The Power of Discipline

 In the serene mountains of a distant land, there resided a revered Buddhist monastery, known for its wisdom and discipline. Among the monks, there was one who stood out for his remarkable devotion and dedication to the path of enlightenment - Monk Keshava.

Monk in Garden

From a young age, Keshava was drawn to the teachings of Buddha. He was admitted to the monastery at an early age, where he began his arduous journey of learning and practicing the ancient principles. Under the guidance of the venerable Master Shantarakshita, Keshava imbibed the essence of Buddha's teachings, but he struggled with discipline.

While the other monks diligently followed the monastery's strict routines, Keshava often found himself lost in his thoughts, forgetting his duties and responsibilities. Master Shantarakshita patiently observed Keshava's struggle and decided to impart a valuable lesson.

One morning, the Master called Keshava to his chamber. "Keshava," he said gently, "you have immense potential, but without discipline, it remains untapped. To fully realize the path to enlightenment, you must embrace discipline wholeheartedly."

Keshava bowed his head, acknowledging his weakness. "Master, I understand, but discipline has always been a challenge for me."

The wise Master smiled compassionately. "I have devised a special task for you, Keshava. You shall water the Bodhi tree in the monastery garden every day for the next three months."

Keshava was puzzled but agreed to undertake the task diligently. The Bodhi tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, was revered, and caring for it was a great honor. Keshava's devotion to the task grew each day, and he began to water the tree with deep reverence and gratitude.

As weeks passed, Keshava noticed something remarkable happening. The more he practiced discipline in caring for the Bodhi tree, the more focused his mind became. He realized that by embracing discipline, he was not only nurturing the tree but also nurturing his own soul.

In the quietude of those moments with the Bodhi tree, Keshava understood the significance of discipline in the pursuit of enlightenment. He saw that discipline was not just about following rules; it was about cultivating self-awareness, inner strength, and harmony.

Three months later, when Keshava's task was complete, he approached Master Shantarakshita with newfound humility. "Master, I am grateful for your guidance. Through discipline, I have experienced a transformation within myself. I now understand its importance on the path to enlightenment."

The Master smiled, his eyes filled with pride. "Keshava, you have learned a valuable lesson. Remember that discipline is not a constraint, but a liberating force. Embrace it with sincerity, and you shall continue to flourish on your journey."

From that day on, Keshava became a living embodiment of discipline in the monastery. His unwavering devotion and commitment to the teachings of Buddha inspired fellow monks to follow suit. The ripple effect of his transformation spread through the monastery, signifying the profound importance of discipline on the path to spiritual awakening.

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*Story of Angulimal

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Buddha story- the first bhikkhuni

 After the Buddha's stepmother, Queen Mahapajapati Gotami, lost her position due to the Queen's death, she became the chief queen and looked after the newborn Prince Siddhattha while her own son, Nanda, was taken care of by a wet-nurse.

When the Buddha came back to Kapilavatthu after attaining enlightenment, Mahapajapati Gotami requested him to permit women to join the Buddhist Order as bhikkhunis. However, initially, the Buddha declined her request.

Mahaprajapati Gautami

After King Suddhodana passed away, Mahapajapati Gotami, along with five hundred women, traveled on foot to Vesali to meet the Buddha. They had shaved their heads and wore robes, and Mahapajapati made the request again. This time, the Buddha agreed but set eight special conditions (garudhammas) for Mahapajapati to follow.

Mahapajapati accepted the conditions and became the first bhikkhuni, and other women were admitted to the Order afterward.

However, some bhikkhunis later doubted Mahapajapati's status because she didn't have a preceptor. They stopped participating in certain ceremonies with her and raised the issue with the Buddha.

The Buddha responded by saying that he himself had given the eight garudhammas to Mahapajapati and that she had practiced them faithfully. He declared that he was her preceptor, and it was wrong to doubt the status of an arahat like her.

Buddha story- A new monk

  In the past, there was a monk who followed the teachings of Buddha. The monk received guidance from Buddha regarding what to concentrate on during his meditation practice. Despite spending extended periods in meditation, the monk didn't experience significant advancement and instead started feeling unhappy and disheartened. He decided to go to the Jetavana monastery to seek further instructions from the Buddha. On his way there, he saw a huge fire and climbed a mountain to watch it. As he observed the fire spreading, he realized that just like the fire consumes everything, the deep understanding of the path to enlightenment can free us from all the things that hold us back in life.

Buddha story

Meanwhile, the Buddha, who was in the Gandhakuti hall at the Jetavana monastery, knew what the monk was thinking. He used his special abilities to appear before the monk and encouraged him, saying that he was thinking in the right direction. The Buddha reminded him that all living beings can break free from the things that tie them down in life by developing deep insight into the path of enlightenment.

