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so young become a bhikkhu?” The Buddha answered, “We will allow him to practice in preparation for full vows in the future. Let him take the vows of a novice for now. He can be given the task of chasing away the crows that disturb the bhikkhus during sitting meditation.” Sariputta shaved Rahula’s head and gave him the three refuges. He taught Rahula four precepts: do not kill, do not steal, do not speak falsehoods, and do not drink alcohol. He took one of his own robes and cut it down to size for Rahula. He showed Rahula how to wear it and how to hold the bowl for begging. Rahula looked just like a miniature bhikkhu. He slept in Sariputta’s hut and went begging with him each day in the small hamlets that bordered the monastery. Although the older bhikkhus ate only one meal a day, Sariputta feared Rahula would lack adequate nutrition for his growing body, and so he let the boy eat an evening meal, too. Lay disciples remembered to bring milk and extra food for the little monk. When the news that Rahula had shaved his head and put on a bhikkhu’s robe reached the palace, it caused King Suddhodana to become very upset. Both the king and queen missed Rahula terribly. They had expected him to visit the monastery for just a few days and then return to the palace. They hadn’t dreamed he might remain in the monastery as a novice. They were lonely without their grandson. Yasodhara felt a mixture of sadness and happiness. Though she missed her son intensely, she was comforted to know he was now close to his father after not seeing him for so many years. One afternoon, the king mounted his royal carriage with Queen Gotami and Yasodhara, and paid a visit to the monastery. They were met by the Buddha. Nanda and Rahula came out to greet them too. In his excitement, Rahula ran to his mother, and Yasodhara embraced her son warmly. Then Rahula hugged both his grandparents. The king bowed to the Buddha and then said rather reproachfully, “I suffered unbelievably when you abandoned home to become a monk. Not long ago, Nanda left me as well. It is too much to bear to lose Rahula. For a family man like myself, the bonds between father and son and grandfather and grandson are very important. The pain I felt when you left was like a knife cutting into my skin. After cutting into my skin, the knife cut into my flesh. After cutting into my flesh, the knife has cut clear to the bone. I beseech you to consider your actions. In the future, you should not allow a child to be ordained unless he has received prior approval by his parents.” The Buddha tried to comfort the king by speaking about the truths of impermanence and the absence of a separate self. He reminded him that the daily practice of mindfulness was the only gate by which suffering could be overcome. Nanda and Rahula now had a chance to deeply live such a life. The Buddha encouraged his father to appreciate their good fortune and to continue to practice the way of awareness in daily life in order to find true happiness. The king felt his pain lighten. Gotami and Yasodhara were also comforted and reassured by the Buddha’s words. Later that day, the Buddha said to Sariputta, “From now on, we will not receive children into the community of bhikkhus without the approval of their parents. Please note that in our monastic code.” Time passed quickly. The Buddha and his sangha had rested in the kingdom of Sakya for more than six months. New ordinations had increased the number of bhikkhus to more than five hundred. The number of lay disciples was too great to be counted. King Suddhodana also gave the sangha another place to build a monastery—the former summer palace of Prince Siddhartha, north of the capital, with its cool and spacious gardens. Venerable Sariputta organized a large number of bhikkhus to set up monastic living there. The presence of this new monastery helped assure a firm foundation for the practice of the Way in the Sakya kingdom. The Buddha wished to return to Bamboo Forest in time for the rainy season retreat, as he had promised King Bimbisara and the bhikkhus who had remained there. King Suddhodana invited the Buddha for a last meal before his departure and asked him to give a discourse on the Dharma for the royal family and all members of the Sakya clan. The Buddha used this occasion to speak about applying the Way to political life. He said the Way could illuminate the realm of politics, assisting those involved in governing the kingdom to bring about social equality and justice. He said, “If you practice the Way, you will increase your understanding and compassion and better serve the people. You will find ways to bring about peace and happiness without depending on violence at all. You do not need to kill, torture, or imprison people, or confiscate property. This is not an impossible ideal, but something which can be actually realized. “When a politician possesses enough understanding and love, he sees the truth about poverty, misery, and oppression. Such a person can find the means to reform the government in order to reduce the gap between rich and poor and cease the use of force against others. “My friends, political leaders and rulers must set an example. Don’t live in the lap of luxury because wealth only creates a greater barrier between you and the people. Live a simple, wholesome life, using your time to serve the people, rather than pursuing idle pleasures. A leader cannot earn the trust and respect of his people if he does not set a good example. If you love and respect the people, they will love and respect you in return. Rule by virtue differs from rule by law and order. Rule by virtue does not depend on punishment. According to the Way of Awakening, true happiness can only be attained by the path of virtue.” King Suddhodana and all those present listened intently to the Buddha. Prince Dronodanaraja, the Buddha’s uncle and the father of Devadatta and Ananda, said, “Rule by virtue, as you have described it, is truly beautiful. But I believe that you alone possess the character
