佛說觀佛三昧海經 8.20

8.20

The Buddha said to Ānanda: "Formerly, when I was in the summer rains retreat, in the kingdom of Vārāṇasī there was a brothel. In the tower there was a woman named Myōi (Carumukhadā?). Long ago she had a deep karmic connection with the Buddha. I, together with Nanda and having taken you along, went to this courtesan's dwelling day after day to beg for alms. This woman had never shown reverence toward me, but developed an exclusive romantic attachment toward Nanda. When seven days had passed, the woman thought in her mind: 'If the recluse Gautama can send his younger brothers Nanda and Ānanda to comply with my wishes, I will present various offerings to the recluse.' The Buddha told Ānanda and Nanda: 'From this day on, do not go to that village.' The Bhagavat went alone holding his alms bowl to the woman's tower. For one day up to three days, he emitted a golden light to transform gods and humans, but this woman did not awaken. Later, the Bhagavat again led Ānanda and Nanda along beneath the tower. Because the courtesan felt affection and respect for the two monks, she scattered a multitude of flowers from afar over the Buddha and the two monks. Ānanda said to her: 'Will you pay homage to the Buddha?' Out of her fondness for Ānanda, the woman immediately made obeisance.