ལས་བརྒྱ་ཐམ་པ་པ 11.8

11.8

and when she grew up she found faith in the doctrine of the Blessed One.

From time to time she asked for her parents’ permission to offer food to the monks and nuns and to sit in front of them to listen to the Dharma. After hearing the Dharma, she went for refuge and took the fundamental precepts, and while still living at home she manifested the resultant state of non-return and even began to perform miracles. Having seen the truths, she asked for her parents’ permission saying, “Mother, Father, I am asking for your kind permission to go forth in the doctrine of the Blessed One.”

“My child, we cannot allow that,” her parents said, “for we betrothed you to a family before you were born.”

Their daughter said, “If I have no interest in objects of desire, what need do I have for a spouse?”

“We cannot give you permission ourselves, but it is up to you,” replied her parents. “We will invite the Buddha and the rest of the saṅgha of monks for a meal. You can ask Mṛgāra and your betrothed for permission then, and go forth.”

The householder Dinna extended an invitation to the Buddha and the rest of the saṅgha of monks. He prepared many good, wholesome foods that night, and in the morning he rose, prepared seats, filled the water pots, and set them out. Then he sent a message to the Blessed One reminding him it was time for the midday meal: “Lord, the midday meal is upon us. Know that the time has come, Blessed One, and your presence is requested.”

In the morning the Blessed One donned his lower garment and Dharma robes, and, carrying his alms bowl, he set out surrounded and escorted by an assembly of monks. He arrived at the householder Dinna’s reception room, where