Infatuation
Long ago, in northern India, there was a herd of village deers. They were used to being near village for they grew up there. They know that they had to be very careful around humans, especially during harvesting time, when the crops were tall. For the farmers trapped and killed any deer who came near.
To protect themselves, the village deers would stay in the forest all day long during the harvesting season. They only ventured near the borders of the village in the middle of the night. One of these was a beautiful young doe. She had soft reddish-brown fur, a fluffy white tail and big wide bright eyes.
During this particular season, a young mountain buck strayed into the same forest. One day, he saw the beautiful young doe, and was deeply attracted to her immediately. He didn't know anything about her. But he was infatuated with her, captivated by her reddish-brown fur, fluffy white tail and her big bright eyes. He even dreamed about her, although she did not know he existed!
A few days after the young mountain buck had set his eyes on the beautiful doe, he decided to introduce himself. He walked out to where she was grazing, and began to speak: "Oh my sweet beauty, one who is as lovely as the stars and as bright as the moon, I confess to you that I am deeply" - Just then the young buck's hoof got caught in a root, he tripped and fell, and his face dropped into a mud puddle! The pretty village die was flattered, so she smiled. But deep inside, she thought this mountain buck was really rather silly!
Meanwhile, unknown to the deers, a clan of tree fairies who lived in the forest had witnessed everything - from the first time the mountain buck caught sight of the doe and his secret admiring from afar to his present clumsy fall into the mud puddle. "What fools these dumb animals are!" the fairies laughed. But there was one who did not laugh. "I fear this portends danger to this young fool!" he said.
The young buck was a little embarrassed, but he did not see how this could be dangerous to him. From then on, he followed the doe wherever she went. He kept telling her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. She didn't pay much attention to him.
Then night came, and it was time for the doe to go down to the village. The people who lived along the way knew the deers would pass by at night. They set traps to catch them. That night, a hunter waited, hiding behind a bush.
Carefully, the village doe set out. The mountain buck, who was still singing her praises, went right a long with her. She stopped and said to him: "My dear buck, you are not accustomed to being around villages. You don't know how dangerous human beings are. The village, and the route to it, can bring death to a deer even at night, Since you are so young and inexperience (and foolish, she thought to herself), you should not come down to the village with me. You should remain in the safety of the forest."
At this, the tree fairies applauded. But of course, the deers could not hear them.
The young buck paid no attention to the doe's warning. "Your eyes look so lovely in the moonlight!" he said and kept walking with her. "If you won't listen to me, at least be quiet!" she said sternly. He was so mesmerised, that he could not control his mind. But he did finally shut his mouth!
After a while, they approached the place where the hunter was hiding behind a bush. The fairies saw him, and became agitated and frightened for the deers' safety. They flew nervously around the trees, but they could only watch.
The doe could smell the scent of the hunter. She was afraid of a trap. Anxious for her own life, she let the buck deer went first while she followed behind.
When the hunter saw the unsuspecting mountain buck, he shot his arrow and killed him instantly. Seeing this, the terrified doe turned around and quickly dashed back into the forest.
The hunter claimed his kill. He started a fire, skinned the buck deer, cooked some of the venison and ate heartily. Then he threw the carcass over his shoulder and carried it back home to feed his family. When the fairies saw what happened, some of them cried. As they watched the hunter cut up the once noble-looking buck, some felt sick. Others blamed the village doe for leading him to his death.
But the wise fairy, who had given the warning earlier said: "It was the excitement of infatuation that killed this foolish deer. Such blind desire brings false happiness at first, but ends in pain and suffering."
The moral is: Infatuation leads to destruction.
The Bodhisattva: The wise fairy
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
King Banyan Deer
Chapter 1. Compassion
Once upon a time, an unusual and beautiful deer was born in the forests near Benares. Although he was as big as a young colt, his mother gave birth to him without much difficulties. When he opened his eyes, they were bright and lively just like sparkling jewels.
His mouth was as crimson as the reddest forest berries, and his hooves were as black as polished coal. His horns glistened like silver. And his body was swathed in fine fur of a golden hue, like a perfect summer's dawn. As he grew up, a herd of 500 deers gathered around him, and he became known as King Banyan Deer.
