Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.1665

v2.c31.1665

It is said that once Pajāpatī made a robe for the Buddha of wonderful material and marvellously elaborate. But when it came to be offered to the Buddha he refused it, and suggested it should be given to the Order as a whole. Pajāpatī was greatly disappointed, and Ānanda intervened. But the Buddha explained that his suggestion was for the greater good of Pajāpatī, and also as an example to those who might wish to make similar gifts in the future. This was the occasion for the preaching of the Dakkhiṇāvibhaṅga Sutta.⁶ The Buddha had a great love for Pajāpatī, and when she lay ill, as there were no monks to visit her and preach to her—that being against the rule—the Buddha amended the rule and went himself to preach to her.⁷