Old Monk story

 Tissa was son of Buddha's maternal aunt. He was staying with Buddha at a Monastery. He had become a Bhikkhu in his old age only. He posed as a Senior Bhikkhu and felt good when other Bhikkhus asked him permission to serve him. He was not able to do duties what a junior Bhikkhu were expected to do. He quarrelled with other Bhikkhus and if someone rebuked him for his behaviour then he would go to Buddha complaining and became upset and frustrated. When other Bhikkus also approached Buddha. The Buddha told them not to hold enmity towards another because enmity could only be appeased by not having enmity in mind.

old monk

Dhammapada Verses 3 and 4
Tissatthera Vatthu

Akkocchi mam avadhi mam
ajini mam ahasi me
ye ca tam upanayhanti
veram tesam na sammati.

Akkocchi mam avadhi mam
ajini mam ahasi me
ye ca tam nupanayhanti
veram tesupasammati.

Buddha story- A blind monk

 Once, a senior Bhikku named Thera Cakkhupala went to visit and show respect to the Buddha at the Jetavana monastery. One night, while he was walking back and forth in deep meditation, the senior Bhikku accidentally stepped on some insects without noticing.

Blind Monk

 The next morning, some other Bhikkhus who were visiting the senior Bhikku found the dead insects. They formed a negative opinion about him and reported the incident to the Buddha. The Buddha asked them if they had actually seen the senior Bhikku intentionally killing the insects. Since they hadn't witnessed it, the Buddha explained that just as they hadn't seen him doing harm, the senior Bhikku hadn't seen those living insects either. Furthermore, as the senior Bhikku had already achieved a high level of spiritual enlightenment (arahatship), he couldn't have had any intention to kill, and thus he was innocent in this matter.

Dhammapada Verse 1
Cakkhupalatthera Vatthu

Manopubbangama dhamma
manosettha manomaya
manasa ce padutthena
bhasati va karoti va
tato nam dukkhamanveti
cakkamva vahato padam

All mental phenomena have mind as their forerunner; they have mind as their chief; they are mind-made. If one speaks or acts with an evil mind, 'dukkha' follows him just as the wheel follows the hoofprint of the ox that draws the cart.

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Buddha Story- Man with pancakes

 

Buddha - Story of Novice Monk

 Once there was a rich man in Savatthi who had a young son named Pandita. When Pandita was only seven years old, he became a samanera, a novice monk. One day, while he was accompanying Thera Sariputta on an alms round, he noticed some farmers directing water into their fields. Curious, he asked the thera if water, which has no consciousness, could be guided wherever one wanted. The thera replied that indeed, water could be guided as desired.

Novice Monk

As they continued their walk, Pandita saw fletchers heating their arrows with fire to straighten them and carpenters cutting and shaping timber. These observations made him reflect on the fact that if water, bamboo, and timber, which lack consciousness, could be directed and transformed, then as a person with consciousness, he should be capable of taming his own mind and practicing meditation.

Filled with this realization, Pandita asked the thera for permission to return to his room in the monastery. There, he wholeheartedly and diligently focused on his meditation, specifically contemplating the body. The devas, including Sakka, aided him by ensuring a quiet and peaceful environment. Before mealtime, Pandita achieved the stage of Anagami Fruition, a high level of spiritual attainment.

Meanwhile, Thera Sariputta was on his way to bring food to Pandita. However, the Buddha, using his supernatural abilities, saw that Pandita had attained Anagami Fruition and was on the verge of attaining arahatship, the highest level of enlightenment. To allow Pandita to achieve this milestone undisturbed, the Buddha intercepted Sariputta at the door and engaged him in conversation. During their discussion, Pandita reached the state of arahatship. Thus, on the eighth day after becoming a novice, Pandita became an arahat, a fully enlightened being.

Dhammapada Verse 80
Panditasamanera Vatthu
Udakam hi nayanti nettika
usukara namayanti tejanam
darum namayanti tacchaka
attanam damayanti pandita.

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The Content Monk- Buddha story

 Nigamavasitissa grew up in a small market town near Savatthi. After becoming a bhikkhu, he led a simple life and had very few desires. He would go to the village where his relatives lived to receive alms-food. He avoided attending big events, even when important people like Anathapindika and King Pasenadi made grand offerings.

Buddhist Monk 

Some other bhikkhus started talking about Nigamavasitissa, saying that he stayed close to his relatives and didn't care to attend when important people made lavish offerings. When the Buddha heard about this, he called Nigamavasitissa and asked him about it. Nigamavasitissa respectfully explained to the Buddha that it was true he visited his village for alms-food, but once he had enough, he didn't go any further. He also didn't mind whether the food was delicious or not.

