Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

Buddha visitsthe Tavatimsa Heavenpardon Then Buddha her."related how, in a former life,Yashodara had formed the wish to become the wife of aBuddha, and thereafter in many long ages had been hiscompanion and helper. By this means the princess wascomforted. Not long afterward Rahula was admitted tothe order of monks. Buddha, however, refused to admitYashodara to the order of priesthood. Many yearsafterward he instituted the order of Buddhist nuns, towhich Yashodara was admitted ;and she, who had beenborn on the same day as Buddha, attained to Nirvana twoyears before his own decease.Buddha visits the Tavatimsa HeavenUpon another occasion Buddha visited the devaloka orheaven known as the Tavatimsa and remained there threemonths. Indra hastened to prepare his throne for theBuddha to sit upon, but feared it would be too large and,;indeed, it measured some fifteen leagues in height, whilethe height of Buddha was twelve cubits. No sooner didBuddha approach, however, than it shrank to a convenientheight. It remained, however, of the original length, andBuddha therefore performed the miracle of extending hisrobe on all sides for a distance of more than a thousandmiles, so that the throne appeared like a seat expresslyprepared for a preacher. The devas, led by Matru, whohad lately been the mother of Buddha, requested theBuddha to expound the abhidhai-ma. Many myriads ofdevas and brahmas entered the paths.When the time came for Buddha to return to earth, Indracaused three ladders to extend from Heaven to earth, twoof gold and one of silver. On one of the golden ladders,which had steps alternately of gold, silver, coral, ruby,emerald, and other gems, Buddha descended, preceded by277