The world of Tzu Chi July 2020 (Vol.124)

2020 • 07 50 W ithin the Buddhist community, there was a woman who came from a rich family in Rajagrha. In her childhood, she was very intelligent and she was never interested in the beautiful clothes and ornaments that other girls adored. Her mind was always calm and she was unusually wise for a child. Intuitively, she sensed that everything in this world changes and passes away very quickly. At a young age, she thought of becoming a nun in order to search for the Truth. When she was old enough, her parents married her off to a wealthy, cultured young man in the city. She had a wonderful life and her husband treated her well. In spite of her husband’s wealth, she still lived a simple, frugal life. At this time, she was already pregnant, but she did not know it. One day, the city threw a huge celebration. It was a very important festival, and the city was extravagantly decorated. There was an atmosphere of excitement, and all the people were decked out in their most elegant clothes. “You always wear plain clothes and never put on any makeup,” her husband observed. “But today’s a big day, so you should get dressed up.” “What’s the use?” she replied to his surprise. “Aperson’s body is full of filth. Our life slips through our fingers as we quickly approach death. When we die, our body will simply rot and stink. Decorating the body is like spraying perfume on a toilet. What’s the use?” When her husband heard this, he felt The Pregnant Nun The young nun’s belly slowly increased in size. “Are you pregnant?” people asked her. “You look like you are.” She did not know how to respond. She left Devadatta’s group and walked to the place where Buddha was staying with his disciples. aster Cheng Yen Tells Stories confused, with hate and love mixed up together. He retorted, “If that’s so, why don’t you just become a nun?” She was delighted, “Oh, thank you very much! That’s just what I’ve always wanted! If you can help me to accomplish my wish, then you too will receive boundless merit.” Her husband did not understand her conviction, and he regretted having spoken so thoughtlessly. He kept trying to persuade her to change her mind, but her mind was made up and she was determined to become a nun. Although he did not want to part with her, he had no choice but to let her go. He ordered a number of servants laden down with various boxes and trunks full of things he thought she would need, to accompany her. With this entourage, she went to a religious group to become a nun. At last she had achieved her wish to lead a religious life, and she was very happy. However, she still did not know about the child growing inside her. Her belly slowly increased in size. “Are you pregnant?” people asked her. “You look like you are.” She did not know how to respond. Someone brought her to see Devadatta, the leader of this religious group. He was son of King Dronodana and a cousin of Sakyamuni Buddha. He was also Buddha’s enemy and rival. He only wanted to learn magical powers and to replace Buddha as the new religious leader. When Devadatta saw her, he was angry. “How can there be a pregnant nun in my group?