The following interesting story was told by the Buddha in a sermon. It was recorded in the Sutra of the Hundred Parables, Chapter 65, by his senior student Ananda.
Once upon a time, a wife was unfaithful to her husband and for a long time, she had been waiting for an opportunity to get rid of him. One day, the husband got a job assignment at the neigherhood Kingdom (ancient India was a country with many Kingdoms) and had to leave home for a long business trip. The woman now got an opportunity: she mixed some poisons with flour, and together with other tasty ingredients such as honey, ginger, pepper, grapes, nuts, etc., made five hundred "happy biscuits."
"Now you are going away for a long trip," said the wife, "I had prepared five hundred 'happy biscuits' for you on the way. Once you are outside our city in a foreign land, you can eat the biscuits if you are hungry."
The husband took the biscuits with many thanks, not knowing that the food was poisonous, prepared by his wife to kill him. Soon he was out of his hometown traveling along a long country road through a huge forest. It was getting dark and there was no house anywhere to be seen. So, he decided to stay outside in the wild for the night. To avoid attacks from wild animals, he climbed up a huge tree to get some sleep. He had forgotten all about the five hundred happy biscuits and left them together with his other belongings on the foot of the tree.
In the middle of the night, a gang of rebels had attacked the Treasury of the neighbourhood Kingdom and took most of the precious stones from the Palace, together with a herd of horses. As they passed through the forest, they took a rest right under the huge tree where the merchant had stayed. Because they had been running away from the King's pursuing army, they were very tired and hungry. Thus, when they found the poisonous biscuits under the tree, they just helped themselves with the food.
By next morning, all the rebels were found dead. The merchant came down the tree, made sure everyone was really dead by putting a sword and arrow through each body. Then he took the precious stones, put them on the horses and rode toward the Capital City.
"I am from so and so Kingdom," he reported to the King. "Last night, when I was traveling on the roadway, I met a gang of rebels from your Kingdom. I fought a battle with them all by myself and killed them all. Here are all your horses and precious stones from your Treasury."
After the King sent an investigation team to verify what he said, he was so happy that he gave this foreign merchant a medal, a big prize, and a piece of land and a high office in his Government. The other officers were unhappy. "Why the King gave such a huge prize to a foreigner who may or may not be trustworthy?"
"OK" replied the merchant, "if you guys are unhappy, I am challenging you to compete with me in a contest. Who want to come forward?"
Nobody dared to accept the challenge. After all, who wanted to fight with someone who killed a whole group of rebellious gangsters just by himself alone?
********************************************
One day a fierce lion was found roaming the villages of the Kingdom, killing a lot of people and animals. Nobody dared to venture outside in the rural area. The officers suggested to the King, "This foreigner describes himself as a fearless warrior. Now, you should assign him to kill the lion because nobody else has the ability to do it."
On hearing their suggestion, the King summoned the foreigner to the Imperial Court and said to him, "I assign you to a mission to get rid of the lion for my Kingdom. You can take any weapon with you from our weaponry to do the job. I am sure you can do it."
Upon hearing this, the foreigner was scared to death in his heart. However, he had no choice but to accept the assignment. He took a sword and went outside the city to look for the lion.
As the two met each other, the lion roared loudly and dashed toward the foreigner. He was so frightened that he turned around and climbed up a big tree. The lion circled around the tree underneath, looked up towards him and gave a big roar. The terrified man started to panic and dropped his sword from his hand. But as fate would have it, the sword dropped down right into the mouth of the lion, instantly killing the beast.
As news was spread around in the Kingdom, the foreigner was regarded as a big hero by everybody and was awarded even a bigger prize and a higher position in the Imperial Court.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
What are the reponsiblities of SGI leaders?
Leaders who are responsible for organizing and holding discussion meetings in the SGI must study. If they do not, they cannot hope to satisfy the participants and inspire them with fresh energy and enthusiasm.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/9
What is the importance of mentor-disciple relationship?
True character is only forged through hardship and suffering. Moreover, it is the mentor-disciple relationship, not organizational structures, that builds character. Many great scholars, pioneers and leaders of the world have come to note how crucial the mentor-disciple relationship is.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/9
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
What should be the spirit if youth today?
The stronger the oppression from without, the stronger one's determination to summon forth one's inner resources to fight against it—this is the spirit of youth.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/9
What is the influence on the children if a mother has strong faith?
A mother's beliefs have a powerful influence on her children. In the realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, too, the children of families where the mother's faith is strong invariably develop into admirable adults.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/9
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/9
EATING THE SAME PIECE OF CAKE - A Story from Buddhist Sutra (of the Hundred Parables)
Once upon a time, there was a married couple who received three pieces of cake from their neighbour for their anniversary. As they sat down and helped themselves to the cake, there was one piece left behind. Who was going to eat it?
The husband said, "Let us have a contest between us. Whoever wins will have that piece of cake."
The wife replied, "OK. Then, whoever started to say anything will be lost."
Then, the couple sat down, each did not say a word, because whoever talked first would lost this contest. All they did was staring at that piece of cake waiting for the other spouse to start talking. Of course, it was a fun game, until.....
It soon became dark and a burglar went passing by. He noticed that the windows and door are unlocked and there were two persons sitting still inside the house, not saying a word to each other. He went in, but the two persons were still sitting quiet, not moving at all. He went inside and starting taking things out of the house, but the couple still keep their eyes on that piece of cake, ignoring him.
The burglar turned around and looked at the woman. He said, "Oh, what an attractive woman." And started touching her.
The wife could not stand this any more and roared, "You are a stupid fool. Do you see your wife is being sexually assaulted by a stranger!?"
Upon hearing what his wife said, the husband picked up the piece of cake right away and said, "Hurrah, I have won the contest!"
The husband said, "Let us have a contest between us. Whoever wins will have that piece of cake."
The wife replied, "OK. Then, whoever started to say anything will be lost."
Then, the couple sat down, each did not say a word, because whoever talked first would lost this contest. All they did was staring at that piece of cake waiting for the other spouse to start talking. Of course, it was a fun game, until.....
It soon became dark and a burglar went passing by. He noticed that the windows and door are unlocked and there were two persons sitting still inside the house, not saying a word to each other. He went in, but the two persons were still sitting quiet, not moving at all. He went inside and starting taking things out of the house, but the couple still keep their eyes on that piece of cake, ignoring him.
The burglar turned around and looked at the woman. He said, "Oh, what an attractive woman." And started touching her.
The wife could not stand this any more and roared, "You are a stupid fool. Do you see your wife is being sexually assaulted by a stranger!?"
Upon hearing what his wife said, the husband picked up the piece of cake right away and said, "Hurrah, I have won the contest!"
Monday, April 18, 2011
What chant for the future?
As long as we pray earnestly and sincerely with all our being, if we have strong and genuine faith, even though results may not be immediately visible, they will definitely manifest without fail in generations of our children and our children's children. I would like all of you to have absolute confidence in this.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/8
What is the correct way to chant daimoku?
The Daishonin states, "The voice does the Buddha's work" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 708). To chant the Mystic Law is to praise the Gohonzon. Hearing the sound of our daimoku, the heavenly deities will be set into motion and work to protect us. A weak and unclear voice will not move the heavenly deities. That is why it is important for us to chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/8
A CREATION STORY - Story from the Sutra of Hundred Parables
The Buddha actually poked fun at the idea of a Creator God, according to the Sutra of Hundred Parables (¦Ê ³ë ¸g). In this Sutra, he told approximately one hundred humorous stories to his disciples during a sermon. One of the stories told by the Lord Buddha is as follows (Chapter 61):
Other religions said, "The Brahma ('God' in Saskrit) is the father of all sentient beings. He created everything in the Universe and therefore He is the Lord of everything." Thus, one of His disciples went to see God and said, "I can also create things in the Universe because I am your student".
God replied, "This is stupid. Don't even think of it! You cannot create anything at all!"
God's disciple did not listen and went ahead to create something. When God saw what his disciple had created, He bursted into laughter, "HA! HA! See what you had created? The head is too big! The neck is too small! The hand is too big and the arm too short! And look at the feet: a big feet with a very short leg! What you had created is a terrible monster."
NOTE: you are free to interprete this story told by Buddha in anyway you want.
Other religions said, "The Brahma ('God' in Saskrit) is the father of all sentient beings. He created everything in the Universe and therefore He is the Lord of everything." Thus, one of His disciples went to see God and said, "I can also create things in the Universe because I am your student".
God replied, "This is stupid. Don't even think of it! You cannot create anything at all!"
God's disciple did not listen and went ahead to create something. When God saw what his disciple had created, He bursted into laughter, "HA! HA! See what you had created? The head is too big! The neck is too small! The hand is too big and the arm too short! And look at the feet: a big feet with a very short leg! What you had created is a terrible monster."
NOTE: you are free to interprete this story told by Buddha in anyway you want.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
What in life, once attained can never be destroyed, not for all eternity?
Worldly success and good circumstances based on luck can easily crumble. They are as transient as an illusion. But the state of Buddhahood, once attained, can never be destroyed, not for all eternity. We will enjoy an existence overflowing with good fortune and immense joy in lifetime after lifetime.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/8
What is success in Buddhism?
Success is not a matter of accumulating more of this or that; it is not measured in quantity. It means changing the quality of your life. Wealth, power, fame and knowledge alone cannot make you happy, no matter how much of these you acquire. Nor can you take them with you when you die. But by improving the quality of your life you will at last approach true happiness.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/7
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/7
BUILDING A HOUSE IN MID-AIR - A Story from the Buddhist Sutra
The Buddha loved to tell stories when he was giving a sermon. Here is one from the Sutra of Hundred Parables.
Once upon a time there were two very rich merchants living in the same town, both loved to show off their wealth. Let us call them A and B.
One day merchant A went to visit merchant B, he observed that B had a big house three storeys high. (NOTE: 2,500 year ago, a three storeys high house was a very impressive project!!) He also noticed that everyone in town was very impressed with B's house and said how great it was!
On returning home, merchant A was not happy that B got all the attention. So he also hired the same architect to build another house three storeys high. The architect accepted the job and started the project.
A few days later, merchant A went to visit the construction site. When he saw workers digging the land to prepare for the foundation, he went to see the architect and asked what was happening.
"I am constructing a three storeys high house as per our contract." replied the architect. "But first, I have to prepare a solid foundation, then build the first floor, second floor and finally third floor."
"I do not want anything else, I just want the third floor right away, as high as B's house." demand merchant A. "Never mind the foundation or the other floors."
"That cannot be done." replied the architect.
"OK, then I hire some else to do it."
Nobody in town was able to build a house with no foundation, and so the project was never done.
Once upon a time there were two very rich merchants living in the same town, both loved to show off their wealth. Let us call them A and B.
One day merchant A went to visit merchant B, he observed that B had a big house three storeys high. (NOTE: 2,500 year ago, a three storeys high house was a very impressive project!!) He also noticed that everyone in town was very impressed with B's house and said how great it was!
On returning home, merchant A was not happy that B got all the attention. So he also hired the same architect to build another house three storeys high. The architect accepted the job and started the project.
A few days later, merchant A went to visit the construction site. When he saw workers digging the land to prepare for the foundation, he went to see the architect and asked what was happening.
"I am constructing a three storeys high house as per our contract." replied the architect. "But first, I have to prepare a solid foundation, then build the first floor, second floor and finally third floor."
"I do not want anything else, I just want the third floor right away, as high as B's house." demand merchant A. "Never mind the foundation or the other floors."
"That cannot be done." replied the architect.
"OK, then I hire some else to do it."
Nobody in town was able to build a house with no foundation, and so the project was never done.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Why we must not stop halfway in our faith?
The important thing is to keep working for kosen-rufu to the very end. On any journey, we cannot hope to reach our destination if we stop halfway. Likewise, if despite our good fortune in meeting and embarking on the unsurpassed way of Buddhism, we stop halfway, all the efforts we have made thus far will have been in vain; we will not be able to attain Buddhahood.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/8
How can we accumulate great fortune?
We accumulate great good fortune through our earnest prayers, devotion and efforts for the sake of Buddhism, kosen-rufu and humankind. Prayer without action is not the way of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/8
The Sandalwood Tree - A Story from Buddhist Sutra
This is what I (ie, Ananda, Buddha's Senior Student) have heard from the teaching of the Lord Buddha:
Once upon a time, there were 500 merchants returning from a successful business trip overseas, bringing back with them lots of precious stones. On their way home they were crossing a mountainous huge forest. It was getting dark and the merchants put up their camps for the night.
Next morning, everybody waked up and continued with their journey. But one of them slept in and was left behind. As a result he was wondering around by himself in the huge forest and got lost. Suddenly, a black cloud covered the sky and the weather turned cold. To make the matter worse, it started snowing and soon the snow covered the road completely. Facing such difficulties, the lost merchant bursted into tears and kneeled down to pray for help.
"What happened?" suddenly a voice came from above. It was the God of Forest that was sent down by Emperor Sakra. (NOTE: Emperor Sakra is the King of Gods in Buddhism).
"I got lost. How can I survive this winter in a strange huge forest?"
"Don't worry. I am the God of Forest. The Heavenly Emperor told me to help you out to survive this winter here. Come with me. See the big tree there? Use it as a shelter and it will give you warmth. In the mean time, I will bring you some food." Then, for the whole winter, the lost merchant stayed under the big tree using it as shelter.
Spring arrived and gradually the snow thawed away. It was time to say good bye. As the merchant departed, the God of Forest gave him a gold coin and said, "You follow this road, and there is a small town about ten miles away. With this coin you should have enough money for your expenses on your way back home"
"Thank you for your help," he said to the God of Forest. "Without your help and the help of this big tree, I would not have survived. By the way, this vigorous tree gives out a very good aromatic smell all year round. It is very rare. What is its name?"
"Never mind its name." replied the God of Forest.
"But, it helped me survive the winter, and I do not even know its name. How can I return some day to repay what I own him?"
"OK. Its name is called Santalum Album." replied the God of Forest. "It is a very rare tree. Its root can cure many kinds of deceases and it gives out an aromatic smell many miles away. But you must keep the location of the tree as a secret, otherwise you may invite very bad luck and get struck by axes or by saw."
The merchant promised to keep the tree location as a top secret. Then, he said a final farewell and on his way home. Finally, after a few weeks' journey, he returned to his hometown, to the delight of his family.
**************************************************************
One day, the King suffered from a strange migraine, and the Royal Doctor prescribed the root of Santalum Album as medicine. Nothing else seemed to work. The King gave an order to look for Santalum Album but nowhere could the species be found within the Kingdom.
The migraine became so bad that the King announced that anybody who was able to find Santalum Album would be knighted with a large piece of land, a high office in Government and in addition, he would be married to one of the Royal Princesses. The merchant was so tempted by the huge prize that he could not resist telling the King, "I know a place where Santalum Album is grown." The King was so glad that he sent his soldiers to go with the merchant to the forest where the rare tree species was found.
When the soldiers arrived and saw the tree, it was growing very vigorously, with lots of beautiful branches and leaves that gave out a very nice fragrant smell covering the whole forest. They had never seen such a rare beautiful tree before. The General who headed the mission thought, "If my soldiers cut the tree, it will be gone forever. I do not know if there is any other Santalum Album in this world. But if I leave the tree alone, I will be accused of disobeying an order. What should I do now?"
As he was walking back and forth in front of the tree trying to make a difficult decision, the God of Forest appeared above him and said, "If you need to cure the King's sickness, go ahead and cut the tree. But plant back some portion of its root using human blood as fertilizer and human flesh as dressing to the wound. The tree will grow back to its original vigor."
On hearing this, the General ordered his soldiers to cut the tree down. As the tree fell to one side, the trunk struck the merchant accidentally, killing him instantaneously. The General was terrified to see the accident, but as fate would have it, human blood was now available as fertilizer and human flesh could now be used as dressing. So he ordered the soldiers to replant the Santalum Album as directed by the God of Forest.
Almost instantaneously, new sprouts started to shoot out of the wounded roots, indicating that the planting was successful. The soldiers immediately shipped the trunk back to the Palace. After using the root as medicine, the King recovered miraculously. In addition, material from the trunk was made into medicine, available to any citizens who needed it. The King and his people were very healthy afterwards.
What did the Buddha try to teach with this story? Give some thought to it.