Meanwhile, not far away, another beautiful buck deer was born. He was also splendidly golden in colour just like King Banyan Deer. In time, a separate herd of 500 deers came to follow him, and he was known as Branch Deer.
At that time, the King of Benares was very fond of hunting and of eating venison. He hunted regularly and killed many deers. Each time he went hunting in a different village, he would order the people there to stop what they were doing to work in his hunting party.
This disrupted the lives of the villagers for they had to stop their ploughing or harvesting whenever the king was around. They grew less crops, and soon other businesses were also affected. Desperate to change their situations, they gathered one day, discussed and decided to build a large deer park in Benares for the King. There, he could hunt by himself, without the need for the services of the villagers.
Soon, the people were hard at work. They dug ponds for the deers to drink from and planted trees and grasses for them to feed on. When the deer park was completed, they opened the gates and went out into the nearby forests looking for deers. When they saw the entire herds of Banyan and Branch deers, they surrounded them. Then with sticks and weapons, they created a commotion and drove all of them into the deer park before locking the gates up, trapping the poor deers.
After the deers had settled down, the people went to see the king. "Our crops and incomes have suffered because of your hunting requirements. We have built a pleasant and safe deer park just for you, so that you can go hunting by yourself as and when you like. Now you can hunt as much as you want without needing out help."
Curious, the king went to the new deer park for a look. He was pleased to see vast herds of deers in the park. While observing them, his eyes caught the sight of two magnificent golden deers with large fully grown antlers. In awe of their unusual beauty, the king granted specific immunity to these two outstanding creatures. He ordered that no one was to harm or kill them, and instructed that they should be kept completely safe at all times.
Once everyday, the king would come to hunt a deer for his dinner table. Sometimes, when he was too busy, he would send his royal cook to do it for him. The poor deer would then be brought to the chopping block to be butchered for the oven.
The deers would go mad whenever they caught sight of bows and arrows. Fearing for their lives, they would run around wildly, often injuring themselves in the event. Many suffered great pain because of this.
One day, King Banyan Deer called for a meeting with his herd. He also asked Branch Deer and his herd to join in the meeting. King Banyan addressed them "Although in the end, there is no escape from death, this needless suffering due to injuries and wounds can be prevented. Since the king only wish to savour the meat of a deer each day, let one be chosen by us each day to submit himself to the chopping click. The selection would alternate between the two herds. One day from my herd, and the following day from Branch Deer's herd."
Branch Deer agreed. From that day onwards, the deer that was chosen to be sacrificed meekly surrendered himself and laid his neck on the block. And so the cook came each day, killed the waiting victim and prepared the king's meal.
One day, the turn to be slaughtered fell by chance to a pregnant doe in Branch Deer's herd. Considering the welfare of others, her own as well as her unborn child, she went to Branch Deer and pleaded: "My lord, I am pregnant. Please grant that I may live until I have delivered my fawn. Then we can take the place of two rather than just one. This will also save a turn, and thereby a single life for one long day."
However, Branch Deer refused to accede to her request. "No, no, I cannot change the rules all of a sudden and put your turn upon another. The pregnancy is yours, and this baby is your responsibility. Now leave," he replied.
Failing to make Branch Deer see her point, the poor mother doe went to King Banyan Deer and explained her plight. "Go in peace. I will change the rules and put your turn upon another," he replied gently.
Having said that, the deer king went to the executioner's block, and laid his own golden neck upon it.
All went hush and quiet in the deer park. Some who told this story even said that the blanket of silence also enveloped other worlds not seen from here.
Soon the royal cook came to kill the willing victim on the block. But when he saw it was one of the two golden deers the king had ordered to spare, he was afraid to kill him. He went back and told the king.
The king was surprised to hear of this strange phenomenon, so he went to the park. He said to the golden deer, still lying on the block: "Oh king of deers, did I not promise to spare your life? Why is it that you still come here like the others?"
"Oh king of men, a pregnant doe was unfortunately chosen to be slaughtered. For the sake of others, her own as well as her unborn child, she begged me to spare her. I could not help but weep, to think that the little one would never see the dawn, or even taste the freshness of dew drops. Yet, I could not force the pain of death on another. For that would not be fair since he would be unprepared and relieved thinking it was not his turn today. So, here I am, mighty king, I offer my life willingly for the sake of the doe and her unborn fawn. Rest assured there is no other reason," said King Banyan Deer majestically.
