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uffaloes and ask your master’s permission to leave his employment. We will wait here for you.”
The youth replied, “Master, I do not think that will be necessary. These buffaloes are very obedient. They will return to the stable on
their own even without my assistance.”
The Buddha said, “No, you must lead them back yourself and speak to your master before you can join us.”
“But what if you are gone by the time I return?”
The Buddha smiled. “Do not worry. You have my word that we will wait here for you.”
While Nanda led the buffaloes back to their stable, the Buddha spoke with Svasti. “Svasti, I will place this young man under your care. I
believe you understand best how to guide and support him.”
Svasti joined his palms and smiled. Venerable Svasti was thirty-nine years old now. He knew why the Buddha wanted him to be young
Nanda’s instructor. Long ago, the Buddha delivered the Sutra on Tending Water Buffaloes, after being inspired by his friendship with
Svasti when Svasti was a buffalo boy like Nanda. Svasti knew he could guide Nanda well on the path. He knew that his closest friend,
Venerable Rahula, would assist him also. Rahula was now thirty-six.
Svasti’s siblings were all grown with families of their own. The hut they once shared had long since perished. Svasti recalled with a smile
the visit he made to Uruvela one year with Rahula. It was after Rupak had married and moved to another village. At that time Bhima and
Bala still lived together and supported themselves by making and selling cakes. Bhikkhus Svasti and Rahula walked to the Neranjara River.
Svasti had not forgotten his promise to give Rahula the experience of riding on a water buffalo, and so he called to some young buffalo boys
who were grazing their buffaloes near the riverbanks. He asked them to help Bhikkhu Rahula climb onto the back of one of the great
beasts. At first Rahula hesitated, but then he removed his sanghati and handed it to Svasti. Rahula was touched by how gentle the mighty
beast was. He shared his impressions of the leisurely ride with Svasti, and he wondered aloud what the Buddha would think if he could see
him. Svasti smiled. He knew that if Rahula had remained in the Sakya palace to one day become king, he would never have enjoyed this
water buffalo ride.
Svasti returned to the present moment just as young Nanda arrived. That night he shaved Nanda’s hair and showed him how to wear the
robe, carry the begging bowl, walk, stand, lie down, and sit as a mindful bhikkhu. Nanda was mature and diligent, and Svasti enjoyed
helping him.
Bhikkhu Rahula handed his robe to Svasti, so that he could ride on the back of the water buffalo.