Once upon a time, there were 500 merchants returning from a successful business trip overseas, bringing back with them lots of precious stones. On their way home they were crossing a mountainous huge forest. It was getting dark and the merchants put up their camps for the night.
Next morning, everybody waked up and continued with their journey. But one of them slept in and was left behind. As a result he was wondering around by himself in the huge forest and got lost. Suddenly, a black cloud covered the sky and the weather turned cold. To make the matter worse, it started snowing and soon the snow covered the road completely. Facing such difficulties, the lost merchant bursted into tears and kneeled down to pray for help.
"What happened?" suddenly a voice came from above. It was the God of Forest that was sent down by Emperor Sakra. (NOTE: Emperor Sakra is the King of Gods in Buddhism).
"I got lost. How can I survive this winter in a strange huge forest?"
"Don't worry. I am the God of Forest. The Heavenly Emperor told me to help you out to survive this winter here. Come with me. See the big tree there? Use it as a shelter and it will give you warmth. In the mean time, I will bring you some food." Then, for the whole winter, the lost merchant stayed under the big tree using it as shelter.
Spring arrived and gradually the snow thawed away. It was time to say good bye. As the merchant departed, the God of Forest gave him a gold coin and said, "You follow this road, and there is a small town about ten miles away. With this coin you should have enough money for your expenses on your way back home"
"Thank you for your help," he said to the God of Forest. "Without your help and the help of this big tree, I would not have survived. By the way, this vigorous tree gives out a very good aromatic smell all year round. It is very rare. What is its name?"
"Never mind its name." replied the God of Forest.
"But, it helped me survive the winter, and I do not even know its name. How can I return some day to repay what I own him?"
"OK. Its name is called Santalum Album." replied the God of Forest. "It is a very rare tree. Its root can cure many kinds of deceases and it gives out an aromatic smell many miles away. But you must keep the location of the tree as a secret, otherwise you may invite very bad luck and get struck by axes or by saw."
The merchant promised to keep the tree location as a top secret. Then, he said a final farewell and on his way home. Finally, after a few weeks' journey, he returned to his hometown, to the delight of his family.
**************************************************************
One day, the King suffered from a strange migraine, and the Royal Doctor prescribed the root of Santalum Album as medicine. Nothing else seemed to work. The King gave an order to look for Santalum Album but nowhere could the species be found within the Kingdom.
The migraine became so bad that the King announced that anybody who was able to find Santalum Album would be knighted with a large piece of land, a high office in Government and in addition, he would be married to one of the Royal Princesses. The merchant was so tempted by the huge prize that he could not resist telling the King, "I know a place where Santalum Album is grown." The King was so glad that he sent his soldiers to go with the merchant to the forest where the rare tree species was found.
When the soldiers arrived and saw the tree, it was growing very vigorously, with lots of beautiful branches and leaves that gave out a very nice fragrant smell covering the whole forest. They had never seen such a rare beautiful tree before. The General who headed the mission thought, "If my soldiers cut the tree, it will be gone forever. I do not know if there is any other Santalum Album in this world. But if I leave the tree alone, I will be accused of disobeying an order. What should I do now?"
As he was walking back and forth in front of the tree trying to make a difficult decision, the God of Forest appeared above him and said, "If you need to cure the King's sickness, go ahead and cut the tree. But plant back some portion of its root using human blood as fertilizer and human flesh as dressing to the wound. The tree will grow back to its original vigor."
On hearing this, the General ordered his soldiers to cut the tree down. As the tree fell to one side, the trunk struck the merchant accidentally, killing him instantaneously. The General was terrified to see the accident, but as fate would have it, human blood was now available as fertilizer and human flesh could now be used as dressing. So he ordered the soldiers to replant the Santalum Album as directed by the God of Forest.
Almost instantaneously, new sprouts started to shoot out of the wounded roots, indicating that the planting was successful. The soldiers immediately shipped the trunk back to the Palace. After using the root as medicine, the King recovered miraculously. In addition, material from the trunk was made into medicine, available to any citizens who needed it. The King and his people were very healthy afterwards.
What did the Buddha try to teach with this story? Give some thought to it.
Friday, April 15, 2011
How we live a life of complete fulfillment?
Life flashes by in an instant. By devoting our lives to Buddhism, we will live a life of complete fulfillment. We are selling ourselves short if we fail to attain such a wonderful state of life.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/8
How to be fearless and advance like a lion?
Advancement—Nichiren Daishonin teaches the spirit that "not to advance is to retreat." The point is to continue forging ahead despite any storms or hardships that may arise, to be fearless and advance like a lion.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/8
THE UNFAITHFUL WIFE - a Story from the Buddhist Sutra
Once upon a time, a beautiful woman was unfaithful to her husband and had an affair with another man. During those days, it is not possible to divorce one's husband by simply declaring "I don't love him any more" and remarried to someone else. So she devised a scheme to separate from her husband legally.
She had a friend who worked at the village funeral home. One day, while her husband had gone for a trip elsewhere, she created an "accident" at home and asked her friend to arrange a dead body of another woman to put in her home. Somehow the body was destroyed beyond recognition.
When the husband returned home, he was shocked to find that his house had an accident so severe that the body of his "wife" was destroyed beyond recognition. He was so mournful that, after he had cremated her body, he carried the ashes with him all the time.
The trick worked well and the unfaithful wife ran away with her lover to live together. But as time went on, problems and conflicts developed between the two. It did not have a fairy tale ending at all.
Gradually, the unfaithful wife learnt of what her husband did to "her ashes" and was moved by the love that he had for her. So one day, she decided to end the relationship with her lover and return to her husband. She found her husband on the street of the city and called out his name, thinking that he must be very glad to find that she was still alive after all.
"Who are you?" said the husband, when he saw her. "I have never met you before."
She was stung by the answer. "I am your wife." She tried to explain she was still alive.
"My wife is dead. Here are her ashes. I had been carrying it around with me after her death." replied the husband.
The beautiful woman was devastated. How came a husband who loved her so much that he carried her "ashes" around with him failed to recognize her? But no matter what she said, the husband refused to accept the fact that his wife was still alive.
To him, his wife had died. His love for her had also died when she lied to him.
She had a friend who worked at the village funeral home. One day, while her husband had gone for a trip elsewhere, she created an "accident" at home and asked her friend to arrange a dead body of another woman to put in her home. Somehow the body was destroyed beyond recognition.
When the husband returned home, he was shocked to find that his house had an accident so severe that the body of his "wife" was destroyed beyond recognition. He was so mournful that, after he had cremated her body, he carried the ashes with him all the time.
The trick worked well and the unfaithful wife ran away with her lover to live together. But as time went on, problems and conflicts developed between the two. It did not have a fairy tale ending at all.
Gradually, the unfaithful wife learnt of what her husband did to "her ashes" and was moved by the love that he had for her. So one day, she decided to end the relationship with her lover and return to her husband. She found her husband on the street of the city and called out his name, thinking that he must be very glad to find that she was still alive after all.
"Who are you?" said the husband, when he saw her. "I have never met you before."
She was stung by the answer. "I am your wife." She tried to explain she was still alive.
"My wife is dead. Here are her ashes. I had been carrying it around with me after her death." replied the husband.
The beautiful woman was devastated. How came a husband who loved her so much that he carried her "ashes" around with him failed to recognize her? But no matter what she said, the husband refused to accept the fact that his wife was still alive.
To him, his wife had died. His love for her had also died when she lied to him.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
THE PRODIGAL SON - a Story from "the Lotus Sutra"
This parable was told by one of Buddha's senior disciple Maha-Kasyapa:
Once upon a time, there was a man who had a son. As a teenage, the son took his father's money and ran away from home to lead an extravagant life. After he had spent all his money, he became very poor, and had to wonder from town to town, begging for a living.
Many years had passed and the father had been looking for him but failed to find him. As time went by, the father became very rich, having a big house with numerous treasures, gold and silver, a large herd of cattle and goat, a group of servants and employees, and a large fleet of elephant and horse drawn wagons.
One day, the son was wondering into his hometown and begging for a living as usual. He came across a fleet of luxurious wagons, accompanied by a group of servants. When he saw the procession, he thought, "he must be a king or some noble knight. Well, I should not have come here. It is difficult to approach someone very high in society to ask for help."
As he was turning around and going away, the father recognized him and ordered his security officers to get him. As the son was approached by the security officers, he cried out in despair, "I had not committed any crime. Why do you want to arrest me?" The security officers became suspicious. They tied him up and brought him to see the father.
The father looked at him carefully to make sure that he indeed was his son. He knew that his son had a very strong will and it would not work if he tried to lure him back with money or riches alone. So, without saying a word, he ordered his release and let him go. The son was glad that he was free, but he returned to the ghetto and continued to beg for a living.
The next day, the father sent two of his senior employees to the ghetto to look for his son. The two employees found him and said, "our boss is operating a big business and he is looking for someone who is trustworthy to work as a janitor. We will offer you a good salary and benefits. Are you interested in taking the job?" Having been wandering from town to town looking for work, the son was happy that someone offered him a job. He accepted it immediately.
As the son took on a low ranking job as a janitor, the father did not say anything about their relationship to any other employees, customers, suppliers, friends or relatives. However, the son proved himself to be a good worker and soon earned the respect of his fellow employees. As time went by he was promoted to a senior position.
One day, his father got sick, and, knowing that his days were soon over, his gathered every employee, friends and relatives to announce his will. He disclosed the father-and-son relationship to everybody and announced that his son would inherit his business. The son, by this time, a fairly senior employee, had proven his ability to take over his father's business operation.
Maha-Kasyapa (Buddha's senior disciple) concluded that the father represented the Lord Buddha and the son represented the followers.
NOTE: Although a similar story appears in the Christian Bible (Luke Chapter 15, 12 to 32), there is a very significant philosophical difference between Buddhism and Christianity. In the Christian Bible, the father forgave the son immediately and gave him all his heritage as soon as the son admitted his sin - that means: you have sinned, therefore, success is a grace from God. Here in the Lotus Sutra, after the reunion, the son proved his ability to take over his father's heritage - that is, success is largely a result of your own effort. However, the reader is free to interpret the story in anyway he wants.
Once upon a time, there was a man who had a son. As a teenage, the son took his father's money and ran away from home to lead an extravagant life. After he had spent all his money, he became very poor, and had to wonder from town to town, begging for a living.
Many years had passed and the father had been looking for him but failed to find him. As time went by, the father became very rich, having a big house with numerous treasures, gold and silver, a large herd of cattle and goat, a group of servants and employees, and a large fleet of elephant and horse drawn wagons.
One day, the son was wondering into his hometown and begging for a living as usual. He came across a fleet of luxurious wagons, accompanied by a group of servants. When he saw the procession, he thought, "he must be a king or some noble knight. Well, I should not have come here. It is difficult to approach someone very high in society to ask for help."
As he was turning around and going away, the father recognized him and ordered his security officers to get him. As the son was approached by the security officers, he cried out in despair, "I had not committed any crime. Why do you want to arrest me?" The security officers became suspicious. They tied him up and brought him to see the father.
The father looked at him carefully to make sure that he indeed was his son. He knew that his son had a very strong will and it would not work if he tried to lure him back with money or riches alone. So, without saying a word, he ordered his release and let him go. The son was glad that he was free, but he returned to the ghetto and continued to beg for a living.
The next day, the father sent two of his senior employees to the ghetto to look for his son. The two employees found him and said, "our boss is operating a big business and he is looking for someone who is trustworthy to work as a janitor. We will offer you a good salary and benefits. Are you interested in taking the job?" Having been wandering from town to town looking for work, the son was happy that someone offered him a job. He accepted it immediately.
As the son took on a low ranking job as a janitor, the father did not say anything about their relationship to any other employees, customers, suppliers, friends or relatives. However, the son proved himself to be a good worker and soon earned the respect of his fellow employees. As time went by he was promoted to a senior position.
One day, his father got sick, and, knowing that his days were soon over, his gathered every employee, friends and relatives to announce his will. He disclosed the father-and-son relationship to everybody and announced that his son would inherit his business. The son, by this time, a fairly senior employee, had proven his ability to take over his father's business operation.
Maha-Kasyapa (Buddha's senior disciple) concluded that the father represented the Lord Buddha and the son represented the followers.
NOTE: Although a similar story appears in the Christian Bible (Luke Chapter 15, 12 to 32), there is a very significant philosophical difference between Buddhism and Christianity. In the Christian Bible, the father forgave the son immediately and gave him all his heritage as soon as the son admitted his sin - that means: you have sinned, therefore, success is a grace from God. Here in the Lotus Sutra, after the reunion, the son proved his ability to take over his father's heritage - that is, success is largely a result of your own effort. However, the reader is free to interpret the story in anyway he wants.
How to score victory at your place of work?
Shijo Kingo, a person of strong faith, was at one point envied and slandered by others, earning the disfavor of his lord. But later he received a new estate from him. In modern terms, we might say that Shijo Kingo scored this victory by showing wonderful actual proof of faith at his place of work. The test of faith is winning in daily life and society, since that is where Buddhism finds expression
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/8
How to remove the darkness in your life?
It is not a question of your environment or those around you, nor what the organization or leaders may be like. To be swayed by such externals is pointless. It all comes down to one person: you. What matters is that you become a brilliant beacon, shining with joy and happiness and live your life with confidence and courage. If you shine with a radiant light, there can be no darkness in your life.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/8
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
What is the force that leads to victory?
Those who say "I'll do it," who are willing to take on a challenge even if they are alone, are true winners. The determination, the commitment to take action yourself, is the force that leads to victory. As Buddhism teaches in the principle of a life-moment possesses 3,000 realms, our mind or attitude can change everything.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/8
What is the root of true happiness?
To be fearless no matter what happens—that is the root of true happiness. To move forward resolutely regardless of what lies in store—that is the spirit, the resolve, that leads to human victory. But if we allow ourselves to be disturbed by petty criticism and slander, if we fear pressure and persecution, we will never advance nor create anything of lasting value.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/8
THE STORY OF TWO LOVERS - a story from the Buddhist Sutra.
This is a dramatic love story from the Buddhist Sutra. It is fairly lengthy and therefore sub-divided into several ACTS.
ACT I - Magic Pearl from the Dragon King of Ocean
Once upon a time, an Indian King had two sons. One of them was very kind and compassionate, and the other was very mean and evil. For simplicity, we will call them the Good Heart Prince and the Evil Heart Prince respectively.
One day, the King summoned them to the Imperial Court and said, "The welfare of my subjects is very important, and my government had been helping the poor people of this country. But now my treasury is almost empty and so I want you to go to see the Dragon King (God of the Ocean) and ask for help. Once you went to the ocean shore, you recite a mantra given to me by a Hermit yesterday. Then the Dragon King will come out to greet you and give you a precious pearl. Bring it home and put it in my treasury because it will bring prosperity to my kingdom and my people."
The two brothers accepted the mission and off they went to the shore of the Indian Ocean. They did exactly what was told and, after reciting the mantra, the Dragon King came out of the Indian Ocean and asked what they want.
After listening to their request, the God of Indian Ocean said, "since your Royal Father had such a noble cause, I will help you out. Take this magic pearl back to your palace. It will ensure your Kingdom's prosperity as long as you take good care of your subjects." Happily the two brothers accepted the gift and left for home.
ACT II - The Fight between the Two Princes
As the two brothers traveled along a road on the way home, a greedy thought suddenly came to the mind of the Evil Heart Prince. "Why not get the magic precious pearl all for myself? After my father's death, I will be the King of the richest kingdom on earth!" So, he drew his sword and tried to kill his brother.
But, of course, the Good Heart Prince refused to give it up without resistance, and soon it developed into a big fight. Unfortunately, after a whole day's fight, the Good Heart Prince suffered serious injuries and collapsed by the road side. The Evil Heart Prince took the pearl, returned to the Palace, and reported to his father that they had encountered some rebellious gangs on the way. He told his father that his brother was killed in a battle. The King was of course very mournful upon hearing the death of his son.
ACT III - Escaped to the Neighborhood Kingdom
Back to the crime scene, some Buddhist Monks was walking by when they spotted the badly wounded Good Heart Prince laying by the road side. They took him back to their temple and tended his wounds. Several months had passed, the Good Heart Prince was getting better, except for his eye sight - his eyes were injured so badly that he was now blind.
By now, the Monks learned of his identity and decided that it was not safe for the Prince to stay here, because the Evil Heart Prince always wanted to kill him. So they took him to a Monastery in the neighbourhood Kingdom to continued to take care of him.
