Meditation with commitment:

Sakula, the Bhikkhuni with the divine eye

By Premasara Epasinghe

Gautama Buddha's step–mother Maha Prajapati Gotami was one of the foremost Bhikkhunis of the bhikkuni order. The first and second chief disciples were Bhikkhunis Khema and Uppalavanna. In all there were 13 leading nuns. Today, we feature Sakula, the Bhikkhuni with the divine eye.

Over 100,000 aeons ago, during her Samsaric journey, Sakula was born in the city, Hansawathie, as step-sister and step mother to Buddha Padumuttara. Many times she visited the preaching hall of the Buddha. One day, she witnessed padumuttara Buddha conferring a Bhikknuni gifted with a divine eye. Sakula who witnessed this event, resolved to attain the same rank and honour under a future Buddha. She performed many meritorious deeds in pursuit of her cherished aim.

Heretic

During the Kassapa Buddha's time she was born as a daughter to heretic and become a heretic Bhikkhuni. After her demise, she was bron as a celestial being, blessed with a heavenly eye.

It was during the Gautama Buddh's time that Sakula was born as a pretty daughter to a rich Brahamin family in the beautiful city of Savatthi.

Her parents were Brahamins. Although, she was keen to be a Buddhist her parents did not permit her to change her faith.

At this time, Savatthi was the epicentre of Buddhism, due to Gautama Buddha's noble presence. Buddism was the prominent religion.

The rich nobility, the greatest lay benefactor of the Buddha constructed the beautiful monastery, Jetha Vanaramaya.

The Brahamin community was invited to the opening ceremony. Sakula's parents did not attend, but Sakula after pleading with her parents, atteneded with other noble princesses. She was fortunate to see the Buddha and listen to his sermon.

Nobleman

She began to believe in Buddhism.Not to displease her beloved parents she married a Brahamin a blue-blooded nobleman. She gave birth to a number of children. As her new home was close to Jetavanaramaya, she very often listened to the discourses of the Buddha. She was also a regular visitor to the temple.

She entered the Buddhist Order as a Bhikkunis. She attained arahathood with four forms of greater knowledge. Due to her meritorious deeds and offering lights, she was blessed with the divine eye.

She fulfilled her earnest wish made aeons ago.Buddha, one day appointed Sakula as the foremost of nuns with the divine eye at an assembly of Bhikkhunis.

Sakula said: “As a lay woman, I listened to the sermons of the Great Teacher Buddha. I entered the Order of Bhikkhunis. I meditated with commitment. I attained Arahathood.

Four forms of Great knowledge; effaced, all defilements. Now, my mind is peaceful. I am now completely liberated.

I have achieved the bliss of Nibbana.