The King of Benares was overwhelmed. Powerful as he was, a tear rolled down his cheek. Then he said: "Oh great lord, the golden king of deers, even among human beings, I have not seen any such as you! Such great compassion, to share in the suffering of others! Such great generosity, to give your life for others! Such great kindness and tender love for all your fellow deers! Arise."
"I decree that you will never be killed by me or anyone else in my kingdom. And, so too, the doe and her fawn."
Without raising his head yet, the golden one asked: "Are we the only ones to be saved? What about the rest in the park, our friends and families?" The king said: "My lord, I cannot refuse you. I grant safety and freedom to all the deers in the park." "And what about those outside the park? Will they be killed?" asked King Banyan Deer. "No my lord, I spare all deers in my whole kingdom."
Still the golden deer did not raise his head. He pleaded: "The deers will be safe, but what about other four-footed animals?" "My lord, from now on they will be safe in my land." "And what about the birds? They too want to live." "Yes, my lord, the birds will be safe too from premature death at the hands of men." "And what about the fishes?" "Even they will be free to live, my lord." So saying, the King of Benares granted immunity from hunting and killing of all animals in his land.
Having pleaded for the lives of all creatures, King Banyan Deer arose.
Chapter 2. Teachings
Out of compassion and gratitude, the Bodhisattva - King Banyan Deer, taught the King the Five Precepts. "If you give up five kinds of unwholesome actions, it will benefit you and purify your mind. These are:
Once upon a time, an unusual and beautiful deer was born in the forests near Benares. Although he was as big as a young colt, his mother gave birth to him without much difficulties. When he opened his eyes, they were bright and lively just like sparkling jewels.
His mouth was as crimson as the reddest forest berries, and his hooves were as black as polished coal. His horns glistened like silver. And his body was swathed in fine fur of a golden hue, like a perfect summer's dawn. As he grew up, a herd of 500 deers gathered around him, and he became known as King Banyan Deer.
Meanwhile, not far away, another beautiful buck deer was born. He was also splendidly golden in colour just like King Banyan Deer. In time, a separate herd of 500 deers came to follow him, and he was known as Branch Deer.
At that time, the King of Benares was very fond of hunting and of eating venison. He hunted regularly and killed many deers. Each time he went hunting in a different village, he would order the people there to stop what they were doing to work in his hunting party.
This disrupted the lives of the villagers for they had to stop their ploughing or harvesting whenever the king was around. They grew less crops, and soon other businesses were also affected. Desperate to change their situations, they gathered one day, discussed and decided to build a large deer park in Benares for the King. There, he could hunt by himself, without the need for the services of the villagers.
Soon, the people were hard at work. They dug ponds for the deers to drink from and planted trees and grasses for them to feed on. When the deer park was completed, they opened the gates and went out into the nearby forests looking for deers. When they saw the entire herds of Banyan and Branch deers, they surrounded them. Then with sticks and weapons, they created a commotion and drove all of them into the deer park before locking the gates up, trapping the poor deers.
After the deers had settled down, the people went to see the king. "Our crops and incomes have suffered because of your hunting requirements. We have built a pleasant and safe deer park just for you, so that you can go hunting by yourself as and when you like. Now you can hunt as much as you want without needing out help."
Curious, the king went to the new deer park for a look. He was pleased to see vast herds of deers in the park. While observing them, his eyes caught the sight of two magnificent golden deers with large fully grown antlers. In awe of their unusual beauty, the king granted specific immunity to these two outstanding creatures. He ordered that no one was to harm or kill them, and instructed that they should be kept completely safe at all times.
Once everyday, the king would come to hunt a deer for his dinner table. Sometimes, when he was too busy, he would send his royal cook to do it for him. The poor deer would then be brought to the chopping block to be butchered for the oven.
The deers would go mad whenever they caught sight of bows and arrows. Fearing for their lives, they would run around wildly, often injuring themselves in the event. Many suffered great pain because of this.
One day, King Banyan Deer called for a meeting with his herd. He also asked Branch Deer and his herd to join in the meeting. King Banyan addressed them "Although in the end, there is no escape from death, this needless suffering due to injuries and wounds can be prevented. Since the king only wish to savour the meat of a deer each day, let one be chosen by us each day to submit himself to the chopping click. The selection would alternate between the two herds. One day from my herd, and the following day from Branch Deer's herd."
