In PAINTINGS
Description
Bandhula Malla and Prince Pasenjit studied together at Takshasila. They had become close friends. When Prince Pasenjit became king of Kosala he appointed Bandhula as the General of Army. Bandhula discharged his duty extremely well. His position and power made some people jealous. They poisoned the King’s mind saying that Bandhula was planning to murder the King with the help of his powerful sons and the army; and was going to usurp the throne. King Pasenjit panicked and ordered execution of Bandhula and all his sons. On that day Bandhula’s wife Mallika had invited bhikkhus to her home for a meal. The bhikkhus arrived. While serving, a maidservant accidentally dropped and broke a pot. An elder bhikkhu asked Mallika not be upset with the maid. Mallika replied, “Bhante, how can I get upset with this! Just a while back I have received the news that my husband and all my sons were murdered by the King’s order. No one was saved. I maintained balance of my mind even while facing such a catastrophic news!” Mallika was a true disciple of the Buddha. She had matured in wisdom from Vipassana. She remained unperturbed even in the face of such a great calamity. Great was Mallika’s tolerance and great was her equanimity. Great is Vipassana.