presently, I would like to tell you a story about Bhaddā Terī Kundalakesā and a thief, which
relates to the story of renunciation. Kundalakesā was born into a merchant family living a secluded life. However, everything
changed when she met her husband, who was a thief. So, I will explain this
story in these parts.
First is love and desire. One day, Kundalakesā was in her room looking out of the window, and then she saw a man who
was about to be killed by policemen for stealing others’ money. However, she
fell in love with him and wanted to marry the thief. Her parents had to pay
money to the policemen to release the thief. During this period, she was
surrounded by unwholesomeness because of this man she loved and desired.
The second part is about foolishness and awakening.
Why are there two extremes of conception about foolishness and awakening? When
the thief was married to her, although she achieved her intention, she was deceived
by her husband. After they were married, the thief told her that he wanted to pay
gratitude to the devas who on a mountain for saving him. He claimed he needed
valuable materials and requested Kundalakesā to give them to him. Kundalakesā having not doubts, promised thief and followed him to the mountain.
However, after arriving at the destination, the thief wanted her dead in order
to rob the treasures. At that moment, Kundalakesā thought she must escape from the thief, while pretended to honor
her husband, she pushed him off the cliff. After risking her own life, she gave
up all treasures and family, not knowing where to go, Thus, she transformed
from defilement to wisdom.
Finally, there are renunciation and enlightenment. After leaving the
mountain, she did not know where to go, merely following a road and walking
along. She was fortunate enough to meet Paribbajikas, a group of females
wandering ascetics, and she became a Paribbajikas. She stayed with them to
practice their teaching for a period. Once she had learned most of their doctrine,
her teacher instructed her to leave, telling her that she could approach
someone who was able to answer her questions.