Upon hearing this, instead of criticizing him, the Buddha praised Nigamavasitissa's conduct in front of the other bhikkhus. The Buddha said that living contentedly with few desires was in line with the practice of the Buddha and the Noble Ones (Ariyas). He expressed that all bhikkhus should aspire to be like Nigamavasitissa from the small market town.

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Green Buddha

 The term "Green Buddha" does not have a fixed or universally accepted meaning within Buddhism. However, it could refer to several interpretations:

 

Symbolic Representation: In some Buddhist traditions, the color green symbolizes renewal, growth, and the awakening of spiritual qualities. Therefore, a "Green Buddha" could be seen as a representation of a Buddha or enlightened being who embodies these qualities.

Green Buddha

 

Depiction of a Particular Buddha: In certain artistic representations, Buddha statues or images may be depicted with a green hue. This could be a specific artistic choice by the creator or a cultural variation found in certain Buddhist regions.

 

Environmental Awareness: In a contemporary context, "Green Buddha" might also be used metaphorically to represent the intersection of Buddhism with environmental concerns. It can mean mindfulness and compassion towards the natural world and the promotion of ecological sustainability.

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Buddha books

"The Dhammapada," an esteemed Buddhist scripture, is a tapestry of verses attributed to the revered Gautama Buddha. Revered as a concise guide to Buddhist teachings, this profound text weaves together strands of wisdom, morality, and the intricate path to liberation. Buddhists who seek virtuous and mindful living find solace and guidance within its Buddha books sacred verses.

Buddhist books

Prepare to be dazzled by "The Diamond Sutra" – a radiant jewel among Mahayana Buddhist scriptures. This luminous text, known as the "Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra," delves deep into the enigma of emptiness (shunyata) and the essence of ultimate reality. It fearlessly challenges conventional notions, unraveling the intricate threads of existence while offering profound insights into the very fabric of perception and liberation. Indeed, it stands as a monumental cornerstone within the edifice of Mahayana Buddhism. "The Lotus Sutra," also known as the "Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra," blooms like a resplendent lotus in the garden of Buddhist literature. This influential tome bursts forth with a plethora of teachings, like colorful petals unfurling. Its pages unfold the sacred concept of "Buddha-nature," emphasizing the importance of boundless compassion and skillful means. This scripture radiates with the belief in the transformative potential of every being, illuminating the path towards enlightenment and encouraging the embodiment of bodhisattva ideals.

Story of Good Disciple

 Once a Disciple named Purna asked Buddha " Kindly give permission to go to a village named Sukkha where I can give message about Dhamma. I think they are in need of the message". Buddha replied" Purna, do you know the people their are very evil and ill mannered. If they started abusing you what will happen".

Buddha with Disciple

Purna said, " Oh the Great one, If they swear and abuse me , I will thank them that they just abused me and did not beat me".

Buddha asked again" What if they started beating you?"

" I will thank them that they just beat me and did not kill me". Purna replied.

To this Buddha said" Purna , what will happen if they kill  you on that moment".

Purna explained Buddha" Oh the Enlightened one, on that moment I will grateful to them that I would have done many mistakes in my future and they have released me from that (Moksha)."

Buddha replied" You can go there Purna".

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Buddha - A life summary

 Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism. He lived in the northeastern region of ancient India between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. Born a prince, he left his royal life behind to pursue spiritual enlightenment, eventually attaining it and becoming the Buddha.

Buddha

The Buddha's teachings focus on the Four Noble Truths: the truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering. He taught that all of life is characterized by impermanence and suffering, and that the root of suffering lies in desire and attachment. By following the Eightfold Path, a set of ethical and mental guidelines, individuals can reach enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

One of the most significant teachings of the Buddha is the concept of mindfulness. He emphasized the importance of being present and aware of the present moment, rather than being lost in thoughts of the past or future. Mindfulness helps individuals to develop clarity, calmness, and insight, and can be applied to all aspects of life.

Another central teaching of the Buddha is compassion. He taught that all beings are interconnected, and that practicing compassion towards others is essential to reaching enlightenment. Compassion involves understanding the suffering of others and taking action to alleviate it.

The Buddha's teachings have had a profound impact on millions of people around the world, and Buddhism has become one of the major world religions. Today, people continue to turn to the Buddha's teachings for guidance on how to live a more mindful, compassionate, and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Buddha was a remarkable spiritual teacher who left a lasting legacy. His teachings on mindfulness, compassion, and the path to enlightenment continue to inspire people today, and his message of peace and understanding remains as relevant now as it was thousands of years ago.