and virtue needed to realize such a path. Why don’t you stay in Kapilavatthu and help create a new form of government right here in Sakya kingdom which will bring peace, joy, and happiness to all the people?” King Suddhodana added, “I am old. If you agree to remain, I will gladly abdicate the throne in your favor. With your virtue, integrity, and intelligence, I am sure all the people will stand behind you. Before long our country would prosper as it never has before.” The Buddha smiled and did not speak right away. Looking kindly at his father, he said, “Father, I am no longer the son of one family, one clan, or even one country. My family is now all beings, my home is the Earth, and my position is that of a monk who depends on the generosity of others. I have chosen this path, not the path of politics. I believe I can best serve all beings in this way.” Although Queen Gotami and Yasodhara did not think it befitting to express their own views during this gathering, they were both moved to tears by the Buddha’s words. They knew what he said was correct. The Buddha continued speaking to the king and all those present about the five precepts and how to apply them in family life and society. The five precepts were the foundation of a happy family and a peaceful society. He explained each precept carefully, and concluded by saying, “If you want the people to be united, you must first obtain their faith and trust. If political leaders practice the five precepts, the people’s faith and trust will grow. With that faith and trust, there is nothing the country can’t accomplish. Peace, happiness, and social equality will be assured. Create a life based on awareness.. The dogmas of the past do not build faith and trust nor do they encourage equality among the people. Let the Way of Awakening offer a new path and a new faith.” The Buddha assured them that although he would soon be departing for Magadha, he would return to Kapilavatthu in the future. The king and all those present were glad to hear that.
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Title Page Copyright Page BOOK ONE
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Chapter Sixty-Five - Neither Full n
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Books by the Same Author Being Peac
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During the walk back, Buddha introd
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Svasti was overcome with both fear
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Chapter Two Tending Water Buffaloes
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in the assembly took their own cush
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Here, before Svasti, stood a most a
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Chapter Four The Wounded Swan Early
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else like you in this world. Everyo
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Chapter Five A Bowl of Milk Every d
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children shared their food with one
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King Suddhodana grew alarmed and as
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she nodded in assent.
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As a result of his own reflections,
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Chapter Eight The Jewelled Necklace
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guests applauded their approval, an
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The following summer, as they were
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Chapter Ten Unborn Child During thi
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you succeed. I know that one day yo
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Time flew, and the day for Yasodhar
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Siddhartha fell silent, then consol
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Chapter Thirteen Beginning Spiritua
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which the mind becomes one with inf
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Siddhartha smiled. “Great King, I
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Chapter Fifteen Forest Ascetic Mast
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leaning over the water, its leaves
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Chapter Sixteen Was Yasodhara Sleep
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Chapter Seventeen Pippala Leaf Bene
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Chapter Eighteen The Morning Star H
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Svasti explained that he had the da
Page 66 and 67: Sujata joined her palms together an
Page 68 and 69: great peace and joy that attaining
Page 70 and 71: plants, tangerines, rivers, and air
Page 72 and 73: Chapter Twenty-One The Lotus Pond A
Page 75 and 76: Chapter Twenty-Two Turning the Whee
Page 78 and 79: Chapter Twenty-Three Dharma Nectar
Page 80 and 81: Chapter Twenty-Four Taking Refuge N
Page 82 and 83: Chapter Twenty-Five Music’s Lofty
Page 84 and 85: Chapter Twenty-Six Water Rises, Too
Page 86 and 87: Late in the afternoon, Kassapa came
Page 88 and 89: devotees? Who will guide them if yo
Page 90 and 91: obes for fear of disturbing the sou
Page 92 and 93: But Sariputta implored Assaji, “P
Page 94 and 95: Chapter Thirty Bamboo Forest It was
Page 96 and 97: her son, Prince Ajatasattu. She sho
Page 98 and 99: Chapter Thirty-One I Will Return in
Page 100 and 101: The Buddha quietly smiled in agreem
Page 102 and 103: and body. Feelings arise and pass a
Page 104 and 105: The Buddha spoke gently to her, “
Page 106 and 107: Chapter Thirty-Four Reunion Kaluday
Page 108 and 109: The Buddha immediately stood up and
Page 110 and 111: Chapter Thirty-Five Early Morning S
Page 112 and 113: Chapter Thirty-Six Lotus Vow Prince
Page 114 and 115: predicted so many lifetimes ago.
Page 118 and 119: Chapter Thirty-Eight O, Happiness!
