The Buddha describes the foremost of his female lay disciples in various categories.

AN 1.258-267  Etadagga Sattama vagga - The Chapter on the Foremost (Seventh)

1.258

“Bhikkhus, of my female lay disciples who were the first to go for refuge, the foremost is Sujātā, the army general’s daughter.

1.259

... among donors is |Migāramātā Visākhā::one of the foremost laywomen and devoted supporters of the Buddha, also known as Migāramātā (Migāra’s mother) from a significant event in her life when she skillfully guided her father-in-law, Migāra, towards the Dhamma [visākha + migāramātar]|.

1.260

... among those who are very learned is Khujjuttarā.

1.261

... among those who dwell in |loving-kindness::goodwill, friendliness, benevolence [metta]| is Sāmāvatī.

1.262

... among those who practice meditation is Uttarā Nandamātā.

1.263

... among those who give what is excellent is Suppavāsā, the Koliyan princess.

1.264

... among those who attend to the sick is the laywoman Suppiyā.

1.265

... among those with unwavering confidence is Kātiyānī.

1.266

... among those who are trustworthy is the householder Nakulamātā.

1.267

... among those whose faith is based on hearing is the laywoman Kālī from Kuraraghara.”

Last updated on July 31, 2025

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