Bhikkhuni Mutta attained Arahathood

by Premasara Epasinghe

The verses woven round the Bhikkhunis Therigatha is a fine collection of sayings uttered by the Buddha as well as by the Bhikkhunis. They are fascinating literature on Buddhism.

Sometimes, there are philosophical sayings. Today, we discuss a stanza in Therigatha uttered by the Buddha. Out of compassion, the Buddha appeared before Bhikkhuni Mutta. She belonged to the category of Bhikkhunis who attained Arahathood, after receiving advice from the Buddha's vision called Obhasa Dhara.

Bhikkhuni

Let us now analyse the philosophical thought of the Buddha and the advice He gave to Mutta.

Mutte Mucchassu Yogehi
Chando Rahugghaiva
Vippamuttena Cittena
Anana Bhunja Pindakam

(Even as the moon gains freedom from the grasp of the planet – Rahu, you too must strive well, dear daughter Mutta, gain deliverance from the grasp of four bonds).

They are: Kama Yoga (Bond of sense pleasure), Bhava Yoga (Bond of clinging to rebirth), Ditthi Yoga (Bond of wrong belief) and Avijja Yoga (Bond of Ignorance).

Rebirth

These are the bonds that bind you in the cycle of rebirth. Once you eliminate these bonds, one is free and happy.

Bhikkhuni Mutta listened to these words, strove hard, performed systematic meditation and achieved her goal by gaining Arahatship.

Once upon a time, during the Buddha Vipassi's era, Bhikkhuni Mutta was born as a girl. Unfortunately, she died as a maid. She was a follower of Buddha Vipassi and performed many meritorious deeds.

Brahmin family

In her last birth, she was born in the city of Saratthi, as a daughter of a rich Brahamin family. She learnt the Brahamin prayers and attended their poojas. The maid servants of Mutta, as a practice visited the Jetavana Monastery and discussed Buddhist norms. After listening to them, Mutta too was interested in Buddhism. She was caught in two minds. Many Brahamins accepted the Buddhist doctrine.

One day Mutta's parents too went to listen to the Buddha, accompanied by Mutta. As she witnessed the yellow robed Bhikkhuni, Mutta decided to enter the Bhikkuhuni Order. Her parents gave their consent and permission to enter the noble order.

At the time of her entering the Order, she was 20 years old. She followed the instructions of the senior Bhikkhuni's and applied herself diligently to meditate, she strived hard and reached the highest goal by attaining the blessing of Arahatship, the deathless state.