Master_Margarita
This card depicts Yasodhara, the future wife of Siddhartha, in the first blush of her youth. According to the deck's author, she represents the feminine principle that "attracts what it desires" (in other words, passively). The commentary also notes (somewhat unconvincingly IMO) that although Siddhartha eventually leaves Yasodhara, he does so out of love because he is looking for a cure of all the world's suffering, including hers. According to this reasoning, there is a connection between the romantic love that Siddhartha first feels for Yasodhara and the love and compassion that eventually allows him to enter the highest mystical state.
There are some rather affecting stories in Buddhist literature about the life of Yasodhara after Siddhartha departs to become first Gautama and ultimately the Buddha. She emulates his austerities at home when she learns of his asceticism, and when he eventually returns home casts herself in tears at his feet. These stories color the impressions I have of this card and the Lovers card in this deck.
M~
There are some rather affecting stories in Buddhist literature about the life of Yasodhara after Siddhartha departs to become first Gautama and ultimately the Buddha. She emulates his austerities at home when she learns of his asceticism, and when he eventually returns home casts herself in tears at his feet. These stories color the impressions I have of this card and the Lovers card in this deck.
M~
