San Lo Mvu 39The Gift of a Necklace to Yaśodharā

The Sutta of the Gift of a Necklace to Yaśodharā

Background

Yaśodharā was the wife of the Buddha Gotama (Siddhartha) before he went forth. She was a Sakya princess, daughter of King Suppabuddha, and is regarded as one of the earliest women recognized by the Buddha as a bhikkhunī disciple. This account is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the San Lo Mvu section (Saṅghādisesa), reflecting the process by which Yaśodharā studied the Buddha-Dharma and became one of the most outstanding female disciples.

The event of the necklace gift takes place in the context of Yaśodharā’s deep practice and search for awakening. She was not merely the one left behind when the Buddha went forth, but transformed that emotion into motivation for study and practice. This discourse records an important moment of respect, selfless love, and offering on her part toward the Three Jewels.

Main Content

According to the Pāli Canon tradition, this discourse records Yaśodharā’s offering of a precious necklace as an expression of faith and devotion to the Three Jewels. This act of giving was not personal affection, but the practice of dāna, giving, one of the three basic ethical acts in Theravāda Buddhism.

The necklace in this context is seen as a symbol of connection: the connection between worldly affection and the path of practice, between conjugal love and bodhicitta. This offering shows that Yaśodharā had completely transcended the bonds of worldly emotion, transforming them into the strength of practice.

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, this act is recorded as evidence of respect for the Buddha and the Sangha. The Buddha did not refuse it, but accepted it, showing that he valued her heart rather than the material gift. This is also the Buddha’s way of teaching that every action arising from faith has deep spiritual value.

Practical Meaning

This discourse teaches that dāna is not merely the giving of material things, but spiritual offering.