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

“No, Teacher, I am not yet married. I have only an aged mother.”
“Then listen to me, and follow my instructions carefully. Return home at once and escape tonight with your mother across the border into
Kosala. You and your mother can find a new life there. Do not return by the road your master showed you. If you take that route, you are
sure to be ambushed and killed yourself. Go now!”
The man prostrated himself once more and then hurriedly left, leaving the sword behind.
The next morning, Venerables Sariputta and Moggallana came to speak with the Buddha. They said, “We believe it is time the two of us
paid a visit to the other side. We want to help our brothers who, out of ignorance, have taken a wrong turn. We request your permission to
be gone for a period of time.”
The Buddha looked at his two disciples and said, “Go if you feel you must, but take special care. Do all you can to protect your own
lives.”
Just at that moment, Venerable Sariputta noticed the sword lying on the ground. He looked into the Buddha’s eyes as if to question him.
The Buddha nodded and said, “Yes, last night a soldier came here with orders to kill the Tathagata, but the Tathagata has offered him
guidance instead. Leave the sword there. When Jivaka calls, I will ask him to dispose of it.”
Moggallana looked at Sariputta and said, “Perhaps it would be better not to leave the Buddha in such circumstances. What do you think,
my brother?”
Before Sariputta could respond, the Buddha said, “Do not worry. The Tathagata is capable of avoiding any dangers that arise.”
That afternoon several bhikkhus from Bamboo Forest came to see the Buddha. They were so distraught, they were unable to speak.
Tears rolled down their cheeks. The Buddha asked them, “What is the matter? Why are you crying?”