Texts from the Buddhist canon : commonly known as Dhammapada

IMPERMANENCY. 35
On this the Brahinach§,riii received enlightenment, and
having assumed the robes and tonsure of a Bhikshu, he
quickly became a Eahat.
5. Once when Buddha was residing in the Gridhrakuta
Mountain, near Ei,jagriha, there was a certain famous
courtezan in the city, called "Lien-hwa" (Pundari, or
Padma) most beautiful in form, and incomparable for
grace. This woman, wearied of her mode of life, resolved
to join herself to Buddha and become a Bhikshuni.
Accordingly she proceeded towards the .place where he
was, and having half ascended the mountain, she halted
awhile at a fountain of water to drink ; whilst lifting the
water to her mouth she saw her face reflected in the
fountain, and she could not but observe her own incom-
parable beauty, the delicacy of her complexion, -her rosy
hair, her graceful figure. On seeing herself thus she
altered her mind, and said—'' Shall one born so beautiful
as I am go out of the world and become a recluse ?—no
rather let me have my fiU of pleasure and be satisfied "
on this she made ready to turn back and go horiie. But
in the meantime Buddha, seeing the circumstance, and
knowing that Pundari was in a condition to be saved
'
— !
(converted), transformed himself at once into a beautiful
woman, infinitely more charming than Pundaii. Meeting
as they went, the couttezan was amazed at the beauty of
the strange woman, and asked her, " "Whence come you,
fair one ? and where dwell your kindred ? and why do
you travel thus alone without attendants ? " On which
the stranger replied, " I am returning to yonder city, and
though we be not acquainted, let ns join company and go
together." On this they went on their way till they came
to a certain fountain on the road, where they sat down.
At length, the conversation having ceased, the strange
beauty, resting herself against the knees of Pundari, fell
asleep. After a time the courtezan, looking down on her
friend, was amazed to behold her form entirely changed;