Buddha’s Wife Yasodhara - A Perspective !
Lord Buddha married Princess Yasodhara. They lived very happily. Yasodhara was pregnant in few months. She gave birth to a beautiful boy. Ten days later,Buddha left his wife and child to start his life as a monk. Yasodhara understood her husband’s mind.
She started living for her son. She was asked to take over the Queen position which she refused. She sent the men of king to know where Lord Buddha is living. She refused life of luxury in palace. She built a hut and ate only fruits and raw vegetables.
Because of young age and beauty, Yasodhara was asked by many kings to marry her. Her parents asked her to remarry to start a new life. But she stood strong in her decision and brought her son in a monk’s way. In midst of many difficulties, She learnt the preaching of Lord Buddha through the king’s soldiers. Her mind and soul became very clear. She attained wisdom.
Once when Lord Buddha came back to his palace and started begging, His father was heart broken and asked Him to come back. Lord Buddha refused. Lord Buddha wanted to meet Yasodhara. He came to her hut. Yasodhara was calm, kind and confident. She welcomed Lord Buddha without any bitterness and asked Him to have food.
After He accepted her food. She said “Lord, I wanted to know and understand myself. So I have 2 questions in my mind?”
Lord Buddha said “Please ask.”
Yasodhara asked “Lord, Why you left the palace without telling a word to me at midnight? Do you not know me?”
Lord Buddha replied “Dear Yasodhara, I was afraid you might stop me. So i left the palace at midnight without telling anyone.”
Yasodhara asked “Lord, Why do you think it is necessary to roam around different places to attain wisdom?”
Lord Buddha replied “Dear Yasodhara, You are right, its not necessary to go anywhere to attain wisdom. At that time of leaving, I was not wise enough to understand that.”
Here, Princess Yasodhara was the Gem of the womankind. She was perfect and Because of her self control and responsibility, She attained wisdom at the palace which by the way is very tempting and hardest place to attain wisdom. She did her responsibility as a mother. She made all the important decisions for country people for their welfare as a Queen. She lived a simple life as Monk’s wife.
Work is Worship; Duty is God !
