How Sona became the most persevering Theri

By Premasara Epasinghe

Perseverance is defined as the continued steady efforts to achieve an aim. In Buddhist literature, we come across a great persevering Bhikkhuni whose name is Sona.

Her story is fascinating. One hundred thousand Kalpas ago, she was born in the city of Hansawathie, during the time of Padumuttara Buddha. One day, when she accompanied her parents to a sermon, she witnessed Padumuttara Buddha elevating a Bhikkhuni to the rank of the most persevering Bhikkhuni. She was highly taken up seeing this act, she and her parents, invited Padumuttara Buddha to alms at their residence. She who had performed many meritorious acts firmly resolved to be a Bhikkhuni in a future birth and achieve the title of foremost Bhikkhuni with perseverance.

She was born to a noble family at Saratthi and was named Sona due to the meritorious acts she performed in her samsara journey. After her marriage, she bore ten children. When they grew up, Sona and her rich husband, lived happily with their children and grand children after their parental responsibilities were over. Sona's husband, became a Bhikkhu. The children insisted that their mother should distribute the family wealth equally among them. The daughters received the jewellery. The eldest son who had more children was given the parental home. Sona lived with them. She was depressed and left the eldest son to live with the second. In this manner, she took turns with the sons and daughters, but she was not satisfied with how they treated her. To be relieved of depression and sadness, she visited the preaching hall of the Bhikkhunis and listened to Buddhist sermons. Ultimately, she entered the Order as a Bhikkhuni.

She observed the precepts well. She practised calm meditation. She was loyal and dutiful. She helped the other Bhikkhuni in their day-to-day work.

The Bhikkhunis were delighted to hear that the Buddha would be visiting a close by village. They advised Sona to remain in the ashram as she was too old to make the journey and look after the other old Bhikkhunis. She was advised to continue her meditation till they return.

The Buddha, with his super-natural powers could see the solitary Sona. The Buddha foresaw that she was qualified to attain Arahathood and she would be appointed as one of the 13 high ranking Bhikkhunis.

The Buddha sent a blaze of golden light to help the sona, and caused the Buddha image to appear in front of her.

The Buddha once addressed her thus:

Yo ca Vassa Stam Jive,
Apassam Dhamma Muttamam,
Ekaham Jivitam Seyyo
Passato Dhamma Muttamam

“Daughter Sona, it is noble to live a day, realising, understanding the noble doctrine with wisdom, rather than live one hundred years without understanding the dhamma.”

The persevering Bhikkuni Sona, mastered Samatha Bhavana – (Calm Meditation), gradually, she became Sotapanne – a stream entrant, then she attained the fruits of Sakrudagami – Once returner, Anagami – non-returner, and finally Arahatship – full liberty – deathless state.

The Buddha raised her status to the rank of the most persevering Bhikkhuni in the Order.

Theri Sona, through joy uttered these words of victory before an assembly of Bhikkhunis who were her pupils.

“After bearing ten children, I looked after them. Looking after them, I felt weary and tired. I left that pathetic life. I joined the bhikkuni Order. I meditated and I received the divine eye. I recognised the five aggregates of clinging. I understood the root causes of decay. I will not be mine any more. Now, I am free”.