A beautiful courtesan, <br />Amrapali, had a big garden <br />Where Buddha stayed once, <br />Along with his disciples. <br /> <br />She took it lucky <br />And was very happy <br />To see their presence <br />In her own place. <br /> <br />She wanted to sit <br />At Buddha’s feet <br />And hear his sermon <br />As a humble woman. <br /> <br />In her very simple dress, <br />Without wearing jewels, <br />Before Buddha, she sat <br />But was looking smart. <br /> <br />Buddha noticed her, <br />Listening to his lecture, <br />With rapt attention, <br />And deep devotion. <br /> <br />Suddenly he told them, <br />“How she looks very calm <br />Despite her big connections <br />With the King and courtiers.” <br /> <br />“She’s young and beautiful. <br />She’s rich and moves well. <br />Yet, her heart is pure <br />And she’s very sincere.” <br /> <br />Amarpali felt more humble <br />She invited him for a meal. <br />As a gesture of goodwill <br />He accepted her call. <br /> <br />He rejected the invitation <br />Of another local rich man, <br />Who called him for meals, <br />Along with his disciples. <br /> <br />When all of them came, <br />Amrapali welcomed them <br />With a humble submission, <br />To her decorated mansion. <br /> <br />When the meal was over <br />Buddha then blessed her. <br />All of them thanked her <br />And was about to leave her. <br /> <br />She told, “This mansion, <br />Is not mine from now on, <br />But goes to Sangha, as my gift. <br />My humble offer, kindly accept.” <br /> <br />Buddha accepted the gift, <br />That came from her heart, <br />Appreciating her kindness <br />And her truthfulness.<br /><br />Rajaram Ramachandran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/buddha-31-the-story-of-amrapali/