Several years had passed and the Prince was fully recovered, except for his eyesight. However, during the time he stayed in the Monastery, he learned how to play various musical instruments and was able to play very good sensational songs. During all these year, he had hided his identity for fear of being assassinated by his brother.
One day, the King of the neighbourhood kingdom was looking for a gardener-musician for the garden inside the Royal Palace. The Monk-in-Charge thought, "this is a good place for Good Heart Prince to be in. He will be very safe inside the Royal Palace." So, he recommended the Prince to the King for the job. After an audition, the King immediately offered him the job, without knowing that he was in fact the Prince was his Neighbour
Act IV - Prince and Princess Fallen in Love
The Good Heart Prince, now just an ordinary gardener, did a very good job at the Royal Palace. He tended the plants of the Royal Palace really well and he played good music for the Royal family. But still, he hided his identity and everyone in the Palace thought that he was just an orphan grown up in a Buddhist Monastery.
One beautiful evening, the King's Daughter took a walk in the garden and heard a very beautiful song played by somebody in the garden. The Princess was so attracted to the music that she went to find out who the musician was. As soon as the two young people met, they seemed to know each other from previous lives and they immediately fell in love with each other. The Princess went to the Royal Garden every day to talk to the blind gardener and listen to his music. After a while, they fell in love so madly with each other that the young Princess went to see her father to ask permission to get married.
"What!?" the King was shook at the proposal and opposed to the marriage. "You are a Royal Princess and he is just an ordinary blind gardener from a lower class!" During ancient India, marriage across classes was unknown.
"But I love him. If you do not allow me to marry him, I will die of heartbreaking," said the Princess, crying.
"No way." replied the stubborn King. "When you were young, I had promised to marry you to the Good Heart Prince of our Neighbourhood Kingdom. You should be married to another Royal Family, not to an ordinary worker. Your proposal cannot be accepted!"
"How can I get married to Good Heart Prince?" protested the Princess. "The Prince had not been found for many years. I love him, even though he is just an ordinary blind-gardener musician. Please, father, give us permission to get married!"
Act V - A Miracle Performed by the King of Gods
By this time, the blind gardener stepped forward to reveal his identity and told them he was the Good Heart Prince and that he was escaping from his brother, the Evil Heart Prince. The Princess jumped for joy on hearing that her fiancé was right there in front of her. The King, however, was skeptical, "How can you prove that you are in fact Good Heart Prince?"
"I will swear to the King of Heaven and Gods that if I am telling the truth, my eyesight will be restored. If not, then I will be blind forever." said the gardener.
Emperor Sakra, the King of Gods, listening to the conservation, was so moved by the gardener that he appeared before the young couple. He told everybody, "You are right, young Prince. You are indeed the Good Heart Prince and you two have the same karma in your previous lives so that you are destined to be happily married couple." Then the King of Heaven performed a miracle and restored the eyesight of the young prince completely.
Act VI - A Happy Ending
The wedding ceremony was of course magnificent. The embassador from the Neighourhood Kingdom was invited. And the whole nation had a good time.
After the wedding, the couple returned to their home country with a fleet of servants and guards carried by a herd of elephants. The Evil Heart Prince - I do not know what happened to him - Some said that he was punished and served a jail sentence. Others said that after the Good Heart Prince pardoned his crime, he was so moved that he became a devout follower of the Lord Buddha.
ACT I - Magic Pearl from the Dragon King of Ocean
Once upon a time, an Indian King had two sons. One of them was very kind and compassionate, and the other was very mean and evil. For simplicity, we will call them the Good Heart Prince and the Evil Heart Prince respectively.
One day, the King summoned them to the Imperial Court and said, "The welfare of my subjects is very important, and my government had been helping the poor people of this country. But now my treasury is almost empty and so I want you to go to see the Dragon King (God of the Ocean) and ask for help. Once you went to the ocean shore, you recite a mantra given to me by a Hermit yesterday. Then the Dragon King will come out to greet you and give you a precious pearl. Bring it home and put it in my treasury because it will bring prosperity to my kingdom and my people."
The two brothers accepted the mission and off they went to the shore of the Indian Ocean. They did exactly what was told and, after reciting the mantra, the Dragon King came out of the Indian Ocean and asked what they want.
After listening to their request, the God of Indian Ocean said, "since your Royal Father had such a noble cause, I will help you out. Take this magic pearl back to your palace. It will ensure your Kingdom's prosperity as long as you take good care of your subjects." Happily the two brothers accepted the gift and left for home.
ACT II - The Fight between the Two Princes
As the two brothers traveled along a road on the way home, a greedy thought suddenly came to the mind of the Evil Heart Prince. "Why not get the magic precious pearl all for myself? After my father's death, I will be the King of the richest kingdom on earth!" So, he drew his sword and tried to kill his brother.
But, of course, the Good Heart Prince refused to give it up without resistance, and soon it developed into a big fight. Unfortunately, after a whole day's fight, the Good Heart Prince suffered serious injuries and collapsed by the road side. The Evil Heart Prince took the pearl, returned to the Palace, and reported to his father that they had encountered some rebellious gangs on the way. He told his father that his brother was killed in a battle. The King was of course very mournful upon hearing the death of his son.
ACT III - Escaped to the Neighborhood Kingdom
Back to the crime scene, some Buddhist Monks was walking by when they spotted the badly wounded Good Heart Prince laying by the road side. They took him back to their temple and tended his wounds. Several months had passed, the Good Heart Prince was getting better, except for his eye sight - his eyes were injured so badly that he was now blind.
By now, the Monks learned of his identity and decided that it was not safe for the Prince to stay here, because the Evil Heart Prince always wanted to kill him. So they took him to a Monastery in the neighbourhood Kingdom to continued to take care of him.
Several years had passed and the Prince was fully recovered, except for his eyesight. However, during the time he stayed in the Monastery, he learned how to play various musical instruments and was able to play very good sensational songs. During all these year, he had hided his identity for fear of being assassinated by his brother.
One day, the King of the neighbourhood kingdom was looking for a gardener-musician for the garden inside the Royal Palace. The Monk-in-Charge thought, "this is a good place for Good Heart Prince to be in. He will be very safe inside the Royal Palace." So, he recommended the Prince to the King for the job. After an audition, the King immediately offered him the job, without knowing that he was in fact the Prince was his Neighbour
Act IV - Prince and Princess Fallen in Love
The Good Heart Prince, now just an ordinary gardener, did a very good job at the Royal Palace. He tended the plants of the Royal Palace really well and he played good music for the Royal family. But still, he hided his identity and everyone in the Palace thought that he was just an orphan grown up in a Buddhist Monastery.
One beautiful evening, the King's Daughter took a walk in the garden and heard a very beautiful song played by somebody in the garden. The Princess was so attracted to the music that she went to find out who the musician was. As soon as the two young people met, they seemed to know each other from previous lives and they immediately fell in love with each other. The Princess went to the Royal Garden every day to talk to the blind gardener and listen to his music. After a while, they fell in love so madly with each other that the young Princess went to see her father to ask permission to get married.
"What!?" the King was shook at the proposal and opposed to the marriage. "You are a Royal Princess and he is just an ordinary blind gardener from a lower class!" During ancient India, marriage across classes was unknown.
"But I love him. If you do not allow me to marry him, I will die of heartbreaking," said the Princess, crying.
"No way." replied the stubborn King. "When you were young, I had promised to marry you to the Good Heart Prince of our Neighbourhood Kingdom. You should be married to another Royal Family, not to an ordinary worker. Your proposal cannot be accepted!"
"How can I get married to Good Heart Prince?" protested the Princess. "The Prince had not been found for many years. I love him, even though he is just an ordinary blind-gardener musician. Please, father, give us permission to get married!"
Act V - A Miracle Performed by the King of Gods
By this time, the blind gardener stepped forward to reveal his identity and told them he was the Good Heart Prince and that he was escaping from his brother, the Evil Heart Prince. The Princess jumped for joy on hearing that her fiancé was right there in front of her. The King, however, was skeptical, "How can you prove that you are in fact Good Heart Prince?"
"I will swear to the King of Heaven and Gods that if I am telling the truth, my eyesight will be restored. If not, then I will be blind forever." said the gardener.
Emperor Sakra, the King of Gods, listening to the conservation, was so moved by the gardener that he appeared before the young couple. He told everybody, "You are right, young Prince. You are indeed the Good Heart Prince and you two have the same karma in your previous lives so that you are destined to be happily married couple." Then the King of Heaven performed a miracle and restored the eyesight of the young prince completely.
Act VI - A Happy Ending
The wedding ceremony was of course magnificent. The embassador from the Neighourhood Kingdom was invited. And the whole nation had a good time.
After the wedding, the couple returned to their home country with a fleet of servants and guards carried by a herd of elephants. The Evil Heart Prince - I do not know what happened to him - Some said that he was punished and served a jail sentence. Others said that after the Good Heart Prince pardoned his crime, he was so moved that he became a devout follower of the Lord Buddha.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL II - a Story from Buddhist Sutra
One day, Sakra, the King of Gods, and Mara, the King of Asura, were fighting a heated battle. By the end of the day, Asura's army of Evil Generals and Soldiers were, however, in a upper hand and Sakra's army, leaded by the four Celestial Generals, had to retreat in defect.
As Sakra's army were retreating along a narrow road under Mount Meru, suddenly, it came to a halt.
"What happens? Can we kept going," asked the Heavenly Emperor.
"Your Majesty," replied one of the Celestial Generals, "there is a group of baby garudas (literally: Golden Feather Birds) nesting right in the middle of the road and they are on our way. I cannot pass through. Should we run them over with our chariots?"
"No," replied the Emperor. "I rather die in a battle for just course than killing a group of innocent beings who are neutral in this war. Let us return to the battlefield." So he ordered the whole army to turn around and charge back towards Mara's forces.
Meanwhile, King Asura, thinking that Sakra's army had retreated in defect, was hosting a big victory celebration. He was caught totally in surprise when Sakra's army charged back towards his camp. His unprepared army was in complete disarray and suffered a disastrous defect.
As Sakra's army were retreating along a narrow road under Mount Meru, suddenly, it came to a halt.
"What happens? Can we kept going," asked the Heavenly Emperor.
"Your Majesty," replied one of the Celestial Generals, "there is a group of baby garudas (literally: Golden Feather Birds) nesting right in the middle of the road and they are on our way. I cannot pass through. Should we run them over with our chariots?"
"No," replied the Emperor. "I rather die in a battle for just course than killing a group of innocent beings who are neutral in this war. Let us return to the battlefield." So he ordered the whole army to turn around and charge back towards Mara's forces.
Meanwhile, King Asura, thinking that Sakra's army had retreated in defect, was hosting a big victory celebration. He was caught totally in surprise when Sakra's army charged back towards his camp. His unprepared army was in complete disarray and suffered a disastrous defect.
What is wisdom in Buddhism?
Buddhism is wisdom. As long as we have wisdom, we can put all things to the best use; we can turn everything in the direction of happiness.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/8
How to truly gain the great benefit of the Mystic Law?
Buddhism is action. One meaning of kyo of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is action. Without action, we cannot say that we are practicing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; it would merely remain a concept. Only through action are we able to truly gain the great benefit of the Mystic Law.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/8
Monday, April 11, 2011
BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL I - a story from Buddhist Sutra
Sakra, the King of Gods, and Mara, the King of Evils, were enemies and many battles were waged between the two. Each of them lead an full army. One evening, after a full day of battle in which neither side could declare a victory, both of them retreated from the battlefield back into their respective military camps.
On the way back to the military camp, King Mara dropped by a Buddhist Temple for a rest. He took off his uniform, including his military decorations, hamlets and weapons, went inside the Temple, and without greeting to anyone, helped himself to food and tea. Of course he did not bother to make any offering to the Temple. After a "coffee break", King Mara put back his uniform and left for his camp.
"Who the heck is he?" ask one of the Monks. "He seemed to look like an uneducated jerk from the lowest class of people. Even a rogue has better manners."
"He is Mara, the King of Evils" replied the Monk in charge of the Temple.
"Oh well, that's why"
After a little while, Emperor Sakra also stopped by to visit the Buddhist Temple. He also took off his military uniform and went inside. But, once inside, he greeted everybody, saying hello and politely asked for some tea. He also made an offering to the Temple. Then he left for his camp after a "coffee break".
"Who is he?" ask the same Monk. "He is very nice and well mannered. He seemed to be a knight that comes from a noble class."
"He is Emperor Sakra, the King of Gods" replied the Monk in charge.
"That's why. Then I am sure he is on the way to victory. Of course, he will win the battle against King Mara, who is a jerk."
Even though Mara was resting in his camp, he still was able to hear what the Monk said. In fury, he dashed back to the Temple and shouted to the Monks, "How dare you support Sakra and betray me? I am going to give you horror!!"
"I already has courage and therefore I do not need horror. I will return the horror to you!", said the Monk in Charge. And he started chanting some secret mantras.
After some argument, Mara was tired and returned to his camp. But that night, he got bad dreams. Whenever he fell to sleep, he dreamed of some monster shouting to him, "You will lost the battle against Sakra! You will lost the battle against Sakra!! You will ........." repeatly. Since he could not get a good rest during the night, he was so tired the next morning that he decided to return to his palace without any fighting.
Sakra was so happy about his victory that he returned to the Temple to make a big offering. He expressed his wish to meditate with the Monks for the day. To his surprise the Monks refused.
"Why?" he asked.
"Your Majesty, we are just very humble poor monks and so we cannot afford to buy expensive soaps or perfumes. Also, our robes are very old. And therefore we are very smelly."
Upon hearing this, the Heavenly Emperor bursted into laughters, "It does not bother me at all. Good smells come from your heart, not from your body."
On the way back to the military camp, King Mara dropped by a Buddhist Temple for a rest. He took off his uniform, including his military decorations, hamlets and weapons, went inside the Temple, and without greeting to anyone, helped himself to food and tea. Of course he did not bother to make any offering to the Temple. After a "coffee break", King Mara put back his uniform and left for his camp.
"Who the heck is he?" ask one of the Monks. "He seemed to look like an uneducated jerk from the lowest class of people. Even a rogue has better manners."
"He is Mara, the King of Evils" replied the Monk in charge of the Temple.
"Oh well, that's why"
After a little while, Emperor Sakra also stopped by to visit the Buddhist Temple. He also took off his military uniform and went inside. But, once inside, he greeted everybody, saying hello and politely asked for some tea. He also made an offering to the Temple. Then he left for his camp after a "coffee break".
"Who is he?" ask the same Monk. "He is very nice and well mannered. He seemed to be a knight that comes from a noble class."
"He is Emperor Sakra, the King of Gods" replied the Monk in charge.
"That's why. Then I am sure he is on the way to victory. Of course, he will win the battle against King Mara, who is a jerk."
Even though Mara was resting in his camp, he still was able to hear what the Monk said. In fury, he dashed back to the Temple and shouted to the Monks, "How dare you support Sakra and betray me? I am going to give you horror!!"
"I already has courage and therefore I do not need horror. I will return the horror to you!", said the Monk in Charge. And he started chanting some secret mantras.
After some argument, Mara was tired and returned to his camp. But that night, he got bad dreams. Whenever he fell to sleep, he dreamed of some monster shouting to him, "You will lost the battle against Sakra! You will lost the battle against Sakra!! You will ........." repeatly. Since he could not get a good rest during the night, he was so tired the next morning that he decided to return to his palace without any fighting.
Sakra was so happy about his victory that he returned to the Temple to make a big offering. He expressed his wish to meditate with the Monks for the day. To his surprise the Monks refused.
"Why?" he asked.
"Your Majesty, we are just very humble poor monks and so we cannot afford to buy expensive soaps or perfumes. Also, our robes are very old. And therefore we are very smelly."
Upon hearing this, the Heavenly Emperor bursted into laughters, "It does not bother me at all. Good smells come from your heart, not from your body."
What is the benefit of teaching others about Buddhism?
There is nothing more noble than inviting our friends to discussion meetings, gathering together to enable them to establish a connection with Buddhism, to talk about Buddhist teachings, and to deepen our faith. As the Lotus Sutra clearly indicates, through such steady, dedicated efforts to teach others about Buddhism, you are accumulating the good fortune and benefit to be reborn as great leaders and savor a state of unsurpassed freedom in lifetime after lifetime.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/8
When to discipline yourself and head in the direction of growth and self-improvement?
