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

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.

“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

Dāyikānaṁ yadidaṁ visākhā migāramātā.

Bhikkhus, the foremost of my female lay disciples 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

Bahussutānaṁ yadidaṁ khujjuttarā.

Bhikkhus, the foremost of my female lay disciples among those who are very learned is Khujjuttarā.

1.261

Mettāvihārīnaṁ yadidaṁ sāmāvatī.

Bhikkhus, the foremost of my female lay disciples among those who dwell in |loving-kindness::goodwill, friendliness, benevolence [metta]| is Sāmāvatī.

1.262

Jhāyīnaṁ yadidaṁ uttarānandamātā.

Bhikkhus, the foremost of my female lay disciples among those who practice meditation is Uttarā Nandamātā.

1.263

Paṇītadāyikānaṁ yadidaṁ suppavāsā koliyadhītā.

Bhikkhus, the foremost of my female lay disciples among those who give what is excellent is Suppavāsā, the Koliyan princess.

1.264

Gilānupaṭṭhākīnaṁ yadidaṁ suppiyā upāsikā.

Bhikkhus, the foremost of my female lay disciples among those who attend to the sick is the laywoman Suppiyā.

1.265

Aveccappasannānaṁ yadidaṁ kātiyānī.

Bhikkhus, the foremost of my female lay disciples among those with unwavering confidence is Kātiyānī.

1.266

Vissāsikānaṁ yadidaṁ nakulamātā gahapatānī.

Bhikkhus, the foremost of my female lay disciples among those who are trustworthy is the householder Nakulamātā.

1.267

Anussavappasannānaṁ yadidaṁ kāḷī upāsikā kuraragharikā”ti.

Bhikkhus, the foremost of my female lay disciples among those whose faith is based on hearing is the laywoman Kālī from Kuraraghara.”

Topics & Qualities:

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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Jhana

Jhana

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, unlike narrow or disconnected concentration that shuts out the senses and feeds delusion.

Also known as: absorption, concentration, collectedness, mental composure, stability of mind, undistracted awareness
Pāli: jhāna, samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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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: metta practice, unconditional love, goodwill meditation, goodwill, benevolence, kindness, friendliness
Pāli: mettā, metta, abyāpāda, abyāpajja
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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
Pāli: saddha, pasanna
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Learned

Learned

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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Last updated on December 13, 2025