Branch Deer agreed. From that day onwards, the deer that was chosen to be sacrificed meekly surrendered himself and laid his neck on the block. And so the cook came each day, killed the waiting victim and prepared the king's meal.
One day, the turn to be slaughtered fell by chance to a pregnant doe in Branch Deer's herd. Considering the welfare of others, her own as well as her unborn child, she went to Branch Deer and pleaded: "My lord, I am pregnant. Please grant that I may live until I have delivered my fawn. Then we can take the place of two rather than just one. This will also save a turn, and thereby a single life for one long day."
However, Branch Deer refused to accede to her request. "No, no, I cannot change the rules all of a sudden and put your turn upon another. The pregnancy is yours, and this baby is your responsibility. Now leave," he replied.
Failing to make Branch Deer see her point, the poor mother doe went to King Banyan Deer and explained her plight. "Go in peace. I will change the rules and put your turn upon another," he replied gently.
Having said that, the deer king went to the executioner's block, and laid his own golden neck upon it.
All went hush and quiet in the deer park. Some who told this story even said that the blanket of silence also enveloped other worlds not seen from here.
Soon the royal cook came to kill the willing victim on the block. But when he saw it was one of the two golden deers the king had ordered to spare, he was afraid to kill him. He went back and told the king.
The king was surprised to hear of this strange phenomenon, so he went to the park. He said to the golden deer, still lying on the block: "Oh king of deers, did I not promise to spare your life? Why is it that you still come here like the others?"
"Oh king of men, a pregnant doe was unfortunately chosen to be slaughtered. For the sake of others, her own as well as her unborn child, she begged me to spare her. I could not help but weep, to think that the little one would never see the dawn, or even taste the freshness of dew drops. Yet, I could not force the pain of death on another. For that would not be fair since he would be unprepared and relieved thinking it was not his turn today. So, here I am, mighty king, I offer my life willingly for the sake of the doe and her unborn fawn. Rest assured there is no other reason," said King Banyan Deer majestically.
The King of Benares was overwhelmed. Powerful as he was, a tear rolled down his cheek. Then he said: "Oh great lord, the golden king of deers, even among human beings, I have not seen any such as you! Such great compassion, to share in the suffering of others! Such great generosity, to give your life for others! Such great kindness and tender love for all your fellow deers! Arise."
"I decree that you will never be killed by me or anyone else in my kingdom. And, so too, the doe and her fawn."
Without raising his head yet, the golden one asked: "Are we the only ones to be saved? What about the rest in the park, our friends and families?" The king said: "My lord, I cannot refuse you. I grant safety and freedom to all the deers in the park." "And what about those outside the park? Will they be killed?" asked King Banyan Deer. "No my lord, I spare all deers in my whole kingdom."
Still the golden deer did not raise his head. He pleaded: "The deers will be safe, but what about other four-footed animals?" "My lord, from now on they will be safe in my land." "And what about the birds? They too want to live." "Yes, my lord, the birds will be safe too from premature death at the hands of men." "And what about the fishes?" "Even they will be free to live, my lord." So saying, the King of Benares granted immunity from hunting and killing of all animals in his land.
Having pleaded for the lives of all creatures, King Banyan Deer arose.
Chapter 2. Teachings
Out of compassion and gratitude, the Bodhisattva - King Banyan Deer, taught the King the Five Precepts. "If you give up five kinds of unwholesome actions, it will benefit you and purify your mind. These are:
- destroying life, for this is not compassion;
- taking what is not given, for this is not generosity;
- doing wrong in sexual ways, for this is not loving-kindness;
- speaking falsely, for this is not Truth;
- losing your mind from alcohol, for this leads to committing erroneous ways that go against the first four precepts."
He further advised him to do all that was good and wholesome, for that would bring happiness in this life and beyond. Then King Banyan Deer, and both herds, returned to the forest.
Some time later, the pregnant doe, who had stayed with King Banyan Deer's herd, gave birth to a fawn. He was as beautiful as a fresh lotus blossom given as an offering to the gods.
