Teaching Sujata

Sujata was the spoiled daughter of an elder in the city of Rajagrha. After she married into Elder Sudatta's family, she continued to be arrogant. She was undutiful to her in-laws and disrespectful towards her husband and relatives. To educate Sujata, Sudatta invited the Buddha to his home. The Buddha said to Sujata, "A woman with only a pretty face is not considered a beauty and has no reason to be proud. Only a righteous and virtuous person will be respected by others and can be considered a true beauty. Although an attractive appearance may entice others, it neither elicits respect nor brings joy to others." Enlightened by the Buddha's teachings, Sujata vowed to be an upasika in a Buddhist family in all of her future lifetimes.