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One day, while the Buddha was staying in Sravasti, his disciple Ananda was walking back from alms lunch under the hot sun and felt thirsty. He saw a maiden named Prakriti drawing water from the well, so asked her for some water, which she gave to him.

Now, Ananda was recognized by all to be exceptionally handsome, and Prakriti became smitten as she watched him drink. She desired him, but despite her own beauty could not entice him to stay.

In desperation, she sought help from her mother, Matangi. “He’s a disciple of the Buddha,” her mother said. “He has taken monastic vows. You cannot have him.”

“I don’t care,” replied Prakriti. “If I can’t have Ananda I won’t go on living.” And with that, she would neither eat nor drink, so powerful was her consuming desire for Ananda.

Fearing for her daughter’s well-being, Matangi compelled Ananda to visit their home again. Ananda became confused, for Prakriti was very beautiful, but ultimately he still returned to the Buddha. This time Prakriti followed, declaring her undying love for him.

The Buddha asked Prakriti, “What is it that you love about Ananda?” She answered, “His nose is fine, his ears are well-proportioned, and lastly his eyes are so beautiful—they are dreamy!”

“Alright,” said the Buddha, “if you desire his nose, I’ll cut it off and give it to you. If you desire his ears, I’ll slice them off, and you can have them. And if you desire his eyes so much, then I’ll gouge them out and they’re yours to take back with you.”

Prakriti protested, “If you cut them off his face they won’t be attractive anymore. They will rot and decompose!”

Then, the Buddha said, “If they are not desirable when removed from his face, then why do you find them so desirable now? Eventually, they still will rot and decompose, as all things are impermanent.”

Reflecting on this, Prakriti immediately gained awakening. She no longer desired Ananda and became a disciple of the Buddha.