Page 120 and 121: After the noon meal, the Buddha gav
Page 122 and 123: But Sudatta would not hear of it. H
Page 124 and 125: Jivaka, was unable to attend becaus
Page 126 and 127: One afternoon, the Buddha received
Page 128 and 129: “But how can I show my love for t
Page 130 and 131: Chapter Forty-Three Everyone’s Te
Page 132 and 133: community. Many condemned the Buddh
Page 134 and 135: One morning in early autumn just af
Page 136 and 137: Chapter Forty-Five Opening the Door
Page 138 and 139: Chapter Forty-Six A Handful of Sims
Page 140 and 141: The Buddha nodded his approval. He
Page 142 and 143: It was the tenth retreat season sin
Page 144 and 145: Chapter Forty-Eight Covering Mud wi
Page 146 and 147: Rahula set out a chair for the Budd
Page 148 and 149: others and wishes others well-being
Page 150 and 151: “Sariputta, if the bhikkhus grasp
Page 152 and 153: Chapter Fifty-One The Treasure of I
Page 154 and 155: The children appeared sorry for wha
Page 156 and 157: Chapter Fifty-Two Fields of Merit T
Page 158 and 159: future generations. When one makes
Page 160 and 161: Chapter Fifty-Three Dwelling in the
Page 162 and 163: The Buddha said, “No, Angulimala,
Page 164 and 165: Ahimsaka now.” The king stared lo
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When Tappasi delivered the news to
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The story of Bhikkhuni Patacara was
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BOOK THREE
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Of course, every bhikkhu and bhikkh
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that merit, may you and your child
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The venerable said no more, but pro
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including yourself. Love Ananda as
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explained, ‘Several days ago, one
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depths of the Dharma speak few word
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Sonadanda smiled and joined his pal
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Chapter Sixty-One The Lion’s Roar
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could be saved overnight. Not long
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he spoke about the relation of the
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Chapter Sixty-Three All the Way to
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He recalled how some years ago, sev
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If you can see the teaching, you ca
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Chapter Sixty-Five Neither Full nor
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look at the empty Dharma hall, you
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Chapter Sixty-Six Four Mountains Ea
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Chapter Sixty-Seven Ocean Poet At t
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Chapter Sixty-Eight Three Wondrous
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The words used to transmit it shoul
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One day Venerable Anuruddha was sto
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Chapter Seventy The Quail and the F
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ise at any moment to submerge one.
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Being refused the chance to practic
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“And what if the strings are too
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Chapter Seventy-Two Quiet Resistanc
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held responsible for the actions of
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“No, Teacher, I am not yet marrie
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Chapter Seventy-Four Cry of the Ele
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his body between the Buddha and Nal
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Chapter Seventy-Five Tears of Happi
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“5. Share time, resources, and ha
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Chapter Seventy-Six The Fruits of P
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somewhat embarrassed, he said to hi
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The Buddha nodded his acceptance. H
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The Buddha regarded him kindly and
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Chapter Seventy-Eight Two Thousand
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The Ganga was so swollen from recen
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Chapter Seventy-Nine Sandalwood Tre
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hikkhus, and headed towards Kusinar
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Chapter Eighty Be Diligent! It was
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Chapter Eighty-One Old Path White C
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of Licchavi would build one in Vesa
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meditation. Just before dawn on the
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Chapter Contents & Sources
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Chapter One: Walking Just to Walk S
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Chapter Three: An Armful of Kusa Gr
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Chapter Five: A Bowl of Milk Sujata
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Chapter Seven: White Elephant Prize
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Chapter Nine: The Path of Compassio
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Chapter Eleven: Moonlight Flute Sid
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Chapter Thirteen: Beginning Spiritu
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Chapter Fifteen: Forest Ascetic Sid
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Chapter Seventeen: Pippala Leaf Ben
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Chapter Nineteen: Tangerine of Mind
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Chapter Twenty-One: The Lotus Pond
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Chapter Twenty-Three: Dharma Nectar
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Chapter Twenty-Five: Music’s Loft
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Chapter Twenty-Seven: All Dharmas A
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Chapter Twenty-Nine: Dependent Co-A
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Chapter Thirty: Bamboo Forest The B
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Chapter Thirty-Two: The Finger is N
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Chapter Thirty-Four: Reunion The Bu
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Chapter Thirty-Six: Lotus Vow Yasod
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Chapter Thirty-Eight: O, Happiness!
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Chapter Forty: Cover the Land in Go
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Chapter Forty-Two: Love Is Understa
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Chapter Forty-Four: The Elements Wi
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Chapter Forty-Six: A Handful of Sim
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Chapter Forty-Eight: Covering Mud w
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Chapter Fifty: A Handful of Bran Th
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Chapter Fifty-Two: Fields of Merit
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Chapter Fifty-Four: Dwell in Mindfu
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Book Three
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Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Raft Is No
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Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Net of Theo
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Chapter Sixty-One: The Lion’s Roa
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Chapter Sixty-Three: All the Way to
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Chapter Sixty-Five: Neither Full no
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Chapter Sixty-Seven: Ocean Poet Ven
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Chapter Sixty-Nine: Where Will the
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Chapter Seventy-One: The Art of Str
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Chapter Seventy-Three: Hidden Rice
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Chapter Seventy-Five: Tears of Happ
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Chapter Seventy-Seven: Stars in You
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Chapter Seventy-Nine: Sandalwood Tr
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Chapter Eighty-One: Old Path White
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