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

That afternoon Yasa’s father came looking for him. All morning long the household had frantically been seeking Yasa at his father’s
orders. One servant followed Yasa’s footprints to the Deer Park, and there he found Yasa’s golden sandals abandoned by a large rock.
After making inquiries, he learned that his young master was staying there with some monks. He returned in haste to inform Yasa’s father.
When Yasa’s father arrived, he found the Buddha sitting serenely on a rock. He joined his palms and respectfully asked, “Revered
monk, have you seen my son Yasa?”
The Buddha motioned to a nearby rock and invited Yasa’s father to be seated. He said, “Yasa is in the hut and will be out shortly.”
Yasa’s father listened as the Buddha recounted all that had taken place that morning. The Buddha helped him understand Yasa’s inner
thoughts and aspirations. “Yasa is a bright and sensitive young man. He has found the path of liberation for his heart. He now has faith,
peace, and joy. Please be happy for him,” the Buddha said.
The Buddha also told Yasa’s father how it was possible to live in a way that could reduce suffering and anxiety and create peace and joy
for oneself and all those around one. The merchant felt lighter with each word the Buddha spoke. He stood up and joined his palms
together to ask to be accepted as a lay disciple.
The Buddha was silent for a moment and then he spoke, “My disciples strive to live simply with awareness, avoid killing, shun adultery,
speak truthfully, and avoid alcohol and stimulants which cloud the mind. Sir, if you feel you can follow such a path I will accept you as a lay
disciple.”
Yasa’s father knelt before the Buddha and joined his palms. “Allow me to take refuge in your teaching. Please show me the way in this
life. I vow to remain faithful to your teaching all my days.”
The Buddha helped the merchant back to his feet. Yasa joined them. He was clad in a bhikkhu’s robe and his head was shaven. The
new bhikkhu smiled with rare joy. He joined his palms to make a lotus bud and then bowed to his father. Yasa looked radiant. His father
had never seen him so happy. Yasa’s father bowed to his son and said, “Your mother is at home, and she is very worried about you.”
Yasa answered, “I will visit her to relieve her worries. But I have taken vows to follow the Buddha and to live a life of service to all
beings.”
Yasa’s father turned to the Buddha, “Please, Master, allow me to invite you and your bhikkhus to have a meal at my house tomorrow.
We would be deeply honored if you would come instruct us on the Path of Awakening.”
The Buddha turned and looked at Yasa. The new bhikkhu’s eyes sparkled. Then the Buddha nodded his acceptance.
The following day, the Buddha and his six bhikkhus ate at the home of Yasa’s parents. Yasa’s mother wept, so overcome was she to
see her son both safe and happy. The Buddha and his bhikkhus were invited to sit on cushioned chairs. Yasa’s mother served them herself.
As the bhikkhus ate in silence, no one spoke, not even the household servants. When the meal was finished and the begging bowls had
been washed, Yasa’s parents bowed to the Buddha and then sat on low stools placed before him. The Buddha taught them the five
precepts which formed the foundation of practice for lay disciples.
“The first precept is do not kill. All living beings fear death. If we truly follow the path of understanding and love, we will observe this
precept. Not only should we protect the lives of humans, we should protect the lives of animals as well. Observing this precept nourishes
compassion and wisdom.
“The second precept is do not steal. We do not have the right to steal the property of others, nor to gain wealth by taking advantage of
the labor of others. We must find ways to help others support themselves.
“The third precept is do not engage in sexual misconduct. Do not violate the rights and commitments of others. Always remain faithful to
your spouse.
“The fourth precept is do not say untruthful things. Do not utter words that distort the truth or cause discord and hatred. Do not spread
news that you do not know to be certain.
“The fifth precept is do not use alcohol or any other stimulants.
“If you live by the spirit of the five precepts, you will avoid suffering and discord for yourself, your family, and your friends. You will find
your happiness in life multiplied many times over.”
As Yasa’s mother listened to the Buddha, she felt as though a gate of happiness had just opened in her heart. She was happy to know
that her husband had already been accepted as a lay disciple by the Buddha. She knelt before the Buddha and joined her palms. She, too,
was accepted as a lay disciple.
The Buddha and his six bhikkhus returned to Isipatana.