Visakha and Dhammadinna (2)

Dhammadinna found it difficult to assess Visakha's condition. She thought he was displeased with her. Or perhaps he was displeased with someone else? She was filled with doubt. Even if he was displeased, she hoped his feelings would change after a day or two. However, days passed, yet his behavior showed no sign of change. In truth, Visakha was not as Dhammadinna suspected. His demeanor was actually that of a person who had attained the stage of Anāgāmi (Non-Returner). Those at the Sotāpanna (Stream-enterer) and Sakadāgāmi (Once-Returner) stages had not yet completely eradicated the latent tendency of sensual lust (kāmarāgānusaya). Thus, they still naturally delighted in the five sense objects and sensual pleasures. That is why they still lived together with their sons, daughters, wives, or husbands. But once one attains Anāgāmi, there is absolutely no lingering lust or attachment for the five sense objects and sensual pleasures. This is due to the power and efficacy of the Dhamma, which has thinned out the defilements. Upon becoming an Anāgāmi, all defilements pertaining to the human and celestial realms are completely eradicated. Dhammadinna waited expectantly for two or three days, hoping her husband Visakha's behavior would return to normal, but nothing changed. Not understanding why this was happening, she became increasingly agitated and restless. On the third day, unable to bear it any longer, she opened the door and entered the room where Visakha was alone. To make matters worse, Visakha asked her, in an oddly detached manner, "Dhammadinna, what brings you into the room at this late hour?" Suppressing her heartbreak, Dhammadinna replied in a faint voice, "I came in because I had something to ask you, my dear." "Then ask, sister." "My darling, you are not like before. Your behavior feels so strangely distant. It's as if you don't even remember I exist. Before, we always confided in each other, in good times and bad. Why are you acting like such a stranger now? Is it because you are displeased with me? Or are you displeased with someone else? Or... have you met someone new you love more than me?" She poured out everything in her heart. Knowing that her heart would break and she might die if she didn't hear the truth, Visakha resolved that he must speak. "Sister, it's not what you think," he explained frankly. "I have attained a noble state of Dhamma, the stage of Anāgāmi. Because of the power of the Dhamma, I no longer find pleasure or delight in the five sense objects and worldly concerns. Please use the eighty crores of wealth [inherited from both families] as you wish. Just provide me with simple meals. I no longer consider any of these possessions as mine. Or, if you wish to remarry, please do so according to your own wishes." Only then did Dhammadinna feel relief. The fires of sorrow were extinguished. She understood that this was the grace, the power, and the efficacy of the Dhamma. "May I ask you one more thing?" she inquired. "Is this noble Dhamma you've attained something only men can strive for? Or can women strive for it too?" "Whether man or woman," Visakha replied, "anyone who strives can attain these noble states of Dhamma. If one develops insight according to reality (yathābhūta ñāṇa), it is possible, sister." "Then," Dhammadinna requested, "I wish to become a bhikkhunī (Buddhist nun) and strive for it. Will you grant me permission?" "Of course I permit you, sister! I hesitated to suggest it myself. Now that you have this aspiration, I am even more pleased." He gladly gave his consent. The next morning, the wealthy merchant Visakha went to the palace of King Bimbisāra. In those times, kings and wealthy merchants were often very close. That's why he felt able to make such a request. "Your Majesty," he addressed the king, "I have come to request the golden palanquin because my wife, Dhammadinna, wishes to be ordained as a bhikkhunī." The king readily granted his request. Dhammadinna bathed in perfumed water and, amidst a grand procession surrounded by relatives, proceeded amidst great fanfare to the nunnery in the golden palanquin. It resembled modern wedding processions where the bride is escorted. Upon reaching the nunnery, the bhikkhunīs questioned her: "Dhammadinna, you are still young. Is your wish to be ordained because of some discord or unhappiness with someone? Or is it purely out of faith (saddhā) in the Dhamma?" They questioned her thoroughly because of her youth. Dhammadinna explained that she had come purely out of faith and the desire to be ordained. Only then, following the Vinaya procedures and Dhamma regulations, did they instruct her in the thirty-two parts of the body meditation (dvattimsa koṭṭhāsa kammaṭṭhāna), shave her head, and formally admit her into the bhikkhunī order according to tradition. (To be continued.)