The Lives of the Foremost Nuns

Madhubani Painting Style

high-definition creative commons posters from The Lives of the Foremost Nuns together with further information.
Source of the Stories

These posters chronicle the extraordinary biographies and past-life aspirations of 13 prominent female disciples of the Buddha. Each narrative follows a similar spiritual trajectory, beginning with an ancient vow made before a previous Buddha to achieve a specific area of excellence. The text details the lives of figures such as Mahā Pajāpati Gotamī, the founder of the nuns’ order, and Ven. Khemā, celebrated for her profound wisdom. Other accounts, like those of Kisā Gotamī and Uppalavaṇṇā, emphasize how personal tragedies and karmic shifts eventually led them to spiritual awakening. These records highlight the diverse backgrounds of these women, ranging from royalty to laborers, and their shared dedication to the monastic life. The collection serves to document the foremost titles granted to these nuns for their unique mastery of the Buddhist path.

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01 Ven. Mahā Pajāpatī Gotamī

02 Ven. Khemā

03 Ven. Uppalavaṇṇā

04 Ven. Paṭācārā

05 Ven. Dhammadinnā

06 Ven. Nandā

07 Ven. Soṇā

08 Ven. Sakulā

09 Ven. Bhaddā Kuṇḍalakesā

10 Ven. Bhaddā Kāpilānī

11 Ven. Bhaddā Kaccānā

12 Ven. Kisā Gotamī

13 Ven. Siṅgālakamātā

 

The Lives of the Foremost Nuns

 

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