old-path-white-clouds-thich-nhat-hanh

including yourself. Love Ananda as you would a refreshing breeze. Prakriti, if you could love like that, you could become a cool, refreshing
breeze yourself. You would relieve your own pains and burdens and those of many others as well.”
“Please, Master, teach me how to love in such a way.”
“You can choose the same path as Bhikkhu Ananda. You can live a life of liberation, peace, and joy, bringing happiness to others just as
Bhikkhu Ananda does. You could be ordained just as he is.”
“But I am an untouchable! How can I be ordained?”
“We have no caste in our sangha. Several untouchable men have already been ordained as bhikkhus. Venerable Sunita, so highly
regarded by King Pasenadi, was an untouchable. If you wanted to become a bhikkhuni, you would be the first nun to come from the
untouchables. If you want, I will ask Sister Khema to perform an ordination ceremony for you.”
Overcome with joy, Prakriti prostrated herself before the Buddha and asked to be ordained. The Buddha gave Prakriti into Sister
Khema’s care. After the nun and young woman departed, the Buddha looked at Ananda and then spoke to the entire community.
“Bhikkhus, Ananda’s vows are still intact, but I want all of you to be more careful in your outside relations. If you dwell continuously in
mindfulness, you will see what is taking place both within and without you. Detecting something early on will enable you to deal effectively
with it. By practicing mindfulness every moment of your daily life, you will be able to develop the concentration needed to avoid situations
such as this. When your concentration is strong and stable, your vision will be clear and your actions timely. Concentration and
Understanding go hand and hand with each other. Each contains the other. They are one.
“Bhikkhus, regard women older than yourself as your mother or elder sister. Regard women younger than yourself as your younger sister
or daughter. Do not let your attractions create difficulties for your practice. If necessary, until your concentration is stronger, limit your
contacts with women. Speak only words which relate to the study and practice of the Way.”
The bhikkhus were happy to receive the Buddha’s guidance.