Years later, Maya died.  She was reborn as Sothatama (Sudharma), daughter of King Kingkisa.  She spent all her money on alms for the Buddha, who was at that time named Kasyapa, and for his disciples. She was superior to all other human beings in piety. So, after her death, she ascended to the Paradise of Indra.

In her next existence on earth she was born as Bhusati, “the Essence of Existence,” daughter of the king of Mathura.  When her five elements dissolved again, so that her life ceased, she ascended to Tusita, the heaven reserved for the Buddha’s future existence.

She returned to earth once more, as the daughter of Preas Ankana, king of Tevalongka (Devalanka).  She was the prettiest princess in the entire continent.  Her name was Maha Maya Lakhana, and she gave alms to the poor every day.

One day, when she was distributing rice, there were so many hungry people that she was afraid she had not brought enough grain.  But her large bag of rice never emptied.  It kept refilling itself miraculously.  From far and beyond, sick people were carried to be blessed by her.  As soon as a sick or dying person touched her hand, he was cured. Thus it was clear that the four guardians of the world – Kubera (North), Indra (East), Yama (South), and Varuna (West) – were protecting and blessing her, because she would be the mother of the future savior, the Enlightened One.

In Kobeula-Bhosu (Kapila Bhasana, the radiant capital of Nepal at that time), there reigned a king named Sihatanu.  He was sixty years old and felt like retiring, but he did not wish to hand over the reins of government to his son Suddhodana before the latter was married.  So Sihatanu sent out eight Brahmans in search of a suitable princess.  They traveled from kingdom to kingdom until finally they heard of Maha Maya.

The Brahmans presented themselves to her while she was making garlands of flowers with her maidens.  The princess asked her visitors gracefully what their message was.  They answered:  “We have been sent by our king, Sihatanu, to find a bride for his son Suddhodana, who is sixteen years of age and very handsome, strong, and healthy.  The prince is also wise, well versed in the sciences, music, and song.  As soon as he is married, Sihatanu will retire and make the prince king.”

The princess felt a glowing love for the prince, but she did not show it.  She said instead:  “This matter is too weighty for me to decide alone. Have you spoken to my father, the king?”