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

Recommendations

Info

Chapter Sixteen Was Yasodhara Sleeping? Because he was from a poor family, Svasti had, of course, never gone to school. Sujata taught him a few basics, but he still lacked skill with words, and while recounting his story about the Buddha, he sometimes halted, unable to find the right words. His listeners assisted him. In addition to Ananda and Rahula, two others came to listen to his story. One was an elderly nun named Mahapajapati and the other was a monk in his early forties named Assaji. Rahula introduced them both to Svasti, who was deeply touched to learn that Mahapajapati was herself Queen Gotami, the Buddha’s aunt who had raised him from infancy. She was the first woman to be accepted as a nun in the Buddha’s sangha, and she now served as abbess to more than seven hundred nuns. She had just traveled from the north to visit the Buddha and to consult with him concerning precepts for the bhikkhunis. Svasti learned that she had arrived only the previous evening, and her grandson, Rahula, knowing how much she would enjoy hearing all Svasti had to say about the Buddha’s days in Uruvela forest, had invited her to join them. Svasti placed his palms together and bowed low before the abbess. Remembering all the Buddha had told him about her filled his heart with deep affection and respect. Mahapajapati looked at Svasti with the same loving warmth as she looked at her own grandson, Rahula. Rahula introduced Assaji to Svasti, and Svasti’s eyes lit up when he learned that Assaji was one of the five friends who had practiced self-mortification with the Buddha near Svasti’s own home. The Buddha had told him back then that when his friends saw he had abandoned austerities to drink milk and eat rice, they left him to practice elsewhere. Svasti wondered how Assaji had come to be of the Buddha’s disciples, living right here at Bamboo Forest Monastery. He would ask Rahula about it later. Bhikkhuni Gotami assisted Svasti the most in his efforts to tell his tale. She asked questions about details that didn’t seem important to him but were of obvious interest to her. She asked where he had cut the kusa grass he offered the Buddha for a meditation cushion and how often he had provided new bundles of grass for the Buddha. She wanted to know if after giving the Buddha the grass, the buffaloes still had enough to eat at night. And she asked if he was ever beaten by the buffaloes’ owner. Much remained to be told, but Svasti asked permission to stop there for the evening and promised to continue the following day. But before taking his leave, he wondered if he could ask Bhikkhuni Gotami a few questions he had held in his heart for ten years. She smiled at him and said, “Go ahead and ask. If I am able to answer your questions, I will be most happy to.” There were several things Svasti wanted to know. First of all, had Yasodhara really been sleeping or only pretending to be asleep the night Siddhartha pulled back the curtain before his departure? Svasti also wanted to know what the king, queen, and Yasodhara thought and said when Channa returned with Siddhartha’s sword, necklace, and locks of hair. What happened in the lives of the Buddha’s family in the six years of his absence? Who first heard the news that the Buddha had attained the Way? Who first welcomed the Buddha back, and did all the city come out to greet him when he returned to Kapilavatthu? “You do have a lot of questions!” exclaimed Bhikkhuni Gotami. She smiled kindly at Svasti. “Let me try to answer them briefly. First of all, was Yasodhara truly asleep or not? If you want to know for certain, you should ask Yasodhara, but if you ask me, I don’t believe she was. Yasodhara herself had prepared Siddhartha’s garments, hat, and shoes, and placed them on his chair. She told Channa to saddle and ready Kanthaka. She knew that the prince would leave that very night. How could she sleep on such a night? I believe she only pretended to be asleep in order to avoid a painful parting for Siddhartha and herself. You do not yet know Yasodhara, Svasti, but Rahula’s mother is a woman of great determination. She understood Siddhartha’s intent and quietly gave him her wholehearted support. I know this more clearly than anyone else, for of all those close to Yasodhara, I was the closest, next to Siddhartha.” Bhikkhuni Gotami told Svasti that the following morning when it was discovered