Certainly there will be times when you wish you had more spending money, more time to sleep and more time for fun and recreation. You may feel restricted now, but you should consider your current situation as the perfect set of circumstances for your growth. Within the restrictions that define your present existence, the only thing to do is to discipline yourself and head in the direction of growth and self-improvement. In the process of exerting yourself in such endeavors, you will without a doubt build and strengthen your character.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/8
Sunday, April 10, 2011
What happens when we begin to pray and chant daimoku?
The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant daimoku with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope—prayer is the sun of hope. To chant daimoku each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life-condition as a result—this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/8
What is meant by more one matures, the younger one grows?
The German author Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows. And certainly there are many people who, as they age, become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance. It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same thing.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/8
THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT - a Story from the Buddhist Sutra
Several citizens ran into a hot argument about God and different religions, and each one could not agree to a common answer. So they came to the Lord Buddha to find out what exactly God looks like.
The Buddha asked his disciples to get a large magnificent elephant and four blind men. He then brought the four blind to the elephant and told them to find out what the elephant would "look" like.
The first blind men touched the elephant leg and reported that it "looked" like a pillar. The second blind man touched the elephant tummy and said that an elephant was a wall. The third blind man touched the elephant ear and said that it was a piece of cloth. The fourth blind man hold on to the tail and described the elephant as a piece of rope. And all of them ran into a hot argument about the "appearance" of an elephant.
The Buddha asked the citizens: "Each blind man had touched the elephant but each of them gives a different description of the animal. Which answer is right?"
"All of them are right," was the reply.
"Why? Because everyone can only see part of the elephant. They are not able to see the whole animal. The same applies to God and to religions. No one will see Him completely." By this parable, the Lord Buddha teaches that we should respect all other ligitimate religions and their beliefs.
The Buddha asked his disciples to get a large magnificent elephant and four blind men. He then brought the four blind to the elephant and told them to find out what the elephant would "look" like.
The first blind men touched the elephant leg and reported that it "looked" like a pillar. The second blind man touched the elephant tummy and said that an elephant was a wall. The third blind man touched the elephant ear and said that it was a piece of cloth. The fourth blind man hold on to the tail and described the elephant as a piece of rope. And all of them ran into a hot argument about the "appearance" of an elephant.
The Buddha asked the citizens: "Each blind man had touched the elephant but each of them gives a different description of the animal. Which answer is right?"
"All of them are right," was the reply.
"Why? Because everyone can only see part of the elephant. They are not able to see the whole animal. The same applies to God and to religions. No one will see Him completely." By this parable, the Lord Buddha teaches that we should respect all other ligitimate religions and their beliefs.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Why should we stop worrying about our future and start to concentrate on developing ourselve?
An important thing is that you concentrate on developing yourself. Whatever others may say or do, those who have established their own solid sense of identity will triumph in the end. The great Japanese author Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962) wrote in his novel Miyamoto Musashi [an account of the seventeenth-century master swordsman of the same name]: "Rather than worrying about your future, thinking 'Perhaps I should become this or perhaps I should become that,' first be still and build a self that is as solid and unmoving as Mount Fuji."
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/8
What is the importance of courage?
Courage is free. Anyone can have it. Courage is another name for the SGI spirit. Mr. Toda said: "The Buddha is filled with compassion, but it is hard for us common mortals to show compassion. So we must have courage instead." In other words, when we work courageously for kosen-rufu, our actions by their very nature, become compassionate.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/8
THE EAGLE AND THE DOVE - a story from the Buddhist Sutra
In a previous life, Siddhartha Gautama was a King in a small country that was located somewhere in present day Tibet. And he was very well known among the ancient civilization for his love and compassion towards other sentient beings. So one day, Sakra Devendra, the King of Gods (Note: 1), decided to test him to see if he was indeed the future Buddha.
Sakra turned himself into a dove and one of his gods into an eagle. The eagle was in a hunting mood and chased the frightened dove who flied right into the King's palace. The dove cried out: "Your majesty, please save my life, because I am going to be eaten by a hungry eagle."
On hearing this, the compassionate King tried to chase the eagle away. But the eagle also cried out: "Your Majesty, please save my life and let me eat the dove, otherwise I will be starved to death."
"Why don't you eat something else rather than a dove?", asked the King.
"Look, your Majesty", replied the eagle, "God created me so that I have to eat meet. I had no other choice."
The King now faced a dilemma: how could he save both animals? Without hesitation, he ordered his soldiers: "Cut some flesh from my body and feed it to the eagle". Of course his soldiers were horrified to hear this. But they did obey the order and cut some flesh from the King's own body to feed the eagle. Miraculously, when the soldiers carried out the order, the King did not feel any pain at all, nor were there any blood spilling out. (Some Buddhist texts give a slight differently story. It was said that the eagle asked for some flesh equal to the weight of the dove. The soldiers put the dove on one side of a scale and the King's flesh on the other side. They continued cut out the King's flesh to feed the eagle until the scales were balanced. Then the King fainted).
The Heavenly Emperor was convinced that the King was indeed the future Buddha. He and his god immediately reappeared as themselves and restored the King to his original health.
Note 1: Sakra is the leader of Trayastrimsa Heavens (33 Heavens), where all the gods live. In many Asian cultures, he is also known by other titles such as Emperor Sakra, Heavenly Emperor, Emperor on High, etc., and sometimes Taoists say that he is also Jade Emperor.
Sakra turned himself into a dove and one of his gods into an eagle. The eagle was in a hunting mood and chased the frightened dove who flied right into the King's palace. The dove cried out: "Your majesty, please save my life, because I am going to be eaten by a hungry eagle."
On hearing this, the compassionate King tried to chase the eagle away. But the eagle also cried out: "Your Majesty, please save my life and let me eat the dove, otherwise I will be starved to death."
"Why don't you eat something else rather than a dove?", asked the King.
"Look, your Majesty", replied the eagle, "God created me so that I have to eat meet. I had no other choice."
The King now faced a dilemma: how could he save both animals? Without hesitation, he ordered his soldiers: "Cut some flesh from my body and feed it to the eagle". Of course his soldiers were horrified to hear this. But they did obey the order and cut some flesh from the King's own body to feed the eagle. Miraculously, when the soldiers carried out the order, the King did not feel any pain at all, nor were there any blood spilling out. (Some Buddhist texts give a slight differently story. It was said that the eagle asked for some flesh equal to the weight of the dove. The soldiers put the dove on one side of a scale and the King's flesh on the other side. They continued cut out the King's flesh to feed the eagle until the scales were balanced. Then the King fainted).
The Heavenly Emperor was convinced that the King was indeed the future Buddha. He and his god immediately reappeared as themselves and restored the King to his original health.
Note 1: Sakra is the leader of Trayastrimsa Heavens (33 Heavens), where all the gods live. In many Asian cultures, he is also known by other titles such as Emperor Sakra, Heavenly Emperor, Emperor on High, etc., and sometimes Taoists say that he is also Jade Emperor.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Mahasstava
In the remote past there lived a devout and powerful king named Maharattha. He had three sons by name, Maha Prashada, Maha Deva, and Mahasattva, all good and obedient.
One bright day the king, accompanied by the princes and attendants, went on an excursion to a forest park. The young princes, admiring the enchanting beauty of the flowers and trees, gradually penetrated far into the thick forest.
The attendants noticed their absence and reported the matter to the king. He ordered his ministers to go in search of them and returned to his palace.
The tree princes, wandering through the forest, reached a mountain top. From there the eldest saw a starving tigress with five cubs almost on the verge of death. For seven days since her delivery she had been without food. The cubs approached the mother to suck milk, but she had nothing to satisfy their hunger, and the tigress, driven by starvation, was clearly at the point of unnaturally devouring her own cubs.
The eldest brother was the first to see this pathetic spectacle. He showed the tigress to his brothers and said, "Behold that pitiful sight, O brothers! That starving tigress is about to devour her own cubs. How wretched is their condition!"
"What is their staple food, brother?" inquired Mahasattva.
"Flesh and blood is the staple food of tigers and lions." replied Maha Prashada.
"The tigress seems to be very weak. Evidently she is without food for some days. How noble if one could sacrifice one's own body for their sake!"
"But who is willing to make such great sacrifice!" remarked Maha Deva.
"Surely, no one would be able to do so," stated Maha Prashada.
"I lack intelligence. Ignorant people like us would not be able to sacrifice their bodies for the sake of another. But there may be selfless men of boundless compassion who would be willingly do so," said Mahasattva in a merciful tone.
Thus they discussed amongst themselves and casting a last glance at the helpless tigress, they departed.
Mahasattva thought to himself, "Sacrifice I must this fleeting body for the sake of this starving tigress. Foul is this body, and is subject to decay and death. One may adorn and perfume it, but soon it will stink and perish."
Reflecting thus, he requested his brothers to proceed as he would retiring to the forest for some reason or other.
He retraced his steps to the place where the tigress was resting. Hanging his garments and ornaments on a tree, again he thought, "Work I must for the weal of others. Compassionate we must be towards all beings. To serve those who need our succour is our paramount duty. This foul body of mine will I sacrifice and thus save the tigress and her five cubs. By this meritorious act may I gain Samma Sambuddhahood and save all beings from the ocean of Samsara! May all beings be well and happy!"
Moved by compassion and inspired by the spirit of selfless service, dauntlessly he jumped off the precipice towards the tigress.
The fall did not result in an instantaneous death. The tigress, though ruthless by nature, pitied the Bodhisattva and would not even touch his body.
The Bodhisattva thought otherwise, "Obviously the poor animal is too weak to devour me!"
So he went in search of a weapon. He came across a bamboo splinter, and drawing near the tigress, he cut off his neck and fell dead on the ground in a pool of blood.
The hungry tigress greedily drank the blood and devoured the flesh leaving mere bones.
At the moment the Bodhisattva sacrificed his body, the earth quaked, the water of the ocean were disturbed, the sun's ray dimmed, eye-sight was temporarily blurred, Devas gave cries of Sadhu, and Parijata flowers came down as rain from heaven.
Affected by the earthquake, the two elder brothers rightly guessed that their younger brother must have become a prey to the tigress.
"Surely, Mahasattva must have sacrificed his life, for he spoke in a very merciful tone," said Maha Deva.
Both of them turned back and went to the spot. They were horrified and awe-struck at the unexpected spectacle. What they saw was not their belovedbrother but a mass of bone besmeared with blood. On a tree close by they saw the hanging garments.
They wept and fainted and on regaining consciousness, they returned home with a heavy heart.
On the very day the Bodhisattva sacrificed his life the mother-queen dreamt that she was dead, that her teeth had fallen out, and that she experienced a pain as if her body were cut by a sharp weapon. Furthermore, she dreamt that a hawk came drooping down and carried one of the three beautiful pigeons that were perched on the roof.
The queen was frightened, and on waking she remembered that her princes had gone for an airing in the forest. She hastened to the king and related the inauspicious dreams.
On being informed that the princes were missing, she entreated the king to send messengers in search of them.
Some ministers who had gone earlier to search for them returned to the palace with the sad news of the lamentable deadth of the youngest prince. Hearing it nobody was able to refrain from weeping. The king, however, comforted the queen and, mounting an elephant, speedily proceeded to the forest with his attendants and brought back the other two grieving sons.
So great was their grief that at first the were speechless. Later summoning up courage, they explained to their bereaved mother the heroic deed of their noble brother.
Soon order was given by the king to make necessary arrangements for them all to visit the memorable scene of the incident.
All reached the spot in due course. At the mere sight of the blood-smeared bones of the dearest son scattered here and there, both the king and queen fainted. The Purohita Bhahmin instantly poured sandal wood water over them, and they regained consciousness.
Thereupon, the king ordered his ministers to gather all the hair, bones, and garments and, heaping them together, worshipped them. Advising them to erect a golden Cetiya enshrining the relics, with a grieving heart, he departed to his palace.
The Cetiya was afterwards named "Om Namo Buddha."
One bright day the king, accompanied by the princes and attendants, went on an excursion to a forest park. The young princes, admiring the enchanting beauty of the flowers and trees, gradually penetrated far into the thick forest.
The attendants noticed their absence and reported the matter to the king. He ordered his ministers to go in search of them and returned to his palace.
The tree princes, wandering through the forest, reached a mountain top. From there the eldest saw a starving tigress with five cubs almost on the verge of death. For seven days since her delivery she had been without food. The cubs approached the mother to suck milk, but she had nothing to satisfy their hunger, and the tigress, driven by starvation, was clearly at the point of unnaturally devouring her own cubs.
The eldest brother was the first to see this pathetic spectacle. He showed the tigress to his brothers and said, "Behold that pitiful sight, O brothers! That starving tigress is about to devour her own cubs. How wretched is their condition!"
"What is their staple food, brother?" inquired Mahasattva.
"Flesh and blood is the staple food of tigers and lions." replied Maha Prashada.
"The tigress seems to be very weak. Evidently she is without food for some days. How noble if one could sacrifice one's own body for their sake!"
"But who is willing to make such great sacrifice!" remarked Maha Deva.
"Surely, no one would be able to do so," stated Maha Prashada.
"I lack intelligence. Ignorant people like us would not be able to sacrifice their bodies for the sake of another. But there may be selfless men of boundless compassion who would be willingly do so," said Mahasattva in a merciful tone.
Thus they discussed amongst themselves and casting a last glance at the helpless tigress, they departed.
Mahasattva thought to himself, "Sacrifice I must this fleeting body for the sake of this starving tigress. Foul is this body, and is subject to decay and death. One may adorn and perfume it, but soon it will stink and perish."
Reflecting thus, he requested his brothers to proceed as he would retiring to the forest for some reason or other.
He retraced his steps to the place where the tigress was resting. Hanging his garments and ornaments on a tree, again he thought, "Work I must for the weal of others. Compassionate we must be towards all beings. To serve those who need our succour is our paramount duty. This foul body of mine will I sacrifice and thus save the tigress and her five cubs. By this meritorious act may I gain Samma Sambuddhahood and save all beings from the ocean of Samsara! May all beings be well and happy!"
Moved by compassion and inspired by the spirit of selfless service, dauntlessly he jumped off the precipice towards the tigress.
The fall did not result in an instantaneous death. The tigress, though ruthless by nature, pitied the Bodhisattva and would not even touch his body.
The Bodhisattva thought otherwise, "Obviously the poor animal is too weak to devour me!"
So he went in search of a weapon. He came across a bamboo splinter, and drawing near the tigress, he cut off his neck and fell dead on the ground in a pool of blood.
The hungry tigress greedily drank the blood and devoured the flesh leaving mere bones.
At the moment the Bodhisattva sacrificed his body, the earth quaked, the water of the ocean were disturbed, the sun's ray dimmed, eye-sight was temporarily blurred, Devas gave cries of Sadhu, and Parijata flowers came down as rain from heaven.
Affected by the earthquake, the two elder brothers rightly guessed that their younger brother must have become a prey to the tigress.
"Surely, Mahasattva must have sacrificed his life, for he spoke in a very merciful tone," said Maha Deva.
Both of them turned back and went to the spot. They were horrified and awe-struck at the unexpected spectacle. What they saw was not their belovedbrother but a mass of bone besmeared with blood. On a tree close by they saw the hanging garments.
They wept and fainted and on regaining consciousness, they returned home with a heavy heart.
On the very day the Bodhisattva sacrificed his life the mother-queen dreamt that she was dead, that her teeth had fallen out, and that she experienced a pain as if her body were cut by a sharp weapon. Furthermore, she dreamt that a hawk came drooping down and carried one of the three beautiful pigeons that were perched on the roof.
The queen was frightened, and on waking she remembered that her princes had gone for an airing in the forest. She hastened to the king and related the inauspicious dreams.
On being informed that the princes were missing, she entreated the king to send messengers in search of them.
Some ministers who had gone earlier to search for them returned to the palace with the sad news of the lamentable deadth of the youngest prince. Hearing it nobody was able to refrain from weeping. The king, however, comforted the queen and, mounting an elephant, speedily proceeded to the forest with his attendants and brought back the other two grieving sons.
So great was their grief that at first the were speechless. Later summoning up courage, they explained to their bereaved mother the heroic deed of their noble brother.
Soon order was given by the king to make necessary arrangements for them all to visit the memorable scene of the incident.
