經律異相 23.12

23.12

The Buddha was on Gṛdhrakūṭa Mountain in Rājagṛha. There was a courtesan named Padmā. A wholesome thought arose in her naturally, and she abandoned worldly affairs to become a nun. She went into the mountains toward the place of the Buddha. Before she arrived, midway there was a flowing spring. The woman drank the water, washed her hands, and looked at her reflection, seeing that her facial appearance was incomparably lovely. She then thought, "Why should I abandon myself to become a śramaṇa? For a short while I should enjoy my private desires!" and immediately started to return home. The Buddha knew that Padmā was ripe to be saved, and manifested an illusory woman of peerless elegance, surpassing Padmā, who came along the road. When Padmā saw her, her heart felt great affection and respect. She asked the conjured person, "Where do you come from? Where are your husband, kin, and attendants? Why are you walking alone with no retinue?" The conjured person replied, "I come from the city and wish to return home. Though we do not know each other, we can go back together to the spring above." Padmā said, "Very well." The two went back together to the spring and poured out their thoughts in detail. The conjured person lay down to sleep with her head on Padmā's lap. In an instant, she suddenly passed away. Her body swelled, rotted, and stank; her abdomen ruptured and worms crawled out; her teeth fell out, her hair fell away, and her flesh and limbs fell apart. When Padmā saw this, her heart was terrified: 'How could a beautiful person suddenly be impermanent like this? Even such a person is like this; how could I last long?' Terrified, she resolved to go to the Buddha and vigorously study the Way. She went straight to the Buddha's place, threw her five limbs to the ground, paid homage, and spoke of herself. The Buddha told Padmā, "A woman has four things that cannot be relied upon: first, youth and vigor must inevitably turn to old age; second, strength and health must inevitably turn to death; third, the pleasant companionship of the six kinds of kin must inevitably lead to separation; fourth, accumulated wealth and jewels must inevitably be scattered." Hearing the Dharma, Padmā joyfully understood, and attained arhatship (from the Sūtra of the Maiden Padmā).