other in agreement, [[Bhadda]] and Pipphali bought pale yellow cloth and clay [[bowls]] from the bazaar, and then shaved each other's heads. They freed their servants and continued on their way. While walking, Pipphali went ahead while [[Bhadda]] followed behind him. Worried that observers would believe that they were [[attached]] to each other, they parted in their [[religious]] search. | + | When both found each other in agreement, [[Bhadda Kapilani]] and [[Pipphali]] bought pale yellow cloth and clay [[bowls]] from the bazaar, and then shaved each other's heads. They freed their servants and continued on their way. While walking, [[Pipphali]] went ahead while [[Bhadda Kapilani]] followed behind him. Worried that observers would believe that they were [[attached]] to each other, they parted in their [[religious]] search. |
| − | [[Bhadda]] journeyed to [[Savatthi]] where she attended to the discourses of [[Gautama Buddha]] at the [[Jetavana monastery]]. As the order of [[nuns]] ([[Bhikkhuni]] [[sangha]]) did not [[exist]] at the [[time]], she practiced at a [[nunnery]] of non-Buddhist {{Wiki|female}} [[ascetics]] nearby. She lived there for five years until she could obtain [[ordination]] as a [[bhikkhuni]]. Soon afterwards, she was able to attain [[arahanthood]]. | + | [[Bhadda Kapilani]] journeyed to [[Savatthi]] where she attended to the discourses of [[Gautama Buddha]] at the [[Jetavana monastery]]. As the order of [[nuns]] ([[Bhikkhuni]] [[sangha]]) did not [[exist]] at the [[time]], she practiced at a [[nunnery]] of non-Buddhist {{Wiki|female}} [[ascetics]] nearby. She lived there for five years until she could obtain [[ordination]] as a [[bhikkhuni]]. Soon afterwards, she was able to attain [[arahanthood]]. |
| − | As an [[arahant]] [[bhikkhuni]], [[Bhadda]] spent most of her [[time]] in the [[education]] of the younger [[nuns]] and instructing them in [[monastic discipline]] ([[Vinaya]]). The [[Buddha]] praised [[Bhadda]] as being the foremost among the [[nuns]] who could recollect past [[lives]]. | + | As an [[arahant]] [[bhikkhuni]], [[Bhadda Kapilani]] spent most of her [[time]] in the [[education]] of the younger [[nuns]] and instructing them in [[monastic discipline]] ([[Vinaya]]). The [[Buddha]] praised [[Bhadda Kapilani]] as being the foremost among the [[nuns]] who could recollect {{Wiki|past}} [[lives]]. |
[[Jataka]] | [[Jataka]] | ||
| − | The [[Jataka]] documents many accounts of the past [[reincarnations]] of the [[Bhadda | + | The [[Jataka]] documents many accounts of the {{Wiki|past}} [[reincarnations]] of the [[Bhadda Kapilani]]. In many of these, she is related to [[Kasyapa]]. |
At the [[time]] of the former [[Vipassī Buddha]], they were a poor [[brahmin]] couple, to the extent that they had only one single upper garment, so that only one of them could leave the hut at a given [[time]]. In this story, the [[brahmin]] was called "he with one garment" (ekasataka). In their [[life]] as that poor [[brahmin]] couple, both had listened to the sermons of the [[Vipassī Buddha]]. Through listening to that [[Buddha's teaching]], the [[brahmin]] wanted to offer his only garment to the [[sangha]]. But after he had so resolved, he pondered that as it was his and his wife's only garment, he [[thought]] that he should consult her. However he went ahead and [[offered]] the garment to the [[monks]]. Having done so, he clapped his hands and joyfully shouted "I have vanquished! I have vanquished!". When the [[king]], who had listened to the {{Wiki|sermon}} behind a curtain, heard what had occurred, he sent sets of garments to the [[brahmin]] and made him the court chaplain, ending the couple's {{Wiki|poverty}}. | At the [[time]] of the former [[Vipassī Buddha]], they were a poor [[brahmin]] couple, to the extent that they had only one single upper garment, so that only one of them could leave the hut at a given [[time]]. In this story, the [[brahmin]] was called "he with one garment" (ekasataka). In their [[life]] as that poor [[brahmin]] couple, both had listened to the sermons of the [[Vipassī Buddha]]. Through listening to that [[Buddha's teaching]], the [[brahmin]] wanted to offer his only garment to the [[sangha]]. But after he had so resolved, he pondered that as it was his and his wife's only garment, he [[thought]] that he should consult her. However he went ahead and [[offered]] the garment to the [[monks]]. Having done so, he clapped his hands and joyfully shouted "I have vanquished! I have vanquished!". When the [[king]], who had listened to the {{Wiki|sermon}} behind a curtain, heard what had occurred, he sent sets of garments to the [[brahmin]] and made him the court chaplain, ending the couple's {{Wiki|poverty}}. | ||
