Chapter 5

The Sending Of The Missioners

The Conversion Of Yasa

In Benares there was a young man named Yasa, son of a millionaire, who led a luxurious life at home. Realizing the vanities of worldly life, he stole away from home at night and went in the direction of Isipatana where the Buddha was staying. The Buddha, seeing him, invited him to His presence and expounded the Dhamma, hearing it, he at first attained Sotapatti and later became an Arahant.

The sorrowing father, who was looking for his missing son, also came across the Buddha, and hearing the Dhamma from Him, became the first lay disciple (Upasaka) who sought refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. He then invited the Buddha and the Venerable Yasa to his house for alms. When the Buddha visited his house and expounded the Dhamma, the Venerable Yasa’s mother and his former wife also sought refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. They were his first two-laywomen disciples (Upasika).

The Venerable Yasa had fifty-four friends. Hearing of the Venerable Yasa’s conversion, they also entered the Order and attained Arahantship.