Samavati
Samavati was one of the queens of King Udena of Kosambi. She became a foremost female lay disciple renowned for her loving-kindness and compassion after her servant Khujjuttara introduced her to the Buddha's teachings. Samavati regularly invited the Buddha and his monks to preach the Dhamma to her and her 500 ladies-in-waiting.
Key Facts
- ›Was a queen to King Udena of Kosambi.
- ›Became a foremost female lay disciple.
- ›Known for her exceptional loving-kindness and compassion.
- ›Her servant, Khujjuttara, was instrumental in her introduction to Buddhist teachings.
- ›Regularly hosted the Buddha and his monks for teachings.
- ›Had 500 ladies-in-waiting who also received teachings.
Important Relationships
- King Udena
- Khujjuttara
Kosambi, Palace
Buddha
Lay Disciple Vows
Queen, Lay Disciple
About Samavati
Samavati was a queen consort to King Udena of Kosambi and is revered as a significant female lay disciple in Buddhist tradition. Her spiritual journey began through her servant, Khujjuttara, who became a foremost female lay disciple herself after hearing the Buddha.
Introduction to the Dhamma
Upon hearing Khujjuttara's accounts of the Buddha's teachings, Samavati was deeply moved and gladdened. This led her to regularly invite the Buddha and his monastic community to the royal palace to impart the Dhamma, benefiting not only herself but also her retinue of 500 ladies-in-waiting.
Spiritual Qualities
Samavati is specifically celebrated for her exceptional qualities of loving-kindness and compassion. She attained the status of a foremost disciple in these virtues, demonstrating their profound impact on a lay practitioner's life.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Samavati?
Samavati was one of the queens of King Udena of Kosambi. She is recognized as a foremost female lay disciple in Buddhism, particularly noted for her profound loving-kindness and compassion.
How did Samavati become a disciple of the Buddha?
Samavati's servant, Khujjuttara, was sent to hear the Buddha's teachings and subsequently shared them with the queen. Gladdened by these discourses, Samavati invited the Buddha and his monks to her palace to preach the Dhamma.
What was Samavati known for?
Samavati was primarily known for her exceptional loving-kindness and compassion. She was also recognized as a foremost female lay disciple within the Buddhist tradition.
Did Samavati have any attendants or followers?
Yes, Samavati had 500 ladies-in-waiting who also received the Dhamma teachings regularly at the palace along with the queen.
Related Buddhists
Khujjuttara
Khujjuttarā was a prominent female lay disciple of the Buddha, recognized for her exceptional understanding and recall of his teachings. Serving Queen Sāmāvatī, she became instrumental in transmitting the Buddha's discourses to the queen and her retinue, leading to their spiritual advancement. The Buddha himself praised Khujjuttarā as his "most learned" female lay disciple, establishing her as a benchmark for faithful lay followers.
Maudgalyāyana
Maudgalyāyana, also known as Mahāmaudgalyāyana and by his birth name Kolita, was a principal disciple of the Buddha, renowned for his extraordinary psychic powers. He is considered the second of the Buddha's two foremost male disciples, alongside Śāriputra, and is often depicted as accompanying the Buddha in Buddhist art. Maudgalyāyana played a significant role in reuniting the monastic community after a schism and is associated with the tradition of filial piety, particularly through the popular account of him transferring merits to his mother, which is linked to the ghost festival.
Amrapali
Amrapali, also known as Ambapālī, was a renowned nagarvadhu (royal courtesan) and rajnartaki (court dancer) in the Republic of Vaishali around 500 BCE. Celebrated for her extraordinary beauty and talent, she later embraced Buddhism and became an arahant. Her life is documented in ancient Pali texts and Buddhist traditions, notably in connection with her donation of a mango grove to the Buddha and his order.