| − | [[Bhadda]] was once the mother of a [[brahmin]] youth who was a pupil of the future [[Gautama Buddha]] and wanted to become an [[ascetic]]. [[Kasyapa]] was her husband and [[Ananda]] was their son. [[Bhadda]] wanted her son to know the [[worldly]] [[life]] before being allowed to become an [[ascetic]]. This came to young [[brahman]] drastically when his [[teacher's]] mother fell in [[love]] with him and contemplated killing her son. This encounter with [[passion]] gave him a deep revulsion for [[worldly]] [[life]], and earned his [[parents]] gave him permission [[to go forth]] as an [[ascetic]]. | + | [[Bhadda Kapilani]] was once the mother of a [[brahmin]] youth who was a pupil of the {{Wiki|future}} [[Gautama Buddha]] and wanted to become an [[ascetic]]. [[Kasyapa]] was her husband and [[Ananda]] was their son. [[Bhadda Kapilani]] wanted her son to know the [[worldly]] [[life]] before being allowed to become an [[ascetic]]. This came to young [[brahman]] drastically when his [[teacher's]] mother fell in [[love]] with him and contemplated killing her son. This encounter with [[passion]] gave him a deep revulsion for [[worldly]] [[life]], and earned his [[parents]] gave him permission [[to go forth]] as an [[ascetic]]. |
| − | Another [[time]] [[Kasyapa]] and [[Bhadda]] had been the [[brahmin]] [[parents]] of four sons who in the future were to be [[Gautama Buddha]], [[Anuruddha]], [[Sariputra]] and [[Mahamoggallana]]. All four had wanted to become [[ascetics]] and despite early resistance from their [[parents]] were allowed to so. | + | Another [[time]] [[Kasyapa]] and [[Bhadda Kapilani]] had been the [[brahmin]] [[parents]] of four sons who in the {{Wiki|future}} were to be [[Gautama Buddha]], [[Anuruddha]], [[Sariputra]] and [[Mahamoggallana]]. All four had wanted to become [[ascetics]] and despite early resistance from their [[parents]] were allowed to so. |
| − | In one previous [[life]] [[Bhadda]] was the wife of a landowner. One day, having argued with her sister-in-law, she begrudged her the [[merit]] of [[offering]] [[alms]] to a [[Pratyekabuddha]]. She took the Pratyekabuddha's [[bowl]], filling it with mud. She felt remorse, took the [[bowl]] back, washed it, filled it with delicious and fragrant [[food]] and [[offered]] it to the [[Pratyekabuddha]]. As a result, in her next [[life]] she was wealthy, but her [[body]] was odorous. Her husband, later to be [[Kasyapa]], could not bear this and left her. In preparation of disposing of her property, she had her ornaments melted down and formed into a golden brick and went to [[monastery]] and donated it to the construction of a [[stupa]] in {{Wiki|honor}} of the recently deceased [[Kassapa Buddha]]. After she had done that, her [[body]] became fragrant again, and [[Kasyapa]], took her back. | + | In one previous [[life]] [[Bhadda Kapilani]] was the wife of a landowner. One day, having argued with her sister-in-law, she begrudged her the [[merit]] of [[offering]] [[alms]] to a [[Pratyekabuddha]]. She took the [[Pratyekabuddha's]] [[bowl]], filling it with mud. She felt remorse, took the [[bowl]] back, washed it, filled it with delicious and fragrant [[food]] and [[offered]] it to the [[Pratyekabuddha]]. As a result, in her next [[life]] she was wealthy, but her [[body]] was odorous. Her husband, later to be [[Kasyapa]], could not bear this and left her. In preparation of disposing of her property, she had her ornaments melted down and formed into a golden brick and went to [[monastery]] and donated it to the construction of a [[stupa]] in {{Wiki|honor}} of the recently deceased [[Kassapa Buddha]]. After she had done that, her [[body]] became fragrant again, and [[Kasyapa]], took her back. |