When the fawn had grown into a young buck deer, he began playing with Branch Deer's herd. Seeing this, his mother said to him: "Better to die after a short life with the great compassionate one, than to live a long life with an ordinary one." Afterwards, her son lived happily in the herd of King Banyan Deer.
But the farmers and villagers of the kingdom were not happy. Since the king had given his orders to spare the lives of the deers and other animals, the deers began to brazenly eat the people's crops. They even grazed in the vegetable gardens inside the villages and the city of Benares itself!
So the people complained to the king, and asked for permission to kill at least some of the deers as a warning. But the king replied: "I have given my word to King Banyan Deer that not a single animal would come to harm, I would rather give up my kingship than to break my promise to him. No one is to hurt any of them!"
When King Banyan Deer heard of this incident, he commanded all deers not to eat the crops belonging to others. Then he sent a message to the people asking them to tie up bunches of leaves as boundaries around their fields instead of making fences. To this very day, this Indian custom of marking fields with tied up leaves has protected crops from deers' grazing.
Both King Banyan Deer and the King of Benares lived out their lives in peace, died and were reborn as they deserved.
The moral is: Wherever is it found, compassion is a sign of greatness.
The Bodhisattva: King Banyan Deer
Friday, May 7, 2010
Beauty and Grey
A Wise Leader
Long, long time ago, there was a deer that was the herd leader of a thousand. He had two sons. The first son, Beauty, was a very slim and tall deer with bright sparkling eyes and smooth scarlet fur. The second, Grey, was also slim and tall with handsome grey fur.
One day, when Beauty and Grey were old enough, their father said: "I am now very old, and cannot do all that is necessary to look after this large herd of deers. I wish to retire and I want the two of you, my grown-up children, to be the leader. The two of you will share the herd, with each leading 500 deers." With that, the two deers became leaders in their own right.
At that time in India, the deers were always in danger during harvesting season. Rice crops were at its tallest when they were to be harvested, and the deers could not help but venture into the paddy fields to eat them.T o avoid the destruction of their crops, the human dug pits, set sharp stakes in the ground, and built stone traps to capture and kill the deers.
When the harvesting season arrived, the wise old deer called his two sons to him. He advised them to take the herds up into the mountain forest, far from the dangerous farmlands. He had used this tactic to save the deers from being wounded or killed over the years. Then he would bring them back to the lowlands after the harvest was over.
As he was too old and weak for the journey, the wise old deer chose to stay behind in hiding. After warning them to be careful, he wished them a safe trip. Beauty set out with his herd for the mountain forest, and so did Grey with his.
Knowing that this was the season the deers migrated from the low-lying farmlands to the highlands of the countryside, the villagers hid along the way and killed them as they passed by.
In his hurry to get his herd to the lush mountain forest, Grey did not heed his father's wise advice. Instead of travelling cautiously, he moved his herd constantly, during the night, at dawn and dusk, and even in broad daylight. This made the deers in Grey's herd an easy target for the humans to shoot with their bows and arrows. Many were killed and seriously injured, only to die in great pain later on. Finally, when Grey arrived at the forest, only a few paltry deers were left in his herd.
Beauty, in the other hand, was wise enough to understand the dangers posed to his moving herd. He was very careful. He realised it was safer to stay away from the villages and from all humans. He knew it was not safe to move the herd in the daytime, or even at dawn or dusk. So he ed his herd wide around the villages and moved only in the middle of the night. Due to Beauty's prudence and wisdom, all of his herd reached the mountain forest safe and sound. Not one was killed or injured.
The two herds found each other, and remained in the mountains until the harvesting season was over, Then they began to return to the low-lying farmlands for it was turning cold in the mountains.
Unfortunately, Grey had learnt nothing from his first trip. In his anxiety to return to the warmer lowlands, he was just as thoughtless and brash as before. Again, the people hid along the way and sprang an attack on the deers. All of Grey's remaining herd were killed. Only Grey himself survived the hazardous journey.
But Beauty led his herd in the same careful way as before. He brought all 500 deers back safely. Seeing the deers, the old chief said to his doe when the herd was still some distance away: "Look. Beauty has brought all his followers safely back with him, whereas Grey comes limping back alone without his whole herd of 500. Those who follow a wise leader, with good qualities, will always be safe. But those who follow a foolish leader, who is careless and thinks only of himself, will fall into troubles and be destroyed.
