Reading Notes, The Life of Buddha, Part G

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Readings Notes, The Life of Buddha, Part G

Chapter 41, Mahaprajapati is Admitted to the Community

(This chapter is an example of why I can not subscribe to Buddhism.)
Mahaprajapati wishes to dedicate her life to the humble observances of the holy life. She approaches the Buddha were he meditates in a near wood to ask him to break tradition and admit women into the holy community. She asks him three times and he ignores her each time. Ultimately she leaves to return to the palace. Then, once again she leaves to seek the Buddha, however, this time she comes dress in a monk’s clothing to show humility. Once again, Buddha denies her. This time she waits. Eventually a male disciple of Buddha convinces him to change his mind. But, Buddha warns that the community will be forever ruined because of the temptation of women to the monk-hood.

Chapter 42, The Buddha Exposes the Imposters

The Buddha tells a parable about a glow worm and a fisherman and announces his path.

Chapter 43, Suprabha

Suprabha decides not to accept a suitor and goes to live and learn from the Buddha.

Chapter 44, Vipura

Vipura was ugly and given to a merchant as a wife by her father the king. The merchant was embarrassed by her. She decided to kill herself. Buddha rescued her and turned her into a beauty. She and her husband were happy.

Chapter 45, Sinca’s Deceit

Since was a young girl of great charm sent by the evil hermits to tempt Buddha and declare that she was pregnant. Indra intervened and exposed her.

Chapter 46, The Buddha Tames a Wild Buffalo

Description is in the title.

Chapter 47, Dissension Among the Monks

One monk in the community causes a stir and convinces others that the master is wrong. The Buddha corrected him and he pleads forgiveness.

Chapter 48, Kuvalaya the Dancer

The Buddha admits Kuvalaya to the community. She becomes devout.

Chapter 49, The God Alavaka Defeated by the Buddha

Buddha and Alavaka have a battle of the minds. The Buddha out philosophizes the god.

Bibliography:

Andre Ferdinand Herold, The Life of Buddha, http://sacred-texts.com/bud/lob/lob03.htm#page_3