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