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CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS - University of Oregon

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— 386 —<br />

bodies (1). Like Supriya and Sukla, she joined the Sangha<br />

at an<br />

early age. Endowed with extraordinary memory, and possessing<br />

also a fine grasp <strong>of</strong> the Law, she could discuss religious matters<br />

with the most learned Sramanas.<br />

5. Kuvalaya, which is interpreted Utpala, or the Blue Lotus. —<br />

This female Arhat was the daughter <strong>of</strong> a dancing-master, and<br />

practised the art herself in a high degree. Buddha, fearing that<br />

her charms would prove dangerous to the Brotherhood, transformed<br />

her into an ugly hag (2). Hereupon, she repented <strong>of</strong> her past life,<br />

begged the Buddha to forgive her, and ended by finally renouncing<br />

the world, and becoming<br />

a nun.<br />

6. Kasika-Sundari, or the Beautiful Maid <strong>of</strong> Kasi. — She was<br />

the daughter <strong>of</strong> Brahmadatta, Bajah <strong>of</strong> Benares. Sought in marriage<br />

by several princes, she spurned their advances, and rising in the<br />

air, took refuge in a Buddhist monastery (3). Here she meditated<br />

day and night on compassion for all beings, and thus became a<br />

renowned Arhat.<br />

7. Mukta, or the Pearl. — She was born with a crown <strong>of</strong><br />

precious stones on the head, hence her name (4). Married to a rich<br />

merchant, who gave her a beautiful pearl necklace, she placed it at<br />

the feet <strong>of</strong> Buddha. This so pleased her husband, that he became<br />

a Buddhist monk, and Mukta on her side entered a monastery for<br />

women (5).<br />

8. Kasangala, so called from the place where she lived. — She<br />

was a slave- woman. One day, as Buddha was passing by, Ananda<br />

begged her give a cup <strong>of</strong> water to his teacher. On tendering<br />

him, she exclaimed: "my son,<br />

11<br />

my son<br />

it to<br />

, and forthwith a double jet<br />

(1) Journal Asiatique. Avril-Juin, 1883. p. 413, and 421.<br />

(2) La confrerie faillit succomber aux charmes de cette magique femmc.<br />

AiissitcM le Rouddha la transforms en une vieille hideuse et decrepite.<br />

Journal Asiatique. Avril-Juin, 1883. p. W7.<br />

Journal Asiatique. Avril-Juin. 1883. p. 409, 413. and 420.<br />

(4) Journal Asiatique. Avril-Juin, 1883. p. 409, 413, and 414-415.<br />

(5) Journal Asiatique. Avril-Juin. 1883. p. 420.

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