PLATE XXIV
The Buddha and Sujātā
Before attaining enlightenment (Bodhi) the Buddha sought to win salvation by Brāhmanic precepts. While thus engaged, he was mistaken for a deity by Sujātā, the wife of a landholder, who sought of him a boon and presented him an offering of milk, giving him likewise a bowl of water to wash his hands. Touched by her homage, he blessed her and granted her request. After this he bathed, and when the golden cup in which Sujātā had brought the milk floated up-stream, he knew that he was soon to gain Buddhahood. From a painting by the modern Indian artist Abanindro Nath Tagore. After International Studio, XVIII, Plate facing p. 26.
