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

PTS 1.26–1.27

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

1.258

“Etadaggaṁ, bhikkhave, mama sāvikānaṁ upāsikānaṁ paṭhamaṁ saraṇaṁ gacchantīnaṁ yadidaṁ sujātā seniyadhītā.

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

1.259

… Dāyikānaṁ yadidaṁ visākhā migāramātā.

among donors is Migāramātā Visākhā.

1.260

… Bahussutānaṁ yadidaṁ khujjuttarā.

among those who are very learned is Khujjuttarā.

1.261

… Mettāvihārīnaṁ yadidaṁ sāmāvatī.

among those who dwell in loving-kindness is Sāmāvatī.

1.262

… Jhāyīnaṁ yadidaṁ uttarānandamātā.

among those who practice meditation is Uttarā Nandamātā.

1.263

… Paṇītadāyikānaṁ yadidaṁ suppavāsā koliyadhītā.

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

1.264

… Gilānupaṭṭhākīnaṁ yadidaṁ suppiyā upāsikā.

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

1.265

… Aveccappasannānaṁ yadidaṁ kātiyānī.

among those with unwavering confidence is Kātiyānī.

1.266

… Vissāsikānaṁ yadidaṁ nakulamātā gahapatānī.

among those who are trustworthy is the householder Nakulamātā.

1.267

… Anussavappasannānaṁ yadidaṁ kāḷī upāsikā kuraragharikā”ti.

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

Topics & Qualities:

Collectedness

Collectedness

A mental quality of composure where awareness is gathered, steady, rather than scattered or tense. In such collectedness, supported by mindfulness and right view, experience is clearly known and can be wisely contemplated.

Also known as: mental composure, stability of mind, stillness of mind, concentration, undistracted awareness
Pāli: samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Faith

Faith

Confidence in the Buddha's awakening and the efficacy of the path. It brightens and steadies the mind, removing doubt and inspiring energy toward wholesome practice. True faith rests on clarity and direct experience rather than mere belief.

Also known as: confidence, trust, belief, conviction, self-assurance
Pāli: saddha, pasanna
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Giving

Giving

The act of generosity, sharing, or offering to others without expecting anything in return. Giving is considered a foundational virtue in Buddhist practice, fostering selflessness and compassion.

Also known as: generosity, charity, donation, almsgiving, donating, philanthropy, providing with, gift with
Pāli: dāna
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Learning

Learning

One who has broad learning and retention of the Dhamma, gained through hearing, reciting, and carefully investigating the teachings. Such learning penetrates their meaning through discernment and serves as a strong support for practice.

Also known as: having knowledge, well studied
Pāli: bahussuta, suta
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Loving Kindness

Loving Kindness

The practice of developing boundless love and goodwill toward all beings, starting with oneself and extending outward.

Also known as: loving-kindness meditation, metta practice, unconditional love, goodwill meditation, goodwill, benevolence, kindness, friendliness
Pāli: mettā, metta, abyāpāda, abyāpajja
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Last updated on October 26, 2026

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