All reached the spot in due course. At the mere sight of the blood-smeared bones of the dearest son scattered here and there, both the king and queen fainted. The Purohita Bhahmin instantly poured sandal wood water over them, and they regained consciousness.
Thereupon, the king ordered his ministers to gather all the hair, bones, and garments and, heaping them together, worshipped them. Advising them to erect a golden Cetiya enshrining the relics, with a grieving heart, he departed to his palace.
The Cetiya was afterwards named "Om Namo Buddha."
Why read the Gosho regularly?
Let's read the Gosho regularly. Even just a little is fine. Even a single sentence. Just opening the Gosho is a start. At any rate, let's strive to read the Daishonin's writings. It's important to have the spirit to study the Gosho, to open up the Gosho. Even if you forget what you've read, something profound will have been engraved in the depths of your life.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/8
What is the purpose of SGI activities?
From one perspective, Buddhist practice means plunging into the midst of the people and striving to strengthen our life force to the greatest extent. The purpose of SGI activities is for each of us to be able to build a strong, invincible, diamond-like self that can overcome every difficulty and blaze a way forward wherever we go. Obstacles are a golden opportunity to quickly forge an inner self that is as indestructible as a diamond, able to endure for eternity.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/8
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Kunala
(From Master Cheng Yen Tells a Story
Translated by Lin Sen-shou)
After Buddha passed away, there was a king named Usika. He was very kind and his government was very compassionate. He had a son with eyes as beautiful as the kunala, an Indian bird famous for its beautiful eyes. Because the king liked this kind of bird, he named his son Kunala. When Prince Kunala grew up, he was very handsome. His conduct was proper and he was very kind.
King Usika was a devoted Buddhist. One day, the king brought his son to a temple, and he asked a monk named Yasa about the Buddhist teachings. Yasa looked at the young prince. "Human life is impermanent," he said. "A body goes through the stages of birth, aging, illness and death, and human life is filled with impurity. Who can have the beauty of youth forever? All these are illusions. In the same way, although the prince's eyes seem beautiful, they are actually full of filth and the source of trouble."
The prince was quite puzzled. Everyone always praised him for his beautiful eyes, but why would the monk say that they were dirty and the source of trouble? These words kept whirling around in his head.
There were many concubines in the king's palace. One young lady was deeply attracted by Kunala's good looks. When she saw him sitting alone in the garden one day, she started to fondle him, trying to seduce him. But the prince was a righteous person and could not agree to such behavior. He pulled himself together and freed himself from her unwanted attentions.
Later, when the young prince was old enough to marry, King Usika found a wife for him. When the concubine saw the lover of her dreams married to someone else, she became intensely jealous and her love turned to hatred.
Not long after the marriage, the king became sick and the young concubine looked after him carefully until he recovered. He was grateful for her care and said to her, "Because you took care of me for such a long time, I will give you anything you desire."
She said, "I just want to rule the country for seven days."
The king thought to himself that since he had promised, he couldn't go back on his word. Besides, it was only for seven days. So he agreed.
When she was on the throne, the young lady wrote a letter filled with both love and hate and sent it to Prince Kunala. She wrote that her fury would only be placated if she never saw his eyes again. Now the prince finally realized what that monk had meant, but it was too late. The lady's word was like the king's command, and it couldn't be disobeyed.
Kunala reluctantly gouged out one eye and held it in his hand. "It's so disgusting," he suddenly realized. "Why would such a filthy little thing be praised by so many people and bring so much trouble? Since she wants both eyes, I'll take out the other one too." When both eyes were gone, everything before him was in total darkness, but his mind was suddenly filled with light. He felt the peace that comes from spiritual exaltation.
When his wife heard the news, she ran to the blind prince and started to wail with grief. But the prince was calm and consoled her with the Buddhist teachings. "Human life is impermanent, so don't harbor hatred or worry, because hatred and worry are your greatest enemies."
At that time, a bodyguard warned the prince, "Your Highness, if you stay in the palace, I'm afraid that your life will be in danger." The prince, of course, was already aware of this, and since he didn't want the court lady to continue making bad karma for herself by doing something even worse, he and his wife fled the palace. They learned to play the lute and to sing, and they wandered from town to town, making music in the streets. People would throw them a few coins, and in this way, the prince and his wife were able to feed themselves.
A few years later, they happened to come back to the capital. One day, they wandered into the streets alongside the palace and started to sing. When King Usika heard the beautiful but mournful songs, he thought of his son, who had suddenly disappeared years before. He told his attendant to invite the musicians to enter the palace.
When the king saw the lute player, he realized that it was indeed the son that he had been thinking of day and night. When he saw how Prince Kunala had fallen from his royal life and was now only a blind lute-player singing on the streets for a living, the king was very distressed. He asked the prince, "Who did this to you? Who made you lose your sight?" But Kunala refused to talk about it. He just told his father about the truths that he had learned, hoping his father would calm down.
At last, the ministers and the guards couldn't endure it any more and reported the truth to the king. He was furious and wanted to execute that concubine, but the prince begged his father to forgive her.
The king was touched by Prince Kunala's compassion and released the young concubine. However, in her own conscience, she was ashamed of herself and finally committed suicide. Because of her impure love, she had created trouble and hatred, hurt other people and destroyed herself. Was it all worth it?
Translated by Lin Sen-shou)
After Buddha passed away, there was a king named Usika. He was very kind and his government was very compassionate. He had a son with eyes as beautiful as the kunala, an Indian bird famous for its beautiful eyes. Because the king liked this kind of bird, he named his son Kunala. When Prince Kunala grew up, he was very handsome. His conduct was proper and he was very kind.
King Usika was a devoted Buddhist. One day, the king brought his son to a temple, and he asked a monk named Yasa about the Buddhist teachings. Yasa looked at the young prince. "Human life is impermanent," he said. "A body goes through the stages of birth, aging, illness and death, and human life is filled with impurity. Who can have the beauty of youth forever? All these are illusions. In the same way, although the prince's eyes seem beautiful, they are actually full of filth and the source of trouble."
The prince was quite puzzled. Everyone always praised him for his beautiful eyes, but why would the monk say that they were dirty and the source of trouble? These words kept whirling around in his head.
There were many concubines in the king's palace. One young lady was deeply attracted by Kunala's good looks. When she saw him sitting alone in the garden one day, she started to fondle him, trying to seduce him. But the prince was a righteous person and could not agree to such behavior. He pulled himself together and freed himself from her unwanted attentions.
Later, when the young prince was old enough to marry, King Usika found a wife for him. When the concubine saw the lover of her dreams married to someone else, she became intensely jealous and her love turned to hatred.
Not long after the marriage, the king became sick and the young concubine looked after him carefully until he recovered. He was grateful for her care and said to her, "Because you took care of me for such a long time, I will give you anything you desire."
She said, "I just want to rule the country for seven days."
The king thought to himself that since he had promised, he couldn't go back on his word. Besides, it was only for seven days. So he agreed.
When she was on the throne, the young lady wrote a letter filled with both love and hate and sent it to Prince Kunala. She wrote that her fury would only be placated if she never saw his eyes again. Now the prince finally realized what that monk had meant, but it was too late. The lady's word was like the king's command, and it couldn't be disobeyed.
Kunala reluctantly gouged out one eye and held it in his hand. "It's so disgusting," he suddenly realized. "Why would such a filthy little thing be praised by so many people and bring so much trouble? Since she wants both eyes, I'll take out the other one too." When both eyes were gone, everything before him was in total darkness, but his mind was suddenly filled with light. He felt the peace that comes from spiritual exaltation.
When his wife heard the news, she ran to the blind prince and started to wail with grief. But the prince was calm and consoled her with the Buddhist teachings. "Human life is impermanent, so don't harbor hatred or worry, because hatred and worry are your greatest enemies."
At that time, a bodyguard warned the prince, "Your Highness, if you stay in the palace, I'm afraid that your life will be in danger." The prince, of course, was already aware of this, and since he didn't want the court lady to continue making bad karma for herself by doing something even worse, he and his wife fled the palace. They learned to play the lute and to sing, and they wandered from town to town, making music in the streets. People would throw them a few coins, and in this way, the prince and his wife were able to feed themselves.
A few years later, they happened to come back to the capital. One day, they wandered into the streets alongside the palace and started to sing. When King Usika heard the beautiful but mournful songs, he thought of his son, who had suddenly disappeared years before. He told his attendant to invite the musicians to enter the palace.
When the king saw the lute player, he realized that it was indeed the son that he had been thinking of day and night. When he saw how Prince Kunala had fallen from his royal life and was now only a blind lute-player singing on the streets for a living, the king was very distressed. He asked the prince, "Who did this to you? Who made you lose your sight?" But Kunala refused to talk about it. He just told his father about the truths that he had learned, hoping his father would calm down.
At last, the ministers and the guards couldn't endure it any more and reported the truth to the king. He was furious and wanted to execute that concubine, but the prince begged his father to forgive her.
The king was touched by Prince Kunala's compassion and released the young concubine. However, in her own conscience, she was ashamed of herself and finally committed suicide. Because of her impure love, she had created trouble and hatred, hurt other people and destroyed herself. Was it all worth it?
What is a person's true worth and greatness?
The course of our lives is determined by how we react—what we decide and what we do—at the darkest of times. The nature of that response determines a person's true worth and greatness.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/8
How to face an age which is pervaded by great weariness and apathy?
The present, as I am sure you all sense, is an age pervaded by great weariness and apathy. I would like you to be aware that the power and energy to serve humanity in such an enervated age can only be born from a vigorous, indomitable, noble will. Though the times may be rife with petty human conflicts, a pervading sense of hopelessness and all manner of turbulent storms, I hope that all of you will forge ahead boldly, with unflagging good cheer.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8/8
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The massacre of the Sakya clansmen
Before the advent of Sakyamuni Buddha, there was near Kapila town a village inhabited by fishermen, and in it was a big pond. It happened that because of a great drought, the pond ran dry and all the fish were caught and eaten by the villagers. The last fish taken was a big one and before it was killed, a boy who never ate fish, played with it and thrice knocked its head.
Later, after Sakyamuni Buddha's appearance in this world, King Prasenajit who believed in the Buddha-dharma, married a Sakya girl who then gave birth to a prince called Crsytal. When he was young, Crystal had his schooling in Kapila which was then inhabited by the Sakya clansmen. One day while playing, the boy ascended to the Buddha's seat and was reprimanded by others who dragged him down. The boy cherished a grudge against the men and when he became king, he led his soldiers to attack Kapila, killing all its inhabitants.
At the same time, the Buddha suffered from a headache which lasted three days. When His disciples asked Him to rescue the poor inhabitants, the Buddha replied that a fixed Karma could not be changed. By means of his miraculous powers, Maudgalyayana rescued five hundred Sakya clansmen and thought he could give them refuge in his own bowl which was raised up in the air. When the bowl was brought down, all the men had been turned into blood.
When asked by His chief disciples, the Buddha related the story of the villagers who in days gone by had killed all the fish in their pond; King Crystal had been the big fish and his soldiers the other fish in the pond; the inhabitants of Kapila who were now killed had been those who ate the fish; and the Buddha Himself had been the boy who thrice knocked the head of the big fish. Karma was now causing Him to suffer from a headache for three days in retribution for his previous act. Since there could be no escape from the effects of a fixed Karma, the five hundred Sakya clansmen, although rescued by Maudgalyayana, shared the same fate. Later, King Crystal was reborn in a hell.
As cause produces effect which in turn becomes a new cause the retribution is inexhaustible. The law of causality is really very dreadful.
Later, after Sakyamuni Buddha's appearance in this world, King Prasenajit who believed in the Buddha-dharma, married a Sakya girl who then gave birth to a prince called Crsytal. When he was young, Crystal had his schooling in Kapila which was then inhabited by the Sakya clansmen. One day while playing, the boy ascended to the Buddha's seat and was reprimanded by others who dragged him down. The boy cherished a grudge against the men and when he became king, he led his soldiers to attack Kapila, killing all its inhabitants.
At the same time, the Buddha suffered from a headache which lasted three days. When His disciples asked Him to rescue the poor inhabitants, the Buddha replied that a fixed Karma could not be changed. By means of his miraculous powers, Maudgalyayana rescued five hundred Sakya clansmen and thought he could give them refuge in his own bowl which was raised up in the air. When the bowl was brought down, all the men had been turned into blood.
When asked by His chief disciples, the Buddha related the story of the villagers who in days gone by had killed all the fish in their pond; King Crystal had been the big fish and his soldiers the other fish in the pond; the inhabitants of Kapila who were now killed had been those who ate the fish; and the Buddha Himself had been the boy who thrice knocked the head of the big fish. Karma was now causing Him to suffer from a headache for three days in retribution for his previous act. Since there could be no escape from the effects of a fixed Karma, the five hundred Sakya clansmen, although rescued by Maudgalyayana, shared the same fate. Later, King Crystal was reborn in a hell.
As cause produces effect which in turn becomes a new cause the retribution is inexhaustible. The law of causality is really very dreadful.
What is halfhearted pronouncement?
Gandhi stressed the importance of being resolute in one's determinations: "A man who says that he will do something 'as far as possible' betrays either his pride or his weakness, though he himself may attribute it to his humility. There is, in fact, not a trace of humility in such an attitude of mind." In short, he asserts that someone who makes halfhearted pronouncements is either arrogant or cowardly.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/8
Why and what we should do?
Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the mournful contradictions that plague society, and boldly take on these great challenges without shunning the problems and difficulties you will inevitably face.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/8
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Traders of Seriva
Serivavanija Jataka (Jataka No. 3)
So that a disheartened bhikkhu would have no regrets in the future, the Buddha told him this story at Savatthi to encourage him to persevere. "If you give up your practice in this sublime teaching which leads to Nibbana," the Buddha told him, "you will suffer long, like the trader of Seriva who lost a golden bowl worth a hundred thousand pieces."
When asked to explain, the Buddha told this story of the distant past.
Five long aeons ago, the Bodhisatta was an honest trader selling fancy goods in the kingdom of Seriva. Sometimes he travelled with another trader from the same kingdom, a greedy fellow, who handled the same wares.
One day the two of them crossed the Telavaha river to do business in the bustling city of Andhapura. As usual, to avoid competing with each other, they divided the city between them and began selling their goods from door to door.
In that city there was a ramshackle mansion. Years before the family had been rich merchants, but by the time of this story their fortunes had dwindled to nothing, and all the men of the family had died. The sole survivors were a girl and her grandmother, and these two earned their living by working for hire.
That afternoon, while the greedy peddler was on his rounds, he came to the door of that very house, crying, "Beads for sale! Beads for sale!"
When the young girl heard his cry, she begged, "Please buy me a trinket, Grandmother."
"We're very poor, dear. There's not a cent in the house and I can't think of anything to offer in exchange."
The girl suddenly remembered an old bowl. "Look!" she cried. "Here's an old bowl. It's of no use to us. Let's try to trade it for something nice."
What the little girl showed her grandmother was an old bowl which had been used by the great merchant, the late head of the family. He had always eaten his curries served from this beautiful, expensive bowl. After his death it had been thrown among the pots and pans and forgotten. Since it hadn't been used for a very long time, it was completely covered with grime. The two women had no idea it was gold.
The old woman asked the trader to come in and sit down. She showed him the bowl and said, "Sir, my granddaughter would like a trinket. Would you be so kind as to take this bowl and give her something or other in exchange?"
The peddler took the bowl in his hand and turned it over. Suspecting its value, he scratched the back of it with a needle. After just one covert look, he knew for certain the bowl was real gold.
He sat there frowning and thinking until his greed got the better of him. At last he decided to try to get the bowl without giving the woman anything whatever for it. Pretending to be angry, he growled, "Why did you bring me this stupid bowl? It isn't worth half a cent!" He threw the bowl to the floor, got up, and stalked out of the house in apparent disgust.
Since it had been agreed between the two traders that the one might try the streets which the other had already covered, the honest peddler came later into that same street and appeared at the door of the house, crying, "Beads for sale!"
Once again the young girl made the same request of her grandmother, and the old woman replied, "My dear, the first peddler threw our bowl on the ground and stormed out of the house. What have we got left to offer?"
"Oh, but that trader was nasty, Grandmother. This one looks and sounds very kind. I think he will take it."
"All right, then. Call him in."
When the peddler came into the house, the two women gave him a seat and shyly put the bowl into his hands. Immediately recognizing that the bowl was gold, he said, "Mother, this bowl is worth a hundred thousand pieces of silver. I'm sorry but I don't have that much money."
