CINCA FALSELY ACCUSES THE BUDDHA

As the Buddha became more popular, followers of other gurus left and came to him. Monks collected alms to support their spiritual leaders and their monasteries, so this meant that the other gurus were not getting as many alms and offerings. 

The other gurus decided that they should end the Buddha’s popularity by ruining his reputation. They had a beautiful follower named Cinca, who they convinced to play a key role in their plan. 

Every night, she left the village and went towards the Buddha’s Jetavana monastery, as though she were going to spend the night there. She did not go in, but turned away at the last second and spent the night nearby with the other gurus. Then, early every morning, she returned to the village, as though she were coming from Jetavana monastery. When the villagers asked where she had been, she said she had spent the night with the Buddha.

The Buddha’s followers saw her and heard her story as they crossed paths with her on their way to listen to the Buddha’s teachings in the morning, and in the evening after his sermons. They began to have doubts about the Buddha. 

After several months, Cinca started to fake a pregnancy. She tied more and more fabric around her middle. Finally, after nine months, she tied a large wooden knob over her stomach, and fastened it with cords. 

Cinca went to visit the Buddha in the middle of the day, as he was preaching to all his followers. She accused him of not caring for her or providing for her in her condition. She said he used her for his enjoyment and then ignored her, all while preaching about the rejection of earthly pleasures, and of kindness to all things. 

The Buddha remained silent, but Sakka, the king of the devas did not. He sent four devas disguised as mice towards the woman. The mice chewed through the cords holding the wooden knob in place, and it fell to the ground, cutting off her toes. 

Her lies were exposed, and the Buddha’s followers knew that she was a wicked person. She ran from the town, and met her death.

The Buddha was not angry. He simply preached to his followers that they must care about their karma and future lives, and not do any evil.