old-path-white-clouds-thich-nhat-hanh

“And what if the strings are too taut?”
“Lord, if the strings are too taut, the strings are more likely to break.”
“And if the strings are just right, neither too slack nor too taut?”
“Lord, if the strings are just right, the sitar will provide fine music.”
“Just so, Sona! If one is idle or lazy, one will not make progress in the practice. But if one tries too hard, one will suffer fatigue and
discouragement. Sona, know your own strength. Don’t force your body and mind beyond their limits. Only then can you attain the fruits of
practice.”
Venerable Sona stood up and bowed to the Buddha to express his gratitude for the Buddha’s insight.
One afternoon, physician Jivaka visited the Buddha. He found the Buddha returning from Bamboo Forest and asked if he might walk up
with him to his hut on Vulture Peak. Jivaka watched with admiration as the Buddha climbed the stone steps. The Buddha, now seventy-two
years old, was as healthy and energetic as ever. He walked with relaxed, leisurely steps, one hand carrying his bowl, the other lifting the
corner of his robe. Venerable Ananda walked in the same manner. Jivaka offered to take the Buddha’s bowl, and the Buddha handed it to
him with a smile. He said, “But you know, the Tathagata has climbed this mountain hundreds of times, always carrying his own bowl
without difficulty.”
The carefully carved stone steps that wound up the mountainside had been a gift from King Bimbisara, Jivaka’s father. When they
climbed the last of them, the Buddha invited Jivaka to sit with him on a large rock outside his hut. Jivaka inquired about the Buddha’s health
and travels. Then he looked first at Venerable Ananda, and then at the Buddha. In a solemn voice, he said, “Lord, I feel I must tell you
about the situation here. Events taking place in the sangha are directly related to the current political situation in the kingdom. I believe you
should know what is happening.”
The physician told the Buddha that it had become clear that Venerable Devadatta desired to replace the Buddha as the leader of the
sangha. He already had considerable support among many bhikkhus, as well as among the ruling elite. Venerable Kokalika was his chief
advisor. He also had the backing of Venerables Kotamoraka Tissa, Khandadeviputta, and Samuddadatta, all of whom had large numbers
of students. Venerable Devadatta was both intelligent and eloquent. He was deeply respected by many bhikkhus and lay disciples. He had
not come out and stated directly that he was opposed to the Buddha or the Buddha’s senior disciples, but he made frequent allusions to the
Buddha’s advancing years, questioning whether he still possessed the ability to guide the sangha. He had even insinuated that the Buddha’s
approach to the teaching was too outdated to meet the needs of young people. Devadatta enjoyed support from several wealthy disciples.
Prince Ajatasattu, for reasons Jivaka was unable to understand, was Devadatta’s most devoted supporter. As much as King Bimbisara
revered the Buddha, Ajatasattu revered Devadatta. He had a large spiritual center built for Devadatta on Gayasisa mountain, the very place
where the Buddha had delivered the Fire Sutra to the Kassapa brothers and their one thousand disciples. The prince personally brought
food offerings to the center every few days. Merchants and politicians, wanting to get in the good graces of the prince, brought offerings
and attended Devadatta’s Dharma talks as well. Devadatta’s influence was growing daily. Already three to four hundred bhikkhus had
pledged their support to him.
Jivaka looked at the Buddha and then lowered his voice, “Lord, I do not consider the things I have just recounted sufficient to cause
worry on their own, but there is one thing that does concern me greatly—I have learned that Ajatasattu is impatient to assume the throne in
order to implement his own agendas. He feels that our father has monopolized the throne for too long, in the same way that Venerable
Devadatta is impatient for you to pass the mantle of leadership on to him. It is, in fact, my belief that Venerable Devadatta has planted some
dangerous thoughts in the prince’s head. Lord, I receive this impression every time I visit the palace to tend after the royal family’s health. If
something unexpected were to happen to King Bimbisara, you and your sangha could be implicated. Please, Lord, take heed.”
The Buddha answered, “Thank you, Jivaka, for telling the Tathagata about the situation. It is important to know what is going on. Don’t
worry. I will see to it that the sangha is not dragged into any unfortunate circumstances.”
Jivaka bowed to the Buddha and returned down the mountain. The Buddha instructed Ananda not to speak to anyone about what
Jivaka had shared.
Ten days later, the Buddha gave a Dharma talk to a gathering of three thousand disciples at Bamboo Forest. King Bimbisara was among
those present. The Buddha spoke about the Five Powers necessary to nourish the fruits of enlightenment. They are confidence, energy,
mindfulness, concentration, and true understanding.
When the Buddha had finished speaking and before anyone else had a chance to ask him any questions, Venerable Devadatta stood and
bowed to the Buddha. He said, “Lord, you are now advanced in years. Your health is no longer what it once was. You deserve to rest
undisturbed and to lead a life free of any irritations for the final years of your life. The task of leading the sangha is too heavy for you, Lord.
Please retire. I would be willing to serve as leader of the bhikkhus.”
The Buddha looked at Devadatta. He answered, “Devadatta, thank you for your concern, but the Tathagata still possesses good health
and strength adequate to lead the sangha.”