Astonished at his words, the old woman said, "Sir, another peddler who came here a little while ago said that it was not worth half a cent. He got angry, threw it on the floor, and went away. If it wasn't valuable then, it must be because of your own goodness that the bowl has turned into gold. Please take it, and just give us something or other for it. We will be more than satisfied."
At that time the peddler had only five hundred pieces of silver and goods worth another five hundred. He gave everything to the women, asking only to keep his scales, his bag, and eight coins for his return fare. Of course, they were happy to agree. After profuse thanks on both sides, the trader hurried to the river with the golden bowl. He gave his eight coins to the boatman and got into the boat.
Not long after he had left, the greedy peddler returned to the house, giving the impression of having reluctantly reconsidered their offer. He asked them to bring out their bowl, saying he would give them something or other for it after all.
The old woman flew at him. "You scoundrel!" she cried. "You told us that our golden bowl was not worth even half a cent. Lucky for us, an honest trader came after you left and told us it was really worth a hundred thousand pieces of silver. He gave us a thousand for it and took it away, so you are too late!"
When the peddler heard this, an intense pain swept over him. "He robbed me! He robbed me!" he cried. "He got my golden bowl worth a hundred thousand!" He became hysterical and lost all control. Throwing down his money and merchandise, he tore off his shirt, grabbed the beam of his scales for a club, and ran to the riverside to catch the other trader.
By the time he got to the river, the boat was already in midstream. He shouted for the boat to return to shore, but the honest peddler, who had already paid, calmly told the ferryman to continue on.
The frustrated trader could only stand there on the river-bank and watch his rival escape with the bowl. The sight so infuriated him that a fierce hate swelled up inside him. His heart grew hot, and blood gushed from his mouth. Finally, his heart cracked like the mud at the bottom of a pond dried up by the sun. So intense was the unreasoning hatred which he developed against the other trader because of the golden bowl, that he perished then and there.
The honest trader returned to Seriva, where he lived a full life spent in charity and other good works, and passed away to fare according to his deserts.
When the Buddha finished this story, he identified himself as the honest trader, and Devadatta as the greedy trader. This was the beginning of the implacable grudge which Devadatta held against the Bodhisatta through innumerable lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(From Jataka Tales of the Buddha, part I. Retold by Ken and Visakha Kawasaki. Copyright@1995.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So that a disheartened bhikkhu would have no regrets in the future, the Buddha told him this story at Savatthi to encourage him to persevere. "If you give up your practice in this sublime teaching which leads to Nibbana," the Buddha told him, "you will suffer long, like the trader of Seriva who lost a golden bowl worth a hundred thousand pieces."
When asked to explain, the Buddha told this story of the distant past.
Five long aeons ago, the Bodhisatta was an honest trader selling fancy goods in the kingdom of Seriva. Sometimes he travelled with another trader from the same kingdom, a greedy fellow, who handled the same wares.
One day the two of them crossed the Telavaha river to do business in the bustling city of Andhapura. As usual, to avoid competing with each other, they divided the city between them and began selling their goods from door to door.
In that city there was a ramshackle mansion. Years before the family had been rich merchants, but by the time of this story their fortunes had dwindled to nothing, and all the men of the family had died. The sole survivors were a girl and her grandmother, and these two earned their living by working for hire.
That afternoon, while the greedy peddler was on his rounds, he came to the door of that very house, crying, "Beads for sale! Beads for sale!"
When the young girl heard his cry, she begged, "Please buy me a trinket, Grandmother."
"We're very poor, dear. There's not a cent in the house and I can't think of anything to offer in exchange."
The girl suddenly remembered an old bowl. "Look!" she cried. "Here's an old bowl. It's of no use to us. Let's try to trade it for something nice."
What the little girl showed her grandmother was an old bowl which had been used by the great merchant, the late head of the family. He had always eaten his curries served from this beautiful, expensive bowl. After his death it had been thrown among the pots and pans and forgotten. Since it hadn't been used for a very long time, it was completely covered with grime. The two women had no idea it was gold.
The old woman asked the trader to come in and sit down. She showed him the bowl and said, "Sir, my granddaughter would like a trinket. Would you be so kind as to take this bowl and give her something or other in exchange?"
The peddler took the bowl in his hand and turned it over. Suspecting its value, he scratched the back of it with a needle. After just one covert look, he knew for certain the bowl was real gold.
He sat there frowning and thinking until his greed got the better of him. At last he decided to try to get the bowl without giving the woman anything whatever for it. Pretending to be angry, he growled, "Why did you bring me this stupid bowl? It isn't worth half a cent!" He threw the bowl to the floor, got up, and stalked out of the house in apparent disgust.
Since it had been agreed between the two traders that the one might try the streets which the other had already covered, the honest peddler came later into that same street and appeared at the door of the house, crying, "Beads for sale!"
Once again the young girl made the same request of her grandmother, and the old woman replied, "My dear, the first peddler threw our bowl on the ground and stormed out of the house. What have we got left to offer?"
"Oh, but that trader was nasty, Grandmother. This one looks and sounds very kind. I think he will take it."
"All right, then. Call him in."
When the peddler came into the house, the two women gave him a seat and shyly put the bowl into his hands. Immediately recognizing that the bowl was gold, he said, "Mother, this bowl is worth a hundred thousand pieces of silver. I'm sorry but I don't have that much money."
Astonished at his words, the old woman said, "Sir, another peddler who came here a little while ago said that it was not worth half a cent. He got angry, threw it on the floor, and went away. If it wasn't valuable then, it must be because of your own goodness that the bowl has turned into gold. Please take it, and just give us something or other for it. We will be more than satisfied."
At that time the peddler had only five hundred pieces of silver and goods worth another five hundred. He gave everything to the women, asking only to keep his scales, his bag, and eight coins for his return fare. Of course, they were happy to agree. After profuse thanks on both sides, the trader hurried to the river with the golden bowl. He gave his eight coins to the boatman and got into the boat.
Not long after he had left, the greedy peddler returned to the house, giving the impression of having reluctantly reconsidered their offer. He asked them to bring out their bowl, saying he would give them something or other for it after all.
The old woman flew at him. "You scoundrel!" she cried. "You told us that our golden bowl was not worth even half a cent. Lucky for us, an honest trader came after you left and told us it was really worth a hundred thousand pieces of silver. He gave us a thousand for it and took it away, so you are too late!"
When the peddler heard this, an intense pain swept over him. "He robbed me! He robbed me!" he cried. "He got my golden bowl worth a hundred thousand!" He became hysterical and lost all control. Throwing down his money and merchandise, he tore off his shirt, grabbed the beam of his scales for a club, and ran to the riverside to catch the other trader.
By the time he got to the river, the boat was already in midstream. He shouted for the boat to return to shore, but the honest peddler, who had already paid, calmly told the ferryman to continue on.
The frustrated trader could only stand there on the river-bank and watch his rival escape with the bowl. The sight so infuriated him that a fierce hate swelled up inside him. His heart grew hot, and blood gushed from his mouth. Finally, his heart cracked like the mud at the bottom of a pond dried up by the sun. So intense was the unreasoning hatred which he developed against the other trader because of the golden bowl, that he perished then and there.
The honest trader returned to Seriva, where he lived a full life spent in charity and other good works, and passed away to fare according to his deserts.
When the Buddha finished this story, he identified himself as the honest trader, and Devadatta as the greedy trader. This was the beginning of the implacable grudge which Devadatta held against the Bodhisatta through innumerable lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(From Jataka Tales of the Buddha, part I. Retold by Ken and Visakha Kawasaki. Copyright@1995.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to built true character?
We cannot build true character if we allow ourselves to be swayed by passing praise or censure. "Don't concern yourself with petty criticisms! Commune constantly with fine books and fine people and improve yourself!" This was the creed by which Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda lived their lives.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/8
How to accomplish your goals?
The resolve to accomplish your goals is what counts. If you earnestly put your mind to something, your brain, your body, your environment—everything—will start working toward achieving that end.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/8
Monday, April 4, 2011
Why should we expand beyond our small and limited selves?
As human beings, let us reach beyond our small, limited selves and attain an all-encompassing state of being, our hearts communing with the vast universe.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/8
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/8
Crossing the Wilderness
Apannaka Jataka (Jataka No. 1)
While the Buddha was staying at Jetavana Monastery near Savatthi, the wealthy banker, Anathapindika, went one day to pay his respects. His servants carried masses of flowers, perfume, butter, oil, honey, molasses, cloths, and robes. Anathapindika paid obeisance to the Buddha, presented the offerings he had brought, and sat down respectfully. At that time, Anathapindika was accompanied by five hundred friends who were followers of heretical teachers. His friends also paid their respects to the Buddha and sat close to the banker. The Buddha's face appeared like a full moon, and his body was surrounded by a radiant aura. Seated on the red stone seat, he was like a young lion roaring with a clear, noble voice as he taught them a discourse full of sweetness and beautiful to the ear.
After hearing the Buddha's teaching, the five hundred gave up their heretical practices and took refuge in the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. After that, they went regularly with Anathapindika to offer flowers and incense and to hear the teaching. They gave liberally, kept the precepts, and faithfully observed the Uposatha Day. [1] Soon after the Buddha left Savatthi to return to Rajagaha, however, these men abandoned their new faith and reverted to their previous beliefs.
Seven or eight months later, the Buddha returned to Jetavana. Again, Anathapindika brought these friends to visit the Buddha. They paid their respects, but Anathapindika explained that they had forsaken their refuge and had resumed their original practices.
The Buddha asked, "Is it true that you have abandoned refuge in the Triple Gem for refuge in other doctrines?" The Buddha's voice was incredibly clear because throughout myriad aeons He had always spoken truthfully.
When these men heard it, they were unable to conceal the truth. "Yes, Blessed One," they confessed. "It is true."
"Disciples," the Buddha said "nowhere between the lowest of hells below and the highest heaven above, nowhere in all the infinite worlds that stretch right and left, is there the equal, much less the superior, of a Buddha. Incalculable is the excellence which springs from obeying the Precepts and from other virtuous conduct."
Then he declared the virtues of the Triple Gem. "By taking refuge in the Triple Gem," He told them, "one escapes from rebirth in states of suffering." He further explained that meditation on the Triple Gem leads through the four stages to Enlightenment.
"In forsaking such a refuge as this," he admonished them, "you have certainly erred. In the past, too, men who foolishly mistook what was no refuge for a real refuge, met disaster. Actually, they fell prey to yakkhas -- evil spirits -- in the wilderness and were utterly destroyed. In contrast, men who clung to the truth not only survived, but actually prospered in that same wilderness."
Anathapindika raised his clasped hands to his forehead, praised the Buddha, and asked him to tell that story of the past.
"In order to dispel the world's ignorance and to conquer suffering," the Buddha proclaimed, "I practiced the Ten Perfections for countless aeons. Listen carefully, and I will speak."
Having their full attention, the Buddha made clear, as though he were releasing the full moon from behind clouds, what rebirth had concealed from them.
Long, long ago, when Brahmadatta was reigning in Baranasi, the Bodhisatta was born into a merchant's family and grew up to be a wise trader. At the same time, in the same city, there was another merchant, a very stupid fellow, with no common sense whatsoever.
One day it so happened that the two merchants each loaded five hundred carts with costly wares of Baranasi and prepared to leave in the same direction at exactly the same time. The wise merchant thought, "If this silly young fool travels with me and if our thousand carts stay together, it will be too much for the road. Finding wood and water for the men will be difficult, and there won't be enough grass for the oxen. Either he or I must go first."
"Look," he said to the other merchant, "the two of us can't travel together. Would you rather go first or follow after me?"
The foolish trader thought, "There will be many advantages if I take the lead. I'll get a road which is not yet cut up. My oxen will have the pick of the grass. My men will get the choicest wild herbs for curry. The water will be undisturbed. Best of all, I'll be able to fix my own price for bartering my goods." Considering all these advantages, he said, "I will go ahead of you, my friend."
The Bodhisatta was pleased to hear this because he saw many advantages in following after. He reasoned, "Those carts going first will level the road where it is rough, and I'll be able to travel along the road they have already smoothed. Their oxen will graze off the coarse old grass, and mine will pasture on the sweet young growth which will spring up in its place. My men will find fresh sweet herbs for curry where the old ones have been picked. Where there is no water, the first caravan will have to dig to supply themselves, and we'll be able to drink at the wells they have dug. Haggling over prices is tiring work; he'll do the work, and I will be able to barter my wares at prices he has already fixed."
"Very well, my friend," he said, "please go first."
"I will," said the foolish merchant, and he yoked his carts and set out. After a while he came to the outskirts of a wilderness. He filled all of his huge water jars with water before setting out to cross the sixty yojanas [2] of desert which lay before him.
The yakkha who haunted that wilderness had been watching the caravan. When it had reached the middle, he used his magic power to conjure up a lovely carriage drawn by pure white young bulls. With a retinue of a dozen disguised yakkhas carrying swords and shields, he rode along in his carriage like a mighty lord. His hair and clothes were wet, and he had a wreath of blue lotuses and white water lilies around his head. His attendants also were dripping wet and draped in garlands. Even the bulls' hooves and carriage wheels were muddy.
As the wind was blowing from the front, the merchant was riding at the head of his caravan to escape the dust. The yakkha drew his carriage beside the merchant's and greeted him kindly. The merchant returned the greeting and moved his own carriage to one side to allow the carts to pass while he and the yakkha chatted.
"We are on our way from Baranasi, sir," explained the merchant. "I see that your men are all wet and muddy and that you have lotuses and water lilies. Did it rain while you were on the road? Did you come across pools with lotuses and water lilies?"
"What do you mean?" the yakkha exclaimed. "Over there is the dark-green streak of a jungle. Beyond that there is plenty of water. It is always raining there, and there are many lakes with lotuses and water lilies." Then, pretending to be interested in the merchant's business, he asked, "What do you have in these carts?"
"Expensive merchandise," answered the merchant.
"What is in this cart which seems so heavily laden?" the yakkha asked as the last cart rolled by.
"That's full of water."
"You were wise to carry water with you this far, but there is no need for it now, since water is so abundant ahead. You could travel much faster and lighter without those heavy jars. You'd be better off breaking them and throwing the water away. Well, good day," he said suddenly, as he turned his carriage. "We must be on our way. We have stopped too long already." He rode away quickly with his men. As soon as they were out of sight, he turned and made his way back to his own city.
The merchant was so foolish that he followed the yakkha's advice. He broke all the jars, without saving even a single cupful of water, and ordered the men to drive on quickly. Of course, they did not find any water, and they were soon exhausted from thirst. At sunset they drew their carts into a circle and tethered the oxen to the wheels, but there was no water for the weary animals. Without water, the men could not cook any rice either. They sank to the ground and fell asleep. As soon as night came, the yakkhas attacked, killing every single man and beast. The fiends devoured the flesh, leaving only the bones, and departed. Skeletons were strewn in every direction, but the five hundred carts stood with their loads untouched. Thus the heedless young merchant was the sole cause of the destruction of the entire caravan.
Allowing six weeks to pass after the foolish trader had left, the Bodhisatta set out with his five hundred carts. When he reached the edge of the wilderness, he filled his water jars. Then he assembled his men and announced, "Let not so much as a handful of water be used without my permission. Furthermore, there are poisonous plants in this wilderness. Do not eat any leaf, flower, or fruit which you have never eaten before, without showing it to me first." Having thus carefully warned his men, he led the caravan into the wilderness.
When they had reached the middle of the wilderness, the yakkha appeared on the path just as before. The merchant noticed his red eyes and fearless manner and suspected something strange. "I know there is no water in this desert," he said to himself. "Furthermore, this stranger casts no shadow. He must be a yakkha. He probably tricked the foolish merchant, but he doesn't realize how clever I am."
"Get out of here!" he shouted at the yakkha. "We are men of business. We do not throw away our water before we see where more is to come from!"
Without saying any more, the yakkha rode away.
As soon as the yakkhas had left, the merchant's men approached their leader and said, "Sir, those men were wearing lotuses and water lilies on their heads. Their clothes and hair were wringing wet. They told us that up ahead there is a thick forest where it is always raining. Let us throw away our water so that we can proceed quicker with lightened carts."
The merchant ordered a halt and summoned all his men. "Has any man among you ever heard before today," he asked, "that there was a lake or a pool in this wilderness?"
