釋迦譜 1.396

1.396

At that time, when the Prince reached seventeen years of age, the King assembled the ministers and deliberated with them, saying, 'The Prince is now grown; we should seek a marriage for him.' The ministers replied, 'There is a Śākya brāhmaṇa named Mahānāma. He has a daughter named Yaśodharā, who is upright in appearance, clever and wise, with virtuous talent surpassing others, fully observing proper decorum. Possessing such virtues, she is worthy to be the Prince's consort.' The King replied, 'If it is as you say, we shall take her in marriage.' The King returned to the inner palace and instructed an intelligent, wise, and elderly woman of the palace: 'Go to the household of the elder Mahānāma and observe his daughter's appearance, decorum, and conduct, to see how they are. You may stay there until seven days are complete.' Having received the King's order, she went to that elder's household and fully observed the girl for seven days. She returned and reported to the King, 'I have observed that this girl's upright features, dignity, and conduct are without equal.' Hearing her words, the King was exceedingly amazed and delighted. He immediately sent a messenger to tell Mahānāma, 'The Prince is grown, and we wish to take a consort for him. The ministers all say that your daughter is virtuous and fitting for this position. We now wish to engage her.' Mahānāma answered the King's messenger, 'I respectfully obey the royal command.' The King then ordered the ministers to select an auspicious day and sent ten thousand chariots to welcome her. Once she arrived at the palace, the rites of the Prince's marriage were completed, and he further added to the host of singing girls to entertain them day and night. At that time, the Prince was always with his consort; in walking, standing, sitting, and lying down, they were never apart. Yet he had no worldly desires whatsoever, and in the quiet night he cultivated only dhyāna and contemplation. The King daily asked the court ladies, 'Have the Prince and the consort been intimate?' The court ladies answered, 'We do not see the Prince practicing the way of husband and wife.' Hearing these words, the King was sorrowful and unhappy, and added even more singing girls to entertain him. In this way time passed, yet they were still not intimate. The King had deep doubts, fearing that he was incapable of being a man.