A History of Indian Literature v2.c19.s3.t2.128

v2.c19.s3.t2.128

We have already remarked above, that pictures of real life are far more numerous in the Songs of the Lady Elders than in those of the Elders. Mad with grief at the loss of a child, a mother strays about, until, comforted and instructed by Buddha himself, she is admitted into the order. It happens more than once that women are brought into the order of nuns through the loss of children.[^2) In one song we hear of a poor widow who (involuntarily) goes begging from house to house, and, by chance, comes to the nuns. Where she is sympathetically received and instructed, becomes a (voluntary) beggar, and through her kind teacher Paṭācārā, soon finds the way to Nirvāṇa. We hear repeatedly of former courtesans who became nuns, and the contrast between the life and conduct of the courtesan and the calm sanctity of the nun has a great artistic effect. In the midst of rejoicings and festivities, a beauty in festal array, comes to a convent and is instructed and converted by Buddha. Here, too, the contrast between the extravagant festive joy and the peace of Nirvāṇa is very effective.[^3) We hear also of young girls of noble race, of matrons of advanced age, of a mother of ten children, who, instructed by Buddha himself or by some venerable nun, seek and find the way to Nirvāṇa. Moreover, we often hear how relatives vainly endeavour to dissuade a daughter from her decision to become a nun. The beautiful daughter of a rich man is courted by the sons of the wealthy people, even by princes, one of whom sends her father the message: "Eight times her weight in gold will I give for her, and stores of gems in addition." But she has heard the Buddha and prefers the life of a mendicant nun.