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

guests applauded their approval, and Soma bowed. She spoke her thanks so softly that Siddhartha could not understand her words.
The next woman was Rohini, named after the river. Siddhartha did not try to distinguish among the young women by selecting different
jewels to match their particular grace and beauty. He picked up whichever ornament was next on the table and offered it to the next young
woman. Thus the presentation of gifts proceeded quickly even though there were so many young women. By ten at night, most of the
jewelry had been given away. Everyone believed a young woman named Sela was the last in line. But just as Siddhartha thought he had
completed his task, another young woman appeared from the audience and slowly made her way to the dais. It was Yasodhara. She was
dressed in an ivory colored sari as simple and light as a cool morning breeze. She bowed to the king and queen. Ever graceful and natural,
she approached Siddhartha, smiled, and asked, “Does your highness have anything left for me?”
Siddhartha looked at Yasodhara and then confusedly at the ornaments remaining on the table. He appeared flustered—there was nothing
on the table worthy of Yasodhara’s beauty. Suddenly he smiled. He removed the necklace around his own neck and held it out to
Yasodhara. “This is my gift to you, princess.”
Yasodhara shook her head. “I came here to honor you. How can I take away your own necklace?”
Siddhartha answered, “My mother, Queen Gotami, often says that I look better without jewelry. Please, princess, accept this gift.”
He motioned her to step closer so that he could place the shining beads around her neck. The guests burst into applause, and it seemed
as if the cheers would never end. They all rose to their feet to express their joyous approval.