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would continue to daily unfold around them. And so she believed it was important to respond right in the present moment. She discussed
with Siddhartha ways to ease the suffering of the poorest members of society. She had been doing work like that for several years, and her
efforts eased some of the people’s misery and brought some measure of peace and happiness to her own heart as well. She believed that
with Siddhartha’s loving support she could continue such work for a long time.
From Kapilavatthu came pouring all manner of goods and servants to provide for the couple’s summer needs. Siddhartha and
Yasodhara sent home most of the servants, retaining only a few to assist them with the gardens, cooking, and housekeeping. And, of
course, they retained the services of Channa. Yasodhara organized their daily life as simply as possible. She personally entered the kitchen
to direct the cooking of simple meals pleasing to Siddhartha, and she cared for his garments with her own hands. She sought Siddhartha’s
guidance concerning the relief projects she intended to continue when they returned to the capital. Siddhartha understood her need to
engage in social action, and he never failed to express his support. Because of this, Yasodhara placed even deeper trust in her husband.
But although Siddhartha understood the value of Yasodhara’s work, he felt that her path alone could not bring true peace. People were
entrapped not only by illness and unjust social conditions, but by the sorrows and passions they themselves created in their own hearts and
minds. And if in time, Yasodhara fell victim to fear, anger, bitterness, or disappointment, where would she find the energy needed to
continue her work? Siddhartha had himself experienced suspicion, frustration, and pain when he saw how things worked in the palace and
in society. He knew that the attainment of inner peace would be the only basis for true social work, but he did not confide these thoughts to
Yasodhara, because he feared that they would only cause her uncertainty and worry.
When the couple returned to their winter palace, they entertained a constant stream of guests. Yasodhara welcomed family members and
friends with great warmth and respect, but she was most attentive when Siddhartha spoke with them about philosophy and religion and their
relation to politics and society. Even while going back and forth to direct the servants, Yasodhara never missed a word of these
conversations. She had hoped to discover among their friends some who might like to join her work for the poor, but few expressed
interest in such pursuits. Most were more interested in feasting and having a good time. Yet Siddhartha and Yasodhara patiently received
them all.
In addition to Siddhartha, there was one other person who understood and wholeheartedly supported Yasodhara’s efforts—Gotami, the
Queen Mahapajapati. The queen was most attentive to her daughter-in-law’s happiness, for she knew that if Yasodhara was happy,
Siddhartha would be happy as well. But that was not the sole reason she supported Yasodhara’s good work. Gotami was a woman of
compassion and from the first time she accompanied Yasodhara on a visit to a poor village, she understood at once the true value of
Yasodhara’s work. It was not just the material goods given to the poor, such as rice, flour, cloth, and medicine, but the kind glances,
helping hands, and loving heart of one willing to respond directly to those who suffer.
Queen Mahapajapati was not like other women in the palace. She frequently told Yasodhara that women possessed as much wisdom
and strength as men and needed to shoulder the responsibilities of society also. While women did possess a special ability to create warmth
and happiness in their families, there was no reason for them to remain only in the kitchen or in the palace. Gotami found in her daughter-inlaw
a woman with whom she could share true friendship, for like herself, Yasodhara was thoughtful and independent. Not only did the
queen offer Yasodhara her approval, but she worked alongside Yasodhara as well.