that Siddhartha had left, everyone, except Yasodhara, was in a state of shock. King Suddhodana flew into a rage and yelled at everyone, blaming them for not preventing the prince from leaving. Queen Gotami ran at once to find Yasodhara. She found her sitting quietly and weeping. Official search parties were sent out on horseback in all four directions with orders to return with the prince if they found him. The southbound party met Channa returning with the riderless Kanthaka. Channa stopped them from going any further. He said, “Leave the prince in peace to follow his spiritual path. I have already wept and pleaded with him, but he is intent on seeking the Way. Anyway, he has entered the deep forests which lie in another country’s territory. You cannot seek him there.” When Channa returned to the palace, he lowered his head to the ground three times as a sign of remorse and took the sword, necklace, and locks of hair to give to the king. At that moment, Queen Gotami and Yasodhara were by the king’s side. Seeing Channa’s tears, the king did not rebuke him, but slowly asked about all that had taken place. He told Channa to give the sword, necklace, and hair to Yasodhara for safekeeping. The atmosphere in the palace was dreary. Losing the prince was like losing the light of day. The king retired to his quarters and refused to come out for many days. His minister Vessamitta was obliged to handle all palace matters on his behalf.
After being returned to his stall, Kanthaka refused to eat or drink, and died a few days later. Overcome with grief, Channa asked Yasodhara’s permission to provide a ritual cremation for the prince’s horse. Bhikkhuni Gotami had recounted events up to that point when the bell for meditation rang. Everyone looked disappointed, but Ananda said they should not skip meditation, no matter how good the stories were. He invited them all to return the following day to his hut. Svasti and Rahula joined their palms and bowed to Bhikkhuni Gotami, Ananda and Assaji before returning to the hut of their teacher, Sariputta. The two young friends walked side by side without speaking. The slow reverberations of the bell gained momentum like waves breaking one upon another. Svasti followed his breath and silently recited the gatha for hearing the bell: “Listen, listen, this wonderful sound brings me back to my true self.”
Page 2 and 3:
Title Page Copyright Page BOOK ONE
Page 4:
Chapter Sixty-Five - Neither Full n
Page 8 and 9: Books by the Same Author Being Peac
Page 10 and 11: During the walk back, Buddha introd
Page 12 and 13: Svasti was overcome with both fear
Page 14 and 15: Chapter Two Tending Water Buffaloes
Page 16 and 17: in the assembly took their own cush
Page 18 and 19: Here, before Svasti, stood a most a
Page 20 and 21: Chapter Four The Wounded Swan Early
Page 22 and 23: else like you in this world. Everyo
Page 24 and 25: Chapter Five A Bowl of Milk Every d
Page 26 and 27: children shared their food with one
Page 28 and 29: King Suddhodana grew alarmed and as
Page 30 and 31: she nodded in assent.
Page 32 and 33: As a result of his own reflections,
Page 34 and 35: Chapter Eight The Jewelled Necklace
Page 36 and 37: guests applauded their approval, an
Page 38 and 39: The following summer, as they were
Page 40 and 41: Chapter Ten Unborn Child During thi
Page 42 and 43: you succeed. I know that one day yo
Page 44 and 45: Time flew, and the day for Yasodhar
Page 46 and 47: Siddhartha fell silent, then consol
Page 48 and 49: Chapter Thirteen Beginning Spiritua
Page 50 and 51: which the mind becomes one with inf
Page 52 and 53: Siddhartha smiled. “Great King, I
Page 54 and 55: Chapter Fifteen Forest Ascetic Mast
Page 56 and 57: leaning over the water, its leaves
Page 60 and 61: Chapter Seventeen Pippala Leaf Bene
Page 62 and 63: Chapter Eighteen The Morning Star H
Page 64 and 65: 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 116 and 117:
so young become a bhikkhu?” The B
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
Page 166 and 167:
When Tappasi delivered the news to
Page 168 and 169:
The story of Bhikkhuni Patacara was
Page 170 and 171:
BOOK THREE
Page 172 and 173:
Of course, every bhikkhu and bhikkh
Page 174 and 175:
that merit, may you and your child
Page 176 and 177:
The venerable said no more, but pro
Page 178 and 179:
including yourself. Love Ananda as
Page 180 and 181:
explained, ‘Several days ago, one
Page 182 and 183:
depths of the Dharma speak few word
