The Buddha's deliverance of Lotus
Once when the Buddha was propagating the
Dharma, a beautiful prostitute called Lotus bred a good thought, and wanted to get
away from the defilements of the world to spiritually cultivate. She therefore
went to see the Buddha. On her way, she passed by a clear stream. As she bent
to wash her hands and have a drink, she saw her own reflection in the water.
Her slender eyes and high bridged nose that went so perfectly with her cherry
red lips made her admire herself with mounting joy. In a moment, her initial
intention faltered:" Why should I abandon my lovely body to renounce? I
should instead enjoy my youth while it lasts." So, she turned round and
headed off where she came.
At this moment, the Buddha knew that the time
was ripe for Lotus to be delivered. With his transcendental powers, he
transformed into a young lady more attractive than Lotus to wait for her on her
way. As Lotus approached, she was captivated by this woman's beauty, and asked
her:" Where are you going? Why are you not with your husband? Are your
children and brothers not with you?"
The young lady answered:" I am from the
city, and I am on my way home. It is honestly very lonely to travel on my own.
If you don't mind, can we make company?"
The two of them therefore walked slowly down
the hillside. As they came by a spring, they sat down to take a rest and
started to chat. After a while, they felt tired, and the woman laid her head on
the knees of Lotus and felt sound asleep. Not long afterwards, however, she
died. The dead body went swollen and its rancid smell was revolting. The skin
started to decompose, and maggots emerged from the opened abdomen. Her teeth
and hair fell off and the dreadful sight was beyond description.
On witnessing this frightful change, Lotus was
petrified. Turning all pale, she thought:" Such a beautiful woman had
changed to such a horrible image within such a short time after she stopped
breathing. Can I maintain my beauty forever? I think I should go to the Buddha
for deliverance and cultivate with diligence!"
When Lotus saw the Buddha, the Buddha looked at
her with compassion. He then explained to her the four things which humans could
never find fulfilment:
1. Whether in your
youth or prime, aging will occur.
2. Even the healthiest
person must die.
3. Family and friends
may be happy together, but they must eventually separate.
4. However much wealth
you possess, it will be used up one day.
On hearing this advice of the Buddha, Lotus
began to realise the eternal truth of the Buddha's
Dharma. She immediately revealed her wish to renounce and cultivate. The Buddha
gave his approval, and she was