"No, sir," they answered. "It's known as the 'Waterless Desert.' "
"We have just been told by some strangers that it is raining in the forest just ahead. How far does a rain-wind carry?"
"A yojana, sir."
"Has any man here seen the top of even a single storm-cloud?"
"No, sir."
"How far off can you see a flash of lightning?"
"Four or five yojanas, sir."
"Has any man here seen a flash of lightning?"
"No, sir."
"How far off can a man hear a peal of thunder?"
"Two or three yojanas, sir."
"Has any man here heard a peal of thunder?"
"No, sir."
"Those were not men, but yakkhas," the wise merchant told his men. "They are hoping that we will throw away our water. Then, when we are weak and faint, they will return to devour us. Since the young merchant who went before us was not a man of good sense, most likely he was fooled by them. We may expect to find his carts standing just as they were first loaded. We will probably see them today. Press on with all possible speed, without throwing away a drop of water!"
Just as the merchant had predicted, his caravan soon came upon the five hundred carts with the skeletons of men and oxen strewn in every direction. He ordered his men to arrange his carts in a fortified circle, to take care of the oxen, and to prepare an early supper for themselves. After the animals and men had all safely bedded down, the merchant and his foremen, swords in hand, stood guard all through the night.
At daybreak the merchant replaced his own weak carts for stronger ones and exchanged his own common goods for the most costly of the abandoned merchandise. When he arrived at his destination, he was able to barter his stock of wares at two or three times their value. He returned to his own city without losing a single man out of all his company.
This story ended, the Buddha said, "Thus it was, laymen, that in times past, the foolish came to utter destruction, while those who clung to the truth escaped from the yakkhas' hands, reached their goal in safety, and returned to their homes again.
"This clinging to the truth not only endows happiness even up to rebirth in the Realm of Brahma, [3] but also leads ultimately to Arahatship. Following untruth entails rebirth either in the four states of punishment or in the lowest conditions of mankind." After the Buddha had expounded the Four Truths, those five hundred disciples were established in the Fruit of the First Path.
The Buddha concluded his lesson by identifying the Birth as follows: "The foolish young merchant was Devadatta, [4] and his men were Devadatta's followers. The wise merchant's men were the followers of the Buddha, and I myself was that wise merchant."
Notes:
1. The Uposatha is the full, new, and half-moon days, when many Buddhists observe the Eight Precepts.
2. Yojana: a unit of distance, about seven miles.
3. The Realm of Brahma refers to the highest heavens, where beings enjoy radiant bliss.
4. Devadatta was a cousin of the Buddha. He tried to kill the Master several times, but always failed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(From Jataka Tales of the Buddha, part I. Retold by Ken and Visakha Kawasaki. Copyright@1995.)
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While the Buddha was staying at Jetavana Monastery near Savatthi, the wealthy banker, Anathapindika, went one day to pay his respects. His servants carried masses of flowers, perfume, butter, oil, honey, molasses, cloths, and robes. Anathapindika paid obeisance to the Buddha, presented the offerings he had brought, and sat down respectfully. At that time, Anathapindika was accompanied by five hundred friends who were followers of heretical teachers. His friends also paid their respects to the Buddha and sat close to the banker. The Buddha's face appeared like a full moon, and his body was surrounded by a radiant aura. Seated on the red stone seat, he was like a young lion roaring with a clear, noble voice as he taught them a discourse full of sweetness and beautiful to the ear.
After hearing the Buddha's teaching, the five hundred gave up their heretical practices and took refuge in the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. After that, they went regularly with Anathapindika to offer flowers and incense and to hear the teaching. They gave liberally, kept the precepts, and faithfully observed the Uposatha Day. [1] Soon after the Buddha left Savatthi to return to Rajagaha, however, these men abandoned their new faith and reverted to their previous beliefs.
Seven or eight months later, the Buddha returned to Jetavana. Again, Anathapindika brought these friends to visit the Buddha. They paid their respects, but Anathapindika explained that they had forsaken their refuge and had resumed their original practices.
The Buddha asked, "Is it true that you have abandoned refuge in the Triple Gem for refuge in other doctrines?" The Buddha's voice was incredibly clear because throughout myriad aeons He had always spoken truthfully.
When these men heard it, they were unable to conceal the truth. "Yes, Blessed One," they confessed. "It is true."
"Disciples," the Buddha said "nowhere between the lowest of hells below and the highest heaven above, nowhere in all the infinite worlds that stretch right and left, is there the equal, much less the superior, of a Buddha. Incalculable is the excellence which springs from obeying the Precepts and from other virtuous conduct."
Then he declared the virtues of the Triple Gem. "By taking refuge in the Triple Gem," He told them, "one escapes from rebirth in states of suffering." He further explained that meditation on the Triple Gem leads through the four stages to Enlightenment.
"In forsaking such a refuge as this," he admonished them, "you have certainly erred. In the past, too, men who foolishly mistook what was no refuge for a real refuge, met disaster. Actually, they fell prey to yakkhas -- evil spirits -- in the wilderness and were utterly destroyed. In contrast, men who clung to the truth not only survived, but actually prospered in that same wilderness."
Anathapindika raised his clasped hands to his forehead, praised the Buddha, and asked him to tell that story of the past.
"In order to dispel the world's ignorance and to conquer suffering," the Buddha proclaimed, "I practiced the Ten Perfections for countless aeons. Listen carefully, and I will speak."
Having their full attention, the Buddha made clear, as though he were releasing the full moon from behind clouds, what rebirth had concealed from them.
Long, long ago, when Brahmadatta was reigning in Baranasi, the Bodhisatta was born into a merchant's family and grew up to be a wise trader. At the same time, in the same city, there was another merchant, a very stupid fellow, with no common sense whatsoever.
One day it so happened that the two merchants each loaded five hundred carts with costly wares of Baranasi and prepared to leave in the same direction at exactly the same time. The wise merchant thought, "If this silly young fool travels with me and if our thousand carts stay together, it will be too much for the road. Finding wood and water for the men will be difficult, and there won't be enough grass for the oxen. Either he or I must go first."
"Look," he said to the other merchant, "the two of us can't travel together. Would you rather go first or follow after me?"
The foolish trader thought, "There will be many advantages if I take the lead. I'll get a road which is not yet cut up. My oxen will have the pick of the grass. My men will get the choicest wild herbs for curry. The water will be undisturbed. Best of all, I'll be able to fix my own price for bartering my goods." Considering all these advantages, he said, "I will go ahead of you, my friend."
The Bodhisatta was pleased to hear this because he saw many advantages in following after. He reasoned, "Those carts going first will level the road where it is rough, and I'll be able to travel along the road they have already smoothed. Their oxen will graze off the coarse old grass, and mine will pasture on the sweet young growth which will spring up in its place. My men will find fresh sweet herbs for curry where the old ones have been picked. Where there is no water, the first caravan will have to dig to supply themselves, and we'll be able to drink at the wells they have dug. Haggling over prices is tiring work; he'll do the work, and I will be able to barter my wares at prices he has already fixed."
"Very well, my friend," he said, "please go first."
"I will," said the foolish merchant, and he yoked his carts and set out. After a while he came to the outskirts of a wilderness. He filled all of his huge water jars with water before setting out to cross the sixty yojanas [2] of desert which lay before him.
The yakkha who haunted that wilderness had been watching the caravan. When it had reached the middle, he used his magic power to conjure up a lovely carriage drawn by pure white young bulls. With a retinue of a dozen disguised yakkhas carrying swords and shields, he rode along in his carriage like a mighty lord. His hair and clothes were wet, and he had a wreath of blue lotuses and white water lilies around his head. His attendants also were dripping wet and draped in garlands. Even the bulls' hooves and carriage wheels were muddy.
As the wind was blowing from the front, the merchant was riding at the head of his caravan to escape the dust. The yakkha drew his carriage beside the merchant's and greeted him kindly. The merchant returned the greeting and moved his own carriage to one side to allow the carts to pass while he and the yakkha chatted.
"We are on our way from Baranasi, sir," explained the merchant. "I see that your men are all wet and muddy and that you have lotuses and water lilies. Did it rain while you were on the road? Did you come across pools with lotuses and water lilies?"
"What do you mean?" the yakkha exclaimed. "Over there is the dark-green streak of a jungle. Beyond that there is plenty of water. It is always raining there, and there are many lakes with lotuses and water lilies." Then, pretending to be interested in the merchant's business, he asked, "What do you have in these carts?"
"Expensive merchandise," answered the merchant.
"What is in this cart which seems so heavily laden?" the yakkha asked as the last cart rolled by.
"That's full of water."
"You were wise to carry water with you this far, but there is no need for it now, since water is so abundant ahead. You could travel much faster and lighter without those heavy jars. You'd be better off breaking them and throwing the water away. Well, good day," he said suddenly, as he turned his carriage. "We must be on our way. We have stopped too long already." He rode away quickly with his men. As soon as they were out of sight, he turned and made his way back to his own city.
The merchant was so foolish that he followed the yakkha's advice. He broke all the jars, without saving even a single cupful of water, and ordered the men to drive on quickly. Of course, they did not find any water, and they were soon exhausted from thirst. At sunset they drew their carts into a circle and tethered the oxen to the wheels, but there was no water for the weary animals. Without water, the men could not cook any rice either. They sank to the ground and fell asleep. As soon as night came, the yakkhas attacked, killing every single man and beast. The fiends devoured the flesh, leaving only the bones, and departed. Skeletons were strewn in every direction, but the five hundred carts stood with their loads untouched. Thus the heedless young merchant was the sole cause of the destruction of the entire caravan.
Allowing six weeks to pass after the foolish trader had left, the Bodhisatta set out with his five hundred carts. When he reached the edge of the wilderness, he filled his water jars. Then he assembled his men and announced, "Let not so much as a handful of water be used without my permission. Furthermore, there are poisonous plants in this wilderness. Do not eat any leaf, flower, or fruit which you have never eaten before, without showing it to me first." Having thus carefully warned his men, he led the caravan into the wilderness.
When they had reached the middle of the wilderness, the yakkha appeared on the path just as before. The merchant noticed his red eyes and fearless manner and suspected something strange. "I know there is no water in this desert," he said to himself. "Furthermore, this stranger casts no shadow. He must be a yakkha. He probably tricked the foolish merchant, but he doesn't realize how clever I am."
"Get out of here!" he shouted at the yakkha. "We are men of business. We do not throw away our water before we see where more is to come from!"
Without saying any more, the yakkha rode away.
As soon as the yakkhas had left, the merchant's men approached their leader and said, "Sir, those men were wearing lotuses and water lilies on their heads. Their clothes and hair were wringing wet. They told us that up ahead there is a thick forest where it is always raining. Let us throw away our water so that we can proceed quicker with lightened carts."
The merchant ordered a halt and summoned all his men. "Has any man among you ever heard before today," he asked, "that there was a lake or a pool in this wilderness?"
"No, sir," they answered. "It's known as the 'Waterless Desert.' "
"We have just been told by some strangers that it is raining in the forest just ahead. How far does a rain-wind carry?"
"A yojana, sir."
"Has any man here seen the top of even a single storm-cloud?"
"No, sir."
"How far off can you see a flash of lightning?"
"Four or five yojanas, sir."
"Has any man here seen a flash of lightning?"
"No, sir."
"How far off can a man hear a peal of thunder?"
"Two or three yojanas, sir."
"Has any man here heard a peal of thunder?"
"No, sir."
"Those were not men, but yakkhas," the wise merchant told his men. "They are hoping that we will throw away our water. Then, when we are weak and faint, they will return to devour us. Since the young merchant who went before us was not a man of good sense, most likely he was fooled by them. We may expect to find his carts standing just as they were first loaded. We will probably see them today. Press on with all possible speed, without throwing away a drop of water!"
Just as the merchant had predicted, his caravan soon came upon the five hundred carts with the skeletons of men and oxen strewn in every direction. He ordered his men to arrange his carts in a fortified circle, to take care of the oxen, and to prepare an early supper for themselves. After the animals and men had all safely bedded down, the merchant and his foremen, swords in hand, stood guard all through the night.
At daybreak the merchant replaced his own weak carts for stronger ones and exchanged his own common goods for the most costly of the abandoned merchandise. When he arrived at his destination, he was able to barter his stock of wares at two or three times their value. He returned to his own city without losing a single man out of all his company.
This story ended, the Buddha said, "Thus it was, laymen, that in times past, the foolish came to utter destruction, while those who clung to the truth escaped from the yakkhas' hands, reached their goal in safety, and returned to their homes again.
"This clinging to the truth not only endows happiness even up to rebirth in the Realm of Brahma, [3] but also leads ultimately to Arahatship. Following untruth entails rebirth either in the four states of punishment or in the lowest conditions of mankind." After the Buddha had expounded the Four Truths, those five hundred disciples were established in the Fruit of the First Path.
The Buddha concluded his lesson by identifying the Birth as follows: "The foolish young merchant was Devadatta, [4] and his men were Devadatta's followers. The wise merchant's men were the followers of the Buddha, and I myself was that wise merchant."
Notes:
1. The Uposatha is the full, new, and half-moon days, when many Buddhists observe the Eight Precepts.
2. Yojana: a unit of distance, about seven miles.
3. The Realm of Brahma refers to the highest heavens, where beings enjoy radiant bliss.
4. Devadatta was a cousin of the Buddha. He tried to kill the Master several times, but always failed.
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(From Jataka Tales of the Buddha, part I. Retold by Ken and Visakha Kawasaki. Copyright@1995.)
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What are the workings of the Buddhist Law?
The greater our efforts to advance kosen-rufu, the greater the benefit and eternal good fortune we will accumulate in our lives. The more outstanding people we can foster, the stronger and healthier we will become. The more aware we are of our responsibility, the more joy we will experience. Such are the workings of the Buddhist Law,
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/8
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Why must we not take things for granted?
We must not allow ourselves to become bureaucratic and take for granted the efforts of those working behind the scenes. Nor must we ever forget to be considerate of those members of our families who may not be practicing the Daishonin's Buddhism. We must remember that for every person involved in SGI activities there is another, supporting him or her behind the scenes.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/4
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/4
What is the key to creating good fortune?
What is the secret to victory? Mr. Toda once described that in a certain sense life is a gamble. "If you are lucky, you will win," he said. "But if you are unlucky, then sometimes no matter how hard you try you lose. This is a hard fact." That is why, in addition to ability, good fortune is essential. The key to creating good fortune is found in faith and daimoku. I hope that you will all act in accord with the fundamental Law of Buddhism and lead victorious lives filled with unsurpassed good fortune.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/7
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/7
What can faith lead us to?
Faith enables us to secure ultimate victory. It enables us to live with vigor and joy and to strive to improve ourselves—to become the very best people we can be. Moreover, faith enables us to walk through life with complete assurance and confidence, unafraid of anything.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/7
The Goat That Laughed and Wept
Matakabhatta Jataka (Jataka No. 18)
One day, while the Buddha was staying in Jetavana, some bhikkhus asked him if there was any benefit in sacrificing goats, sheep, and other animals as offerings for departed relatives.
"No, bhikkhus," replied the Buddha. "No good ever comes from taking life, not even when it is for the purpose of providing a Feast for the Dead." Then he told this story of the past.
Long, long ago, when Brahmadatta was reigning in Baranasi, a brahmin decided to offer a Feast for the Dead and bought a goat to sacrifice. "My boys," he said to his students, "take this goat down to the river, bathe it, brush it, hang a garland around its neck, give it some grain to eat, and bring it back."
"Yes, sir," they replied and led the goat to the river.
While they were grooming it, the goat started to laugh with a sound like a pot smashing. Then, just as strangely, it started to weep loudly.
The young students were amazed at this behavior. "Why did you suddenly laugh," they asked the goat, "and why do you now cry so loudly?"
"Repeat your question when we get back to your teacher," the goat answered.
The students hurriedly took the goat back to their master and told him what had happened at the river. Hearing the story, the master himself asked the goat why it had laughed and why it had wept.
"In times past, brahmin," the goat began, "I was a brahmin who taught the Vedas like you. I, too, sacrificed a goat as an offering for a Feast for the Dead. Because of killing that single goat, I have had my head cut off 499 times. I laughed aloud when I realized that this is my last birth as an animal to be sacrificed. Today I will be freed from my misery. On the other hand, I cried when I realized that, because of killing me, you, too, may be doomed to lose your head five hundred times. It was out of pity for you that I cried."
