Thus have I heard:
One time, Budha was staying in the Nigrodha-vana in Kapilavastu of the Shaakya clan, together with five hundred great bhikshus.
At that time, Mahaaprajaapati Gautami went to Budha. She bowed her head at his feet, paid her respects, and said to Budha,
“May Budha long guide the ignorant and always protect life.”
Budha said, “Gautami, you should not speak to the Tathaagata in this way:
‘May the Tathaagata’s life be endless, always protecting his life.'”
At that time, Mahaaprajaapatii Gautamii spoke this verse:
“How should one pay homage to the supreme one,
Who is unequaled in the world,
Who can dispel all doubts?
For this reason, I speak these words.”
At that time, Budha replied to Gautami with this verse:
“With diligence, the mind is hard to diminish,
Always possessing a courageous heart;
Viewing all disciples equally,
This is how one pays homage to the Tathaagata.”
At that time, Mahaaprajaapati said to Budha,
“From now on, I will pay homage to Budha. The Tathaagata now instructs us to respect all beings without bias. Among gods, humans, and asuras, the Tathaagata is the supreme one.”
At that time, Budha approved of Mahaaprajaapati’s words. She then rose from her seat, bowed at Budha’s feet, and withdrew.
At that time, Budha said to the bhikshus, “Among my disciples, the foremost in extensive knowledge and wisdom is Mahaaprajaapati.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.