After some times, the old deer died and was reborn as he deserved. And as for Beauty, he became the chief of the herd and lived a long life, loved and admired by all.
The moral is: A wise leader puts the safety of his followers first.
The Bodhisattva: The wise old deer
Long, long time ago, there was a deer that was the herd leader of a thousand. He had two sons. The first son, Beauty, was a very slim and tall deer with bright sparkling eyes and smooth scarlet fur. The second, Grey, was also slim and tall with handsome grey fur.
One day, when Beauty and Grey were old enough, their father said: "I am now very old, and cannot do all that is necessary to look after this large herd of deers. I wish to retire and I want the two of you, my grown-up children, to be the leader. The two of you will share the herd, with each leading 500 deers." With that, the two deers became leaders in their own right.
At that time in India, the deers were always in danger during harvesting season. Rice crops were at its tallest when they were to be harvested, and the deers could not help but venture into the paddy fields to eat them.T o avoid the destruction of their crops, the human dug pits, set sharp stakes in the ground, and built stone traps to capture and kill the deers.
When the harvesting season arrived, the wise old deer called his two sons to him. He advised them to take the herds up into the mountain forest, far from the dangerous farmlands. He had used this tactic to save the deers from being wounded or killed over the years. Then he would bring them back to the lowlands after the harvest was over.
As he was too old and weak for the journey, the wise old deer chose to stay behind in hiding. After warning them to be careful, he wished them a safe trip. Beauty set out with his herd for the mountain forest, and so did Grey with his.
Knowing that this was the season the deers migrated from the low-lying farmlands to the highlands of the countryside, the villagers hid along the way and killed them as they passed by.
In his hurry to get his herd to the lush mountain forest, Grey did not heed his father's wise advice. Instead of travelling cautiously, he moved his herd constantly, during the night, at dawn and dusk, and even in broad daylight. This made the deers in Grey's herd an easy target for the humans to shoot with their bows and arrows. Many were killed and seriously injured, only to die in great pain later on. Finally, when Grey arrived at the forest, only a few paltry deers were left in his herd.
Beauty, in the other hand, was wise enough to understand the dangers posed to his moving herd. He was very careful. He realised it was safer to stay away from the villages and from all humans. He knew it was not safe to move the herd in the daytime, or even at dawn or dusk. So he ed his herd wide around the villages and moved only in the middle of the night. Due to Beauty's prudence and wisdom, all of his herd reached the mountain forest safe and sound. Not one was killed or injured.
The two herds found each other, and remained in the mountains until the harvesting season was over, Then they began to return to the low-lying farmlands for it was turning cold in the mountains.
Unfortunately, Grey had learnt nothing from his first trip. In his anxiety to return to the warmer lowlands, he was just as thoughtless and brash as before. Again, the people hid along the way and sprang an attack on the deers. All of Grey's remaining herd were killed. Only Grey himself survived the hazardous journey.
But Beauty led his herd in the same careful way as before. He brought all 500 deers back safely. Seeing the deers, the old chief said to his doe when the herd was still some distance away: "Look. Beauty has brought all his followers safely back with him, whereas Grey comes limping back alone without his whole herd of 500. Those who follow a wise leader, with good qualities, will always be safe. But those who follow a foolish leader, who is careless and thinks only of himself, will fall into troubles and be destroyed.
After some times, the old deer died and was reborn as he deserved. And as for Beauty, he became the chief of the herd and lived a long life, loved and admired by all.
The moral is: A wise leader puts the safety of his followers first.
The Bodhisattva: The wise old deer
The Happy Monk
Joys of the Spiritual Life
Once upon a time, there was a rich man who realised that the suffering of old age afflicted both the rich and poor alike. So he gave up his wealth and upper class status to live as a humble forest monk. He practised meditation and developed his mind by freeing himself from unwholesome thoughts. Soon he became very contented and happy. His peacefulness and friendliness gradually drew 500 followers to his side.
At that time, most monks usually looked pretty serious and stern. However, there was a peculiar monk, though dignified, who always wore a little smile. No matter what happened, he never lost this glimmer of inner happiness. He even had the broadest smile and the warmest laughter of all on happy occasions.
