Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī
India·Theravada Buddhism·Female·Circa Sixth–Seventh Centuries BCE
Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī was the foster-mother, step-mother, and maternal aunt of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. She is renowned in Buddhist tradition as the first woman to seek ordination for women and subsequently became the first bhikṣuṇī (Buddhist nun). Her story is depicted in various Buddhist texts, including the Pali Canon and the Lotus Sutra.
Key Facts
- ›She was the maternal aunt and adoptive mother of the Buddha, raising him after her sister Maya's death.
- ›Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī was the first woman to request ordination from the Buddha for women.
- ›She became the first bhikṣuṇī (Buddhist nun) after agreeing to the eight Garudhammas.
- ›Her past lives are recounted in texts such as the Theri-apadāna, where she aspired to a senior position within the monastic order.
- ›In Mahayana Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra prophesies that she will become a future Buddha named Sarvasattvapriyadarśana.
- ›She died at the age of 120.
Important Relationships
Devdaha, VesāLi
Bhikkhuni, Eight Garudhammas
Foster Mother, Aunt, Nun, Religious Leader
First Nun, Historical Figure, Legendary Figure
About Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī
Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī, also known simply as Prajāpatī, holds a significant place in Buddhist history as the foster-mother, step-mother, and maternal aunt of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. She played a crucial role in his upbringing after the death of her sister, Māyā, the Buddha's birth mother. Tradition states she raised Siddhartha as her own child and also bore him a half-sister, Sundari Nanda, and a half-brother, Nanda.
The First Nun
Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī is most celebrated for being the first woman to seek ordination into the monastic order of Buddhism. Her persistent efforts, along with 500 other women, led to the establishment of the bhikṣuṇī (nun's) order. Despite initial refusals from the Buddha, her determination, coupled with the intercession of Ananda, resulted in her being granted ordination upon her agreement to adhere to the Eight Garudhammas. This marked a monumental step for women in Buddhist spiritual life.
Depictions and Prophecies
Her story is documented in various Buddhist traditions, including the Pali Canon, which details her request for ordination in the Anguttara Nikaya. The Therīgāthā and Theri-apadāna include accounts of her past lives, illustrating her long-standing aspiration to achieve a prominent role in the Dhamma. In Mahayana Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra contains a prophecy that Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī will, in a future eon, become a Buddha named Sarvasattvapriyadarśana.
Later Life and Legacy
Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī is said to have died at the considerable age of 120. Her pioneering role in establishing the female monastic order has had a lasting impact, allowing countless women throughout history to dedicate their lives to Buddhist practice and scholarship.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī?
Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī was the foster-mother, step-mother, and maternal aunt of the Buddha. She is a significant figure in Buddhist tradition, particularly for her role in establishing the order of nuns.
What is Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī most known for?
She is most known for being the first woman to seek and receive ordination as a Buddhist nun (bhikṣuṇī) from the Buddha. This act was a pivotal moment in the history of Buddhism, allowing for the establishment of a female monastic order.
How did Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī become the Buddha's foster mother?
Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī was the younger sister of Māyā, the Buddha's birth mother. When Māyā died seven days after Siddhartha's birth, Mahāprajāpatī adopted and raised the child as her own.
What challenges did Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī face in seeking ordination?
The Buddha initially refused Mahāprajāpatī's requests for ordination for herself and other women. She persisted by leading 500 women on a long journey to the Buddha, and with the intercession of Ananda, the Buddha eventually agreed to ordain women under specific conditions.
What are the 'Eight Conditions' Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī accepted?
The 'Eight Garudhammas' (Eight Conditions) were stipulations that women had to accept to be ordained as nuns. By agreeing to these, Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī was accorded the status of the first bhikkhuni, while subsequent women had to undergo full ordination.
Are there prophecies about Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī in Mahayana Buddhism?
Yes, in the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha bestows a prophecy upon Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī. It states that in a future timeline, she will become a Buddha named Sarvasattvapriyadarśana.
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