SHRI SAI LEELA - Under Construction

SHRI SAI LEELA – APRIL 1986EDITORIALAngulimala, the robber, had become a terror to the surroundingvillages. Working single-handed, he struck down the poor village folkand looted their foodgrains and other belongings and proudlydisplayed a necklace of the fingers of his victims round his neck. Tothe peace and happiness of King Pasenadi's kingdom and to his ownlife, Angulimala was thus a constant threat. But even this savage,depraved spirit was subdued nay, it was held spellbound by theyellow-robed monk. As he gazed into the compassionate eyes of theBuddha, the drawn sword slipped from his grip. And then the Masteraddressed him as "my friend". Deeply moved, the fierce robber said,"you called me 'friend'. None had called me that since the days myteacher drove me forth because the other students disliked me...,"The king was amazed at this transformation." Here is one whom Icould not subdue with sword and cudgel, but you have subdued himwithout either," said he. And the Buddha replied, "Ah Your Majesty,compassionate, loving friendship is stronger than the sword orcudgel. Can you not see that love is everything?"And this love, this compassion is the crying need of God's creationtoday. We all strive for the attainment of God's love and His Grace.But unless we love His creation, — even to the lowliest of Hiscreatures how can we attain it? Prophets and saints have pointed outtime and again, through example and through precept that God canbe served best and reached surely, by serving His creatures with loveand understanding. When Christ said for example "love thy neighbouras thyself" or "whomsoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to3WWW.SAILEELAS.ORG