Page 184 and 185:
Sonadanda smiled and joined his pal
Page 186 and 187:
Chapter Sixty-One The Lion’s Roar
Page 188 and 189:
could be saved overnight. Not long
Page 190 and 191:
he spoke about the relation of the
Page 192 and 193:
Chapter Sixty-Three All the Way to
Page 194 and 195:
He recalled how some years ago, sev
Page 196 and 197:
If you can see the teaching, you ca
Page 198 and 199:
Chapter Sixty-Five Neither Full nor
Page 200 and 201:
look at the empty Dharma hall, you
Page 202 and 203:
Chapter Sixty-Six Four Mountains Ea
Page 204 and 205:
Chapter Sixty-Seven Ocean Poet At t
Page 206 and 207:
Chapter Sixty-Eight Three Wondrous
Page 208 and 209:
The words used to transmit it shoul
Page 210 and 211:
One day Venerable Anuruddha was sto
Page 212 and 213:
Chapter Seventy The Quail and the F
Page 214 and 215:
ise at any moment to submerge one.
Page 216 and 217:
Being refused the chance to practic
Page 218 and 219:
“And what if the strings are too
Page 220 and 221:
Chapter Seventy-Two Quiet Resistanc
Page 222 and 223:
held responsible for the actions of
Page 224 and 225:
“No, Teacher, I am not yet marrie
Page 226 and 227:
Chapter Seventy-Four Cry of the Ele
Page 228 and 229:
his body between the Buddha and Nal
Page 230 and 231:
Chapter Seventy-Five Tears of Happi
Page 232 and 233:
“5. Share time, resources, and ha
Page 234 and 235:
Chapter Seventy-Six The Fruits of P
Page 236 and 237:
somewhat embarrassed, he said to hi
Page 238 and 239:
The Buddha nodded his acceptance. H
Page 240 and 241:
The Buddha regarded him kindly and
Page 242 and 243:
Chapter Seventy-Eight Two Thousand
Page 244 and 245:
The Ganga was so swollen from recen
Page 246 and 247:
Chapter Seventy-Nine Sandalwood Tre
Page 248 and 249:
hikkhus, and headed towards Kusinar
Page 250 and 251:
Chapter Eighty Be Diligent! It was
Page 252 and 253:
Chapter Eighty-One Old Path White C
Page 254 and 255:
of Licchavi would build one in Vesa
Page 256 and 257:
meditation. Just before dawn on the
Page 258 and 259:
Chapter Contents & Sources
Page 260 and 261:
Chapter One: Walking Just to Walk S
Page 262 and 263:
Chapter Three: An Armful of Kusa Gr
Page 264 and 265:
Chapter Five: A Bowl of Milk Sujata
Page 266 and 267:
Chapter Seven: White Elephant Prize
Page 268 and 269:
Chapter Nine: The Path of Compassio
Page 270 and 271:
Chapter Eleven: Moonlight Flute Sid
Page 272 and 273:
Chapter Thirteen: Beginning Spiritu
Page 274 and 275:
Chapter Fifteen: Forest Ascetic Sid
Page 276 and 277:
Chapter Seventeen: Pippala Leaf Ben
Page 278 and 279:
Chapter Nineteen: Tangerine of Mind
Page 280 and 281:
Chapter Twenty-One: The Lotus Pond
Page 282 and 283:
Chapter Twenty-Three: Dharma Nectar
Page 284 and 285:
Chapter Twenty-Five: Music’s Loft
Page 286 and 287:
Chapter Twenty-Seven: All Dharmas A
Page 288 and 289:
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Dependent Co-A
Page 290 and 291:
Chapter Thirty: Bamboo Forest The B
Page 292 and 293:
Chapter Thirty-Two: The Finger is N
Page 294 and 295:
Chapter Thirty-Four: Reunion The Bu
Page 296 and 297:
Chapter Thirty-Six: Lotus Vow Yasod
Page 298 and 299:
Chapter Thirty-Eight: O, Happiness!
Page 300 and 301:
Chapter Forty: Cover the Land in Go
Page 302 and 303:
Chapter Forty-Two: Love Is Understa
Page 304 and 305:
Chapter Forty-Four: The Elements Wi
Page 306 and 307:
Chapter Forty-Six: A Handful of Sim
Page 308 and 309:
Chapter Forty-Eight: Covering Mud w
Page 310 and 311:
Chapter Fifty: A Handful of Bran Th
Page 312 and 313:
Chapter Fifty-Two: Fields of Merit
Page 314 and 315:
Chapter Fifty-Four: Dwell in Mindfu
Page 316 and 317:
Book Three
Page 318 and 319:
Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Raft Is No
Page 320 and 321:
Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Net of Theo
Page 322 and 323:
Chapter Sixty-One: The Lion’s Roa
Page 324 and 325:
Chapter Sixty-Three: All the Way to
Page 326 and 327:
Chapter Sixty-Five: Neither Full no
Page 328 and 329:
Chapter Sixty-Seven: Ocean Poet Ven
Page 330 and 331:
Chapter Sixty-Nine: Where Will the
Page 332 and 333:
Chapter Seventy-One: The Art of Str
Page 334 and 335:
Chapter Seventy-Three: Hidden Rice
Page 336 and 337:
Chapter Seventy-Five: Tears of Happ
Page 338 and 339:
Chapter Seventy-Seven: Stars in You
Page 340 and 341:
Chapter Seventy-Nine: Sandalwood Tr
Page 342 and 343:
Chapter Eighty-One: Old Path White
show all

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

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?