| − | Two [[lives]] before her final [[existence]], [[Bhadda]] was [[Wikipedia:Queen consort|queen]] of [[Varanasi]] and used to support several [[Pratyekabuddhas]]. Deeply moved by their sudden [[death]], she left the {{Wiki|royal}} [[life]] and lived a one of [[meditation]] in the [[Himalayas]]. She was [[reborn]] in a [[Brahma-world]], as was [[Kasyapa]]. After the end of the long life-span they were [[reborn]] as Pipphali | + | Two [[lives]] before her final [[existence]], [[Bhadda Kapilani]] was [[Wikipedia:Queen consort|queen]] of [[Varanasi]] and used to support several [[Pratyekabuddhas]]. Deeply moved by their sudden [[death]], she left the {{Wiki|royal}} [[life]] and lived a one of [[meditation]] in the [[Himalayas]]. She was [[reborn]] in a [[Brahma-world]], as was [[Kasyapa]]. After the end of the long [[life-span]] they were [[reborn]] as [[Pipphali[Kassapa]] and [[Bhadda Kapilani]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Nuns]] | [[Category:Nuns]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:57, 24 March 2014
Bhadda Kapilani was a Buddhist bhikkhuni and a leading disciple of Gautama Buddha. Among the bhikkhunis she was regarded as the foremost in analysing the previous reincarnations of beings and their previous karma, as described in the Jataka of the Pali Canon. Before they both entered the sangha, she was the wife of Mahakassapa, the arahant who led the sangha after the paranibbana of the Buddha and his two chief disciples Sariputta and Mahamoggallana.
Early years
Pipphali Kassapa, as he was born, was adamant that he would not marry, but would become an ascetic. At the continued behest of his parents, he finally agreed to marry in order to please them, on the condition that a girl could be found who conformed to his standards. His parents thus hired eight brahmins to go and find such a girl. At Sagala they found Bhadda Kapilani, the wealthy daughter of a brahmin, who was aged sixteen and four years younger than Pipphali Kassapa. Her parents agreed to the marriage proposal, but Bhadda Kapilani also did not wish to marry, as she too wished for a religious life as a female ascetic.
Pipphali, believing that the brahmins would not be successful, was unhappy with the brahmins' success and sent a letter to the Bhadda Kapilani stating, "Bhadda Kapilani, please marry someone else of equal status and live a happy home life with him. As for myself, I shall become an ascetic. Please do not have regrets." Bhadda Kapilani independently sent him a similar letter, but both sets of parents, suspecting such an attempt to scupper the marriage would occur, arranged for both letters to be intercepted and replaced by letters of welcome. As a result Bhadda Kapilani was taken to Magadha and the young couple were married. In accordance with their ascetic aspirations, they agreed to a life of celibacy. In accordance with this, they laid a garland of flowers between them before they went to bed, determined not to yield to sensual desire.
This young wealthy couple lived comfortably and happily for many years. As long as Pipphali's parents lived, they did not even have to look after the estate's farms. But when his parents died, they were entrusted with the large property. One day when Pipphali was inspecting the fields, he saw in shocking clarity what he had not seen before. He observed that when the soil was plowed, many birds gathered and picked the worms from the furrows. This sight, common to a farmer, startled him. He realised that his wealth, generated by the produce of his fields, was created with the suffering of other living beings. He asked one of his laborers: "Who will have to bear the consequences of such an action?" to which the laborer replied, "You yourself, sir." Worried by the insight into karmic retribution, he went home and reflected: "If I have to carry along the burden of guilt for that killing, what use is all that wealth to me? It will be better if I give it all to Bhadda Kapilani and go forth into the ascetic's life."
