10 Ven. Bhaddā Kāpilānī

Born as a rich man’s wife in the time of Buddha Padumuttara, she aspired to be foremost in recalling past lives. In one existence, she committed a fault by throwing away a Paccekabuddha’s alms food out of anger but made amends by offering the finest food, wishing for a radiant complexion. Her life is closely linked to that of her husband, Pippali, who later became Ven. Mahā Kassapa. They both agreed to lead a celibate life together. After her parents died and arranged a lavish funeral pyre, the couple saw the impermanence of wealth and beauty and decided to renounce the world. For five years she lived as a wanderer before both she and her husband became disciples of the Buddha, she as a nun. She thus became the foremost nun in the supernormal power of remembering past existences.