And the Blessed One thought to himself: "This woman moves in worldly circles and is a favorite of longs and princes; yet is her heart calm and composed. Young in years, rich, surrounded by pleasures, she is thoughtful and steadfast. This, indeed, is rare in the world. Women, as a rule, are scant in wisdom and deeply immersed in vanity; but "she, although living in luxury, has acquired the wisdom of a master, taldng delight in piety, and able to receive the truth in its completeness."3
When she was seated, the Blessed One instructed, aroused, and gladdened her with religious discourse.4
As she listened to the law, her face brightened with delight. Then she rose and said to the Blessed One: "Will the Blessed One do me the honor of taking his meal, together with the brethren, at my house to-morrow?" And the Blessed One gave, by silence, his consent.5
Now, the Licchavi, a wealthy family of princely rank, hearing that the Blessed One had arrived at Vesālī and was staying at Ambapālī's grove, mounted their magnificent carriages, and proceeded with their retinue to the place where the Blessed One was. And the Licchavi were gorgeously dressed in bright colors and decorated with costly jewels.6
And Ambapālī drove up against the young Licchavi, axle to axle, wheel to wheel, and yoke to yoke, and the Licchavi said to Ambapālī, the courtesan: "How is it, Ambapālī, that you drive up against us thus?"7
"My lords," said she, "I have just invited the Blessed One and his brethren for their to-morrow's meal"8
And the princes replied: "Ambapālī! give up this meal to us for a hundred thousand."9
"My lords, were you to offer all Vesālī with its subject territory, I would not give up so great an honor!"10
Then the Licchavi went on to Ambapālī's grove.11
When the Blessed One saw the Licchavi approaching in the distance, he addressed the brethren, and said: "O