However at the same time, Bhadda Kapilani had a similar experience. She noticed that when sesame seeds were left in the open to dry, various birds ate the insects that had been attracted by the seeds. When she asked her servants who was morally responsible for the violent death of so many creatures, she was told that it was hers. Bhadda Kapilani thought: "If even by that much I commit a wrong, I won't be able to lift my head above the ocean of rebirths, even in a thousand lives. As soon as Pipphali returns, I shall hand over everything to him and leave to take up the ascetic life."
Renouncement
When both found each other in agreement, Bhadda Kapilani and Pipphali bought pale yellow cloth and clay bowls from the bazaar, and then shaved each other's heads. They freed their servants and continued on their way. While walking, Pipphali went ahead while Bhadda Kapilani followed behind him. Worried that observers would believe that they were attached to each other, they parted in their religious search.
Bhadda Kapilani journeyed to Savatthi where she attended to the discourses of Gautama Buddha at the Jetavana monastery. As the order of nuns (Bhikkhuni sangha) did not exist at the time, she practiced at a nunnery of non-Buddhist female ascetics nearby. She lived there for five years until she could obtain ordination as a bhikkhuni. Soon afterwards, she was able to attain arahanthood.
As an arahant bhikkhuni, Bhadda Kapilani spent most of her time in the education of the younger nuns and instructing them in monastic discipline (Vinaya). The Buddha praised Bhadda Kapilani as being the foremost among the nuns who could recollect past lives.
Jataka
The Jataka documents many accounts of the past reincarnations of the Bhadda Kapilani. In many of these, she is related to Kasyapa.
At the time of the former Vipassī Buddha, they were a poor brahmin couple, to the extent that they had only one single upper garment, so that only one of them could leave the hut at a given time. In this story, the brahmin was called "he with one garment" (ekasataka). In their life as that poor brahmin couple, both had listened to the sermons of the Vipassī Buddha. Through listening to that Buddha's teaching, the brahmin wanted to offer his only garment to the sangha. But after he had so resolved, he pondered that as it was his and his wife's only garment, he thought that he should consult her. However he went ahead and offered the garment to the monks. Having done so, he clapped his hands and joyfully shouted "I have vanquished! I have vanquished!". When the king, who had listened to the sermon behind a curtain, heard what had occurred, he sent sets of garments to the brahmin and made him the court chaplain, ending the couple's poverty.
Bhadda Kapilani was once the mother of a brahmin youth who was a pupil of the future Gautama Buddha and wanted to become an ascetic. Kasyapa was her husband and Ananda was their son. Bhadda Kapilani wanted her son to know the worldly life before being allowed to become an ascetic. This came to young brahman drastically when his teacher's mother fell in love with him and contemplated killing her son. This encounter with passion gave him a deep revulsion for worldly life, and earned his parents gave him permission to go forth as an ascetic.
Another time Kasyapa and Bhadda Kapilani had been the brahmin parents of four sons who in the future were to be Gautama Buddha, Anuruddha, Sariputra and Mahamoggallana. All four had wanted to become ascetics and despite early resistance from their parents were allowed to so.
In one previous life Bhadda Kapilani was the wife of a landowner. One day, having argued with her sister-in-law, she begrudged her the merit of offering alms to a Pratyekabuddha. She took the Pratyekabuddha's bowl, filling it with mud. She felt remorse, took the bowl back, washed it, filled it with delicious and fragrant food and offered it to the Pratyekabuddha. As a result, in her next life she was wealthy, but her body was odorous. Her husband, later to be Kasyapa, could not bear this and left her. In preparation of disposing of her property, she had her ornaments melted down and formed into a golden brick and went to monastery and donated it to the construction of a stupa in honor of the recently deceased Kassapa Buddha. After she had done that, her body became fragrant again, and Kasyapa, took her back.
Two lives before her final existence, Bhadda Kapilani was queen of Varanasi and used to support several Pratyekabuddhas. Deeply moved by their sudden death, she left the royal life and lived a one of meditation in the Himalayas. She was reborn in a Brahma-world, as was Kasyapa. After the end of the long life-span they were reborn as [[Pipphali[Kassapa]] and Bhadda Kapilani.
