Buddha arrived in Vaishali, where the beautiful Amrapali, one of the most famous and rich courtesans, lived. Amrapali was very beautiful, only the richest, most respected men visited her: kings, princes, high officer ranks, the cream of society.
One day, from the terrace of her house, she saw a young Buddhist monk. Amrapali, who had never loved before, suddenly fell in love. The monk behaved with such dignity, awareness, and grace that Amrapali could not stand it and, running down the steps, turned to the monk:
- In three days the rainy season will begin, and I invite you to live in my house during this time. (Buddhist monks do not travel during the rainy season, which lasts four months).
The monk replied:
- I'll ask the Master. If he allows it, I'll stay.
Arriving at the Buddha, the young monk spoke about the unusual meeting. Buddha, looking into the young man’s eyes, said:
- Stay.
Four months later the young man returned and bowed at the feet of the Buddha. The young man was followed by Amrapali, dressed in the robes of a Buddhist nun. She also touched Buddha's feet and said:
“I tried my best to seduce your student, but it was he who seduced me!” With his presence and his awareness, he convinced me that true life is at your feet.
If meditation is deep, if awareness is pure, nothing will disturb that purity.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru