34b: The 18th Rains Retreat (Delaying) – 1141
girl has not got a chance to hear me. Only when she does get a chance to listen to
my talk, shall I give a discourse of appreciation.”
While the Buddha was remaining silent no one whosoever in the world of
sentient beings dared to ask him to speak.
The girl wound the woof, put it in a basket, and, on her way to her father, she
stood at the edge of the audience. The Buddha too looked at the girl, stretching
his neck. From the way the Buddha glanced at her she knew: “The Fortunate
One wants me to go closer to him, for while sitting amidst such a great assembly
he looks directly at me.”
Herein it may be asked: “Why did the Buddha stretch his neck and look at
her?” Answer: For it occurred to the Buddha thus: “If she goes to her
father without listening to my discourse even at the edge of the assembly,
she will die a worldling (
puthujjana
) and her destiny after her death will
not be safe. But if she goes after coming to me and listening to my
discourse her destiny will be a safe one, for she will attain Stream-entry
(
Sotāpatti-phala
) and will be reborn in a divine mansion in Tusita. Besides,
there would be no escape for her from death on that very day. That was
why the Buddha stretched out his neck and looked at the girl.
After taking the cue from the Buddha, and approaching the Buddha by passing
through his six radiant lights, she paid homage and stood at a proper place. The
following questions and answers between the Buddha and the girl then took
place:
Buddha: “Where did you come from, young lady?”
Young lady: “I do not know, exalted Buddha.”
Buddha: “Where are you going?”
[807]
Young lady: “I do not know, exalted Buddha.”
Buddha: “Do you not know, young lady?”
Young lady: “I do, exalted Buddha.”
Buddha: “Do you know, young lady?”
Young lady: “I do not, exalted Buddha.”
In this way the Buddha asked the girl four questions. Realising what was meant
by the Buddha, the girl gave her answers which had a profound significance.