"Well, goat," said the brahmin, "in that case, I am not going to kill you."
"Brahmin!" exclaimed the goat. "Whether or not you kill me, I cannot escape death today."
"Don't worry," the brahmin assured the goat. "I will guard you."
"You don't understand," the goat told him. "Your protection is weak. The force of my evil deed is very strong."
The brahmin untied the goat and said to his students, "Don't allow anyone to harm this goat." They obediently followed the animal to protect it.
After the goat was freed, it began to graze. It stretched out its neck to reach the leaves on a bush growing near the top of a large rock. At that very instant a lightning bolt hit the rock, breaking off a sharp piece of stone which flew through the air and neatly cut off the goat's head. A crowd of people gathered around the dead goat and began to talk excitedly about the amazing accident.
A tree deva [1] had observed everything from the goat's purchase to its dramatic death, and drawing a lesson from the incident, admonished the crowd: "If people only knew that the penalty would be rebirth into sorrow, they would cease from taking life. A horrible doom awaits one who slays." With this explanation of the law of kamma the deva instilled in his listeners the fear of hell. The people were so frightened that they completely gave up the practice of animal sacrifices. The deva further instructed the people in the Precepts and urged them to do good.
Eventually, that deva passed away to fare according to his deserts. For several generations after that, people remained faithful to the Precepts and spent their lives in charity and meritorious works, so that many were reborn in the heavens.
The Buddha ended his lesson and identified the Birth by saying, "In those days I was that deva."
Notes:
1. Devas are celestial beings, ranging from the highest gods to simple tree spirits.
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(From Jataka Tales of the Buddha, part I. Retold by Ken and Visakha Kawasaki. Copyright@1995.)
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One day, while the Buddha was staying in Jetavana, some bhikkhus asked him if there was any benefit in sacrificing goats, sheep, and other animals as offerings for departed relatives.
"No, bhikkhus," replied the Buddha. "No good ever comes from taking life, not even when it is for the purpose of providing a Feast for the Dead." Then he told this story of the past.
Long, long ago, when Brahmadatta was reigning in Baranasi, a brahmin decided to offer a Feast for the Dead and bought a goat to sacrifice. "My boys," he said to his students, "take this goat down to the river, bathe it, brush it, hang a garland around its neck, give it some grain to eat, and bring it back."
"Yes, sir," they replied and led the goat to the river.
While they were grooming it, the goat started to laugh with a sound like a pot smashing. Then, just as strangely, it started to weep loudly.
The young students were amazed at this behavior. "Why did you suddenly laugh," they asked the goat, "and why do you now cry so loudly?"
"Repeat your question when we get back to your teacher," the goat answered.
The students hurriedly took the goat back to their master and told him what had happened at the river. Hearing the story, the master himself asked the goat why it had laughed and why it had wept.
"In times past, brahmin," the goat began, "I was a brahmin who taught the Vedas like you. I, too, sacrificed a goat as an offering for a Feast for the Dead. Because of killing that single goat, I have had my head cut off 499 times. I laughed aloud when I realized that this is my last birth as an animal to be sacrificed. Today I will be freed from my misery. On the other hand, I cried when I realized that, because of killing me, you, too, may be doomed to lose your head five hundred times. It was out of pity for you that I cried."
"Well, goat," said the brahmin, "in that case, I am not going to kill you."
"Brahmin!" exclaimed the goat. "Whether or not you kill me, I cannot escape death today."
"Don't worry," the brahmin assured the goat. "I will guard you."
"You don't understand," the goat told him. "Your protection is weak. The force of my evil deed is very strong."
The brahmin untied the goat and said to his students, "Don't allow anyone to harm this goat." They obediently followed the animal to protect it.
After the goat was freed, it began to graze. It stretched out its neck to reach the leaves on a bush growing near the top of a large rock. At that very instant a lightning bolt hit the rock, breaking off a sharp piece of stone which flew through the air and neatly cut off the goat's head. A crowd of people gathered around the dead goat and began to talk excitedly about the amazing accident.
A tree deva [1] had observed everything from the goat's purchase to its dramatic death, and drawing a lesson from the incident, admonished the crowd: "If people only knew that the penalty would be rebirth into sorrow, they would cease from taking life. A horrible doom awaits one who slays." With this explanation of the law of kamma the deva instilled in his listeners the fear of hell. The people were so frightened that they completely gave up the practice of animal sacrifices. The deva further instructed the people in the Precepts and urged them to do good.
Eventually, that deva passed away to fare according to his deserts. For several generations after that, people remained faithful to the Precepts and spent their lives in charity and meritorious works, so that many were reborn in the heavens.
The Buddha ended his lesson and identified the Birth by saying, "In those days I was that deva."
Notes:
1. Devas are celestial beings, ranging from the highest gods to simple tree spirits.
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(From Jataka Tales of the Buddha, part I. Retold by Ken and Visakha Kawasaki. Copyright@1995.)
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Saturday, April 2, 2011
Duddubha Jataka (Jataka No. 322) - The Sound the Hare Heard
One morning while some bhikkhus were on their alms round in Savatthi, they passed some ascetics of different sects practicing austerities. Some of them were naked and lying on thorns. Others sat around a blazing fire under the burning sun.
Later, while the monks were discussing the ascetics, they asked the Buddha, "Lord, is there any virtue in those harsh ascetic practices?"
The Buddha answered, "No, monks, there is neither virtue nor any special merit in them. When they are examined and tested, they are like a path over a dunghill, or like the noise the hare heard."
Puzzled, the monks said, "Lord, we do not know about that noise. Please tell us what it was."
At their request the Buddha told them this story of the distant past.
Long, long ago, when Brahmadatta was reigning in Baranasi, the Bodhisatta was born as a lion in a forest near the Western Ocean. In one part of that forest there was a grove of palms mixed with belli trees.[1] A hare lived in that grove beneath a palm sapling at the foot of a belli tree.
One day the hare lay under the young palm tree, idly thinking, "If this earth were destroyed, what would become of me?" At that very instant a ripe belli fruit happened to fall and hit a palm leaf making a loud "THUD!"
Startled by this sound, the hare leapt to his feet and cried, "The earth is collapsing!" He immediately fled, without even glancing back.
Another hare, seeing him race past as if for his very life, asked, "What's wrong?" and started running, too.
"Don't ask!" panted the first. This frightened the second hare even more, and he sprinted to keep up.
"What's wrong?" he shouted again.
Pausing for just a moment, the first hare cried, "The earth is breaking up!" At this, the two of them bolted off together.
Their fear was infectious, and other hares joined them until all the hares in that forest were fleeing together. When other animals saw the commotion and asked what was wrong, they were breathlessly told, "The earth is breaking up!" and they too began running for their lives. In this way, the hares were soon joined by herds of deer, boars, elk, buffaloes, wild oxen, and rhinoceroses, a family of tigers, and some elephants.
When the lion saw this headlong stampede of animals and heard the cause of their flight, he thought, "The earth is certainly not coming to an end. There must have been some sound which they misunderstood. If I don't act quickly they will be killed. I must save them!"
Then, as fast as only he could run, he got in front of them, and roared three times. At the sound of his mighty voice, all the animals stopped in their tracks. Panting, they huddled together in fear. The lion approached and asked why they were running away.
"The earth is collapsing," they all answered.
"Who saw it collapsing?" he asked.
"The elephants know all about it," some animals replied.
When he asked the elephants, they said, "We don't know. The tigers know."
The tigers said, "The rhinoceroses know." The rhinoceroses said, "The wild oxen know." The wild oxen said, "The buffaloes know." The buffaloes said, "The elk know." The elk said, "The boars know." The boars said, "The deer know." The deer said, "We don't know. The hares know."
When he asked the hares, they pointed to one particular hare and said, "This one told us."
The lion asked him, "Is it true, sir, that the earth is breaking up?"
"Yes, sir, I saw it," said the hare.
"Where were you when you saw it?"
"In the forest in a palm grove mixed with belli trees. I was lying there under a palm at the foot of a belli tree, thinking, 'If this earth were destroyed, what would become of me?' At that very moment I heard the sound of the earth breaking up and I fled."
From this explanation, the lion realized exactly what had really happened, but he wanted to verify his conclusions and demonstrate the truth to the other animals. He gently calmed the animals and said, "I will take the hare and go to find out whether or not the earth is coming to an end where he says it is. Until we return, stay here."
Placing the hare on his tawny back, he raced with great speed back to that grove. Then he put the hare down and said, "Come, show me the place you meant."
"I don't dare, my lord," said the hare.
"Don't be afraid," said the lion.
The hare, shivering in fear, would not risk going near the belli tree. He could only point and say, "Over there, sir, is the place of dreadful sound."
The lion went to the place the hare indicated. He could make out where the hare had been lying in the grass, and he saw the ripe belli fruit that had fallen on the palm leaf. Having carefully ascertained that the earth was not breaking up, he placed the hare on his back again and returned to the waiting animals.
He told them what he had found and said, "Don't be afraid." Reassured, all the animals returned to their usual places and resumed their routines.
Those animals had placed themselves in great danger because they listened to rumours and unfounded fears rather than trying to find out the truth themselves. Truly, if it had not been for the lion, those beasts would have rushed into the sea and perished. It was only because of the Bodhisatta's wisdom and compassion that they escaped death.
At the conclusion of the story, the Buddha identified the Birth: "At that time, I myself was the lion."
Notes
[1] The belli (beluva or vilva) is the Bengal quince.
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(From Jataka Tales of the Buddha, part III. Retold by Ken and Visakha Kawasaki. Copyright©1997.)
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Later, while the monks were discussing the ascetics, they asked the Buddha, "Lord, is there any virtue in those harsh ascetic practices?"
The Buddha answered, "No, monks, there is neither virtue nor any special merit in them. When they are examined and tested, they are like a path over a dunghill, or like the noise the hare heard."
Puzzled, the monks said, "Lord, we do not know about that noise. Please tell us what it was."
At their request the Buddha told them this story of the distant past.
Long, long ago, when Brahmadatta was reigning in Baranasi, the Bodhisatta was born as a lion in a forest near the Western Ocean. In one part of that forest there was a grove of palms mixed with belli trees.[1] A hare lived in that grove beneath a palm sapling at the foot of a belli tree.
One day the hare lay under the young palm tree, idly thinking, "If this earth were destroyed, what would become of me?" At that very instant a ripe belli fruit happened to fall and hit a palm leaf making a loud "THUD!"
Startled by this sound, the hare leapt to his feet and cried, "The earth is collapsing!" He immediately fled, without even glancing back.
Another hare, seeing him race past as if for his very life, asked, "What's wrong?" and started running, too.
"Don't ask!" panted the first. This frightened the second hare even more, and he sprinted to keep up.
"What's wrong?" he shouted again.
Pausing for just a moment, the first hare cried, "The earth is breaking up!" At this, the two of them bolted off together.
Their fear was infectious, and other hares joined them until all the hares in that forest were fleeing together. When other animals saw the commotion and asked what was wrong, they were breathlessly told, "The earth is breaking up!" and they too began running for their lives. In this way, the hares were soon joined by herds of deer, boars, elk, buffaloes, wild oxen, and rhinoceroses, a family of tigers, and some elephants.
When the lion saw this headlong stampede of animals and heard the cause of their flight, he thought, "The earth is certainly not coming to an end. There must have been some sound which they misunderstood. If I don't act quickly they will be killed. I must save them!"
Then, as fast as only he could run, he got in front of them, and roared three times. At the sound of his mighty voice, all the animals stopped in their tracks. Panting, they huddled together in fear. The lion approached and asked why they were running away.
"The earth is collapsing," they all answered.
"Who saw it collapsing?" he asked.
"The elephants know all about it," some animals replied.
When he asked the elephants, they said, "We don't know. The tigers know."
The tigers said, "The rhinoceroses know." The rhinoceroses said, "The wild oxen know." The wild oxen said, "The buffaloes know." The buffaloes said, "The elk know." The elk said, "The boars know." The boars said, "The deer know." The deer said, "We don't know. The hares know."
When he asked the hares, they pointed to one particular hare and said, "This one told us."
The lion asked him, "Is it true, sir, that the earth is breaking up?"
"Yes, sir, I saw it," said the hare.
"Where were you when you saw it?"
"In the forest in a palm grove mixed with belli trees. I was lying there under a palm at the foot of a belli tree, thinking, 'If this earth were destroyed, what would become of me?' At that very moment I heard the sound of the earth breaking up and I fled."
From this explanation, the lion realized exactly what had really happened, but he wanted to verify his conclusions and demonstrate the truth to the other animals. He gently calmed the animals and said, "I will take the hare and go to find out whether or not the earth is coming to an end where he says it is. Until we return, stay here."
Placing the hare on his tawny back, he raced with great speed back to that grove. Then he put the hare down and said, "Come, show me the place you meant."
"I don't dare, my lord," said the hare.
"Don't be afraid," said the lion.
The hare, shivering in fear, would not risk going near the belli tree. He could only point and say, "Over there, sir, is the place of dreadful sound."
The lion went to the place the hare indicated. He could make out where the hare had been lying in the grass, and he saw the ripe belli fruit that had fallen on the palm leaf. Having carefully ascertained that the earth was not breaking up, he placed the hare on his back again and returned to the waiting animals.
He told them what he had found and said, "Don't be afraid." Reassured, all the animals returned to their usual places and resumed their routines.
Those animals had placed themselves in great danger because they listened to rumours and unfounded fears rather than trying to find out the truth themselves. Truly, if it had not been for the lion, those beasts would have rushed into the sea and perished. It was only because of the Bodhisatta's wisdom and compassion that they escaped death.
At the conclusion of the story, the Buddha identified the Birth: "At that time, I myself was the lion."
Notes
[1] The belli (beluva or vilva) is the Bengal quince.
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(From Jataka Tales of the Buddha, part III. Retold by Ken and Visakha Kawasaki. Copyright©1997.)
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What is the purpose of our Buddhist practice in this lifetime?
The ultimate essence of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism lies in living on through to the very end, pressing ever forward, courageously taking on each new challenge we encounter and never giving up. Constructing eternal glory—the state of Buddhahood—within our own lives is the purpose of our Buddhist practice in this lifetime. Hence the Daishonin's constant urging that we make tenacious efforts in the present.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/7
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/7
How to cope with tumultuous change?
Life is a process of ongoing challenge. Those who lead lives of boundless challenge realize boundless growth. In a time of tumultuous change, what people need most is the vitality to challenge their circumstances and the wisdom to open the treasure-house of knowledge and to ceaselessly strive to create new value.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/7
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/7
Friday, April 1, 2011
Castles in the Sand
Some children were playing beside a river. They made castles of sand, and each child defended his castle and said, 'This one is mine.' They kept their castles separate and would not allow any mistakes about which was whose. When the castles were all finished, one child kicked over someone else's castle and completely destroyed it. The owner of the castle flew into a rage, pulled the other child's hair, struck him with his fist and bawled out, 'He has spoiled my castle! Come along all of you and help me punish him as he deserves.' The others all came to his help. They beat the child ... Then they went on playing in their sand castles, each saying, 'This is mine; no one else may have it. Keep away! Don't touch my castle!'
But evening came, it was getting dark and they all thought they ought to be going home. No one now cared what became of his castle. One child stamped on his, another pushed his over with both hands. Then they turned away and went back, each to his home.
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(From Yogacara Bhumi Sutra 4, quoted from World Scripture) Taken from Thus Have I Heard edited by Minh Thanh and P.D. Leigh.
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But evening came, it was getting dark and they all thought they ought to be going home. No one now cared what became of his castle. One child stamped on his, another pushed his over with both hands. Then they turned away and went back, each to his home.
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(From Yogacara Bhumi Sutra 4, quoted from World Scripture) Taken from Thus Have I Heard edited by Minh Thanh and P.D. Leigh.
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Why should we be an exemplary model for others?
Buddhism is found in the reality of society and daily life. Because Buddhism is in no way separate from this reality, we must strive through our actions and behavior to be exemplary models for others.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/7
What is the right way of practicing Buddhism?
Faith is perseverance. The key to victory in any struggle in life is persistence. That is why Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of having faith that flows ceaselessly like water rather than faith that flames up briefly like fire. To advance continuously, it is important never to become exhausted. Carrying out activities until late at night does not equate with strong faith.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/7
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/7
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