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

*Story of Rice bowl

Buddha Story- Man with pancakes

 

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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Buddha Story- Medicine for Death

Buddha Story- Five Disciples

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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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Story Of Angulimal

Story of Sujata

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.

Dhammapada quotes

Dhammapada

                                                                              

* Now may every living thing, young or old, weak or strong, living near or far, known or unknown, living or yet unborn, may every living thing be full of bliss.

Dhamapadda

*Mind is fore-runner of (all evils) states. Mind is their chief; and they are mind made. If one speaks or acts with an impure mind, then suffering follows one even as the wheel follows the hoof of the ox.

Dhamma-cakka-pavattana sutta

Dhammacakkapavattana sutta  (The foundation of the kingdom of righteousness)

                                                                               
1.Evam me sutam : Ekam samayam Bhagava Baranasiyam viharati Isipatane Migadaye.

  ( English Translation)
   Thus have I heard: Once the Blessed One was sojourning near Banares,at Isipitana,in
   the Deer park.

2. Tatra kho Bhagava pancavaggiye bhikkhu amantesi.Dve'me bhikkhave anta pabba-
     jitena na sevitabba.Katame dve ?

    (Then the Blessed One addressed the company of five bhikkhus.'Bhikkhus,these two
     extremes should not be followed by one who has gone out from home to homeless
     life.What two'?

Buddha purnima

      Buddha purnima is also known as Buddha jayanti.This day symbolises the three important events in the life of Gautama Buddha.On this very day Siddhartha was born to King Suddhodana.On this auspicious  day Siddharatha transformed into Buddha with attainment of Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.At the age of 80 years Buddha left his body to attain nirvana on this day only.That is why,this day which comes on full moon of Vaiskh month holds a special place in hearts of buddhists.

Teachings of Buddha -aim of buddhism

Buddha idol

                                                                                
Buddhism is a religion of wisdom,a wisdom that is born of a deep consideration,practice and realization.The wisdom for which a prince renouncing his crown went to the jungles to find his true self.
Buddha says about-Elimination of Dukkha
    
                   Buddha taught about arising of Dukkha (unsatisfactoriness) and elimination of Dukkha.This is the present state in which a person exists throughout his life and he must be taken out of it.What happens after death is not so important but you must know what is to be done when you are alive.

Lord Buddha - Story what buddha taught

      A bhikkhu after taking subject of meditation from Buddha was practising meditation in an old garden. A woman of doubtful character came into the garden and saw the bhikkhu in deep contemplation. No one else was present in the garden so she said to herself, "Here is a man, I will ruin his meditation and corrupt his thoughts. "So she stood in front of the monk and took down her undergarment many times and put it on again. She unloosened her hair and bound it again. She laugh and giggled. The monk became excited, his whole body shivered with excitement, "What is happening" thought he.

Monk meditating

   The Buddha said to himself. "I gave the monk a subject of meditation and he went forth to perform his meditation. How is he doing. "Still remaining seated in his monastery, Buddha saw that woman and observed her evil behaviour and perceiving that her evil conduct was upsetting the monk, He spoke as follows. "Monk, there is no delight who seek after their lust but where people are free from passion, that place is full of delight'". So saying he sent forth a radiant image of himself and instructed the monk in Dhamma. The monk attained the sainthood.

Related topics

1.Buddha story Medicine of death http://buddhawithlove.blogspot.in/2012/03/buddha-story-medicine-for-death.html
2.Buddha quotes http://buddhawithlove.blogspot.in/2012/03/buddha-quotes.html

3.Buddha story-Build ur nest http://buddhawithlove.blogspot.in/2012/03/buddha-story-bulid-your-nest.html

Eight path of Buddha

   Eight path of Buddha

                 
1.Right view        -      Right way to think about life is to see the world through the
                                    eyes of Buddha with wisdom and compassion .Having Buddha
                                    eyes means seeing everybody as self only.
2.Right thought       -     We are what we think. Clear and kind thoughts build good
                                    strong characters .
3. Right speech        -   By speaking kind and helpful words , we are respected and
                                    trusted by everyone.
4. Right conduct       -  No matter what we say, others know us from the way we
                                   behave. Before we criticize anyone , we should first see what
                                   we do ourselves.
5. Right Livelihood    - This means choosing a job that does not hurt anybody. Buddha
                                   said” Do not earn your living by harming others. Do not seek
                                   happiness by making others unhappy,”

6. Right effort            - A worthwhile life means doing our best at all times and having
                                    good will toward others. This also means not wasting effort on
                                    things that harm ourselves and others.

7. Right mindfulness   - This means being aware of our thoughts , words and deeds.
                                         May buddha eyes show us the way to right mindfulness.

8. Right concentration- Focus on one thought or objects at a time. By doing this
                                   we can be quiet and attain true of mind.


Related topics

1.Buddha story http://buddhawithlove.blogspot.in/2012/03/buddha-story-medicine-for-death.html

2.Buddha story http://buddhawithlove.blogspot.in/2012/03/buddha-story-bulid-your-nest.html
buddha pictures at www.buddhawithlove.wordpress.com

buddhist prayer

 VANDANA

namo tasya bagvato arhato sama sambuddhasya,

namo tasya bagvato arhato samma sambuddhasa

namo tasya bagvato arhato samma sambuddhasya

(Honour to Him,the Blesses One,the Exalted one,the Fully Enlightened one)3 times

Buddhist Prayer

  TISARANA

 Buddham sarnang gacchami,                          (I go to Buddha for refuge)            

 Dhamman sarnam gacchami,                          (I go to Dhamma for refuge )

 Sangham sarnam gacchami,                            ( I go to Sangha for refuge)

       

     

dutyampi bhuddham sarnang gachami,  (For the 2nd time,i go to Buddha for
                                                                  refuge)

dutyampi dhamang sarnang gachami,    (For the 2nd time,i go to Dhamma for
                                                                  refuge)

dutyampi sangham sarnang gachami,      (For the 2nd time ,i go to Sangha for
                                                                   refuge)

tatyampi buddham sarnang gachami,      (For the 3rd time,i go to Buddha for
                                                                    refuge)

tatyampi dhamaang sarnang gachami,    (For the 3rd time,i go to Dhamma for
                                                                    refuge)

tatyampi sangam sarnang gachami,        (For the 3rd time,i go to Sangha for
                                                                    refuge)

                                                            PANCHASILA                                                                                 
                           1.Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
                           2.Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
                           3.Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
                           4.Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
                           5.Sura-meraya-majja-pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam
                              samadiyami.
                                                         ( The Five Precepts)
                           1.I take the precept to abstain from harming any living being
                           2.I take the precept to abstain from stealing.
                           3.I take the precept to abstain from unchaste conduct.
                           4.I take the precept to abstain from false speech.
                           5.I take the precept to abstain from drugs or drinks that cause
                              intoxication or heedlessness.