法句譬喻經 16.p1.2

16.p1.2

Now, at this time there were 500 Bhikshunīs (Nuns) dwelling in their Vihāra, who sent one of their number to Buddha to request him to send them a priest to instruct them in the Law, on which Buddha desired the old mendicant Patisena to go to them for this purpose. On hearing that this arrangement had been made, all the nuns began to laugh together, and agreed on the morrow, when he came, to say the Gāthā wrong (backward), and so confuse the old man and put him to shame. Then on the morrow when he came, all the Bhikshunīs, great and small, went forth to salute him, and as they did so, they looked at one another and smiled. Then sitting down, they offered him food. Having eaten and washed his hands, they then begged him to begin his sermon. On which the aged mendicant ascended the elevated seat, and sitting down, began: “Sisters! my talent is small, my learning is very little. I know only one Gāthā, but I will repeat that and explain its meaning. Do you listen with attention and understand.” Then all the young nuns began to attempt to say the Gāthā backwards; but lo! they could not open their mouths; and filled with shame, they hung down their heads in sorrow. Then Patisena having repeated the Gāthā, began to explain it, head by head, as Buddha had instructed him. Then all the female mendicants hearing his words, were filled with surprise, and rejoicing to hear such instruction, with one heart they received it, and became Rahats.