Vv 32Latā’s Mansion

– STORIES OF HEAVENLY MANSIONS

– A. THE FEMALE DEVAS' SECTION

– THE PĀRICCHATTAKA CHAPTER

3.4

BJT 317The devas Latā, Sajjā, Pavarā, Accimukhī, and Sutā, daughters of King Vessavaṇa, the noble king, possessed of glory — they were distinguished, radiant with their natural virtues.

BJT 318And here, these five women went to a beautiful river with cool water and blue lotuses to bathe. There, after those devas had bathed, had sported, had danced, and had sung, Sutā spoke to Latā thus:

BJT 319"O you who wear a garland of blue lotuses, who wear a wreath upon your head, whose skin is like gold, whose eyes are dark as black copper, radiant like the sky — you who possess long life — I ask you: Through what has your renown been made?

BJT 320Dear friend, through what are you beloved by your husband above all others, distinguished and more beautiful in form, skilled in the arts of dancing, singing, and playing music? Having been asked by the male and female devas, may you tell us."

BJT 321"I, when I was a human being in the world of humans, was a daughter-in-law in a household of high wealth and station. I had no anger, I was obedient to my husband's commands, and I was not negligent on the days of observance.

BJT 322Being human, young, not malicious, with a mind of serene faith, I pleased my husband, as well as my brothers-in-law; I pleased my parents-in-law, and also the servants. There, renown was made for me.

BJT 323Through that wholesome kamma, I have here attained a special state in four respects: long life, beauty, happiness, and strength. I enjoy pleasures and delights in no small measure."

BJT 324"Has this word of Latā been heard? She has explained to us what we asked. It is said that husbands are the special destiny for us women, and that they are noble devas for us women here.

BJT 325Let us all fulfil our duties toward our husbands, through which women become faithful wives. Having fulfilled our duties toward our husbands, all of us will attain what this Latā has spoken of.

BJT 326Just as a lion, whose hunting ground is the hills and highlands, having established itself upon the mountain that is the earth's support, having subdued and slain the other four-footed creatures, feeds on raw flesh and devours smaller animals —

BJT 327In exactly the same way, here the female disciples of the Noble One, possessed of faith, having taken refuge in their husbands, being faithful to their husbands, having destroyed anger and subdued miserliness — such a woman, practising the Dhamma, rejoices in the heavenly realm."

Latā's Mansion.