Monks, as well as others, would sometimes ask him why he was always so happy and smiling. "If I tell you, you wouldn't believe me! And if you think I lied, it would be a dishonour to my master," he chuckled. The wise old master knew the source of happiness that could not be erased from his face. And so, he made this happiest monk his right-hand assistant.
One year, after the rainy season, the old master and the 500 monks travelled to the city. When they were staying in the city during spring, the king permitted them to live in his pleasure garden.
The king was a good man who took his responsibilities as a ruler seriously. He tried to protect his people from danger, and increase their prosperity and welfare. Besides having to act as a mediator frequently between his own rival ministers of state, he also had to worry about hostile neighbouring kings from invading his country.
Sometimes his wife fought for his attention, and for the advancement of their sons. Occasionally, dissatisfied subjects would also come threatening to kill him! And, of course, he also had to worry constantly about the finances of the kingdom. In fact, he had so much to worry about, that he never had time to be happy!
As summer approached, he learned that the monks were preparing to return to the forest. Considering the health and welfare of the old leader, the king went to him and implored him to stay. "Your reverence, you are now very old and weak. What good does it do to go back to the forest? Why don't you send your followers back while you remain here?" he beseeched.
The chief monk then called his right-hand assistant to him and said: "I now appoint you as the deputy chief monk. All of you are to return to the forest. As I as too old and weak, I will remain here as kindly requested by the king." The 500 monks returned to their abode in the forest and the old master stayed behind.
The deputy chief monk continued his meditation practice diligently in the forest. He gained so much wisdom and peace that he became even happier than before. He missed his master and wanted to share his happiness with him. So he returned to the city for a visit.
When he arrived, he sat on a rug at the feet of the old monk. They didn't speak very much, but every so often the young monk would say: "What happiness! Oh what happiness!"
Shortly, the king came to visit. He paid his respects to the chief monk. Instead of showing proper respect by greeting the king, the young monk from the forest repeatedly uttered: "What happiness! Oh what happiness!" This disturbed the king greatly. "With all my worries, busy schedules and heavy responsibilities, I take time out for a visit and this monk here does not even respect me enough to recognise my existance. How insulting!" he thought. "Venerable sir, this monk must be indolent from overeating. That must be why he is so full of happiness. Does he lie around here so lazy all the time?" he asked the senior monk.
The chief monk replied: "Oh king, have patience and I will tell you the source of his happiness. Not many know it. He was once a king, just as rich and mighty as you! Then one day, he gave up his kingly life and was ordained a monk. Now he things his past happiness as a king was nothing compared to the joy and contentment he is presently experiencing!"
"He used to be surrounded by armed men to protect him. Now, sitting alone in the forest with nothing to fear, he has no need for guards. He has given up worrying about having to protect his wealth and kingdom. Free from worries, his meditation practice advances to such a stage of inner peace that he cannot help but say again and again: "What happiness! Oh what happiness!" His wisdom protects himself and other," continued the chief monk.
The king understood at once. Hearing the story of the happy monk made him feel at peace. He stayed for a while and received advice from both. Then he honoured them and returned to his palace.
Meanwhile, the happy monk, who had once been a king, paid respects to his master and returned to the forest. The old chief monk, on the other hand, lived till a ripe old age before passing away to be reborn in the heavenly realm.
The moral is: Non-attachment to wealth and power increases one's happiness.
The Bodhisattva: The wise old master
Once upon a time, there was a rich man who realised that the suffering of old age afflicted both the rich and poor alike. So he gave up his wealth and upper class status to live as a humble forest monk. He practised meditation and developed his mind by freeing himself from unwholesome thoughts. Soon he became very contented and happy. His peacefulness and friendliness gradually drew 500 followers to his side.
At that time, most monks usually looked pretty serious and stern. However, there was a peculiar monk, though dignified, who always wore a little smile. No matter what happened, he never lost this glimmer of inner happiness. He even had the broadest smile and the warmest laughter of all on happy occasions.
Monks, as well as others, would sometimes ask him why he was always so happy and smiling. "If I tell you, you wouldn't believe me! And if you think I lied, it would be a dishonour to my master," he chuckled. The wise old master knew the source of happiness that could not be erased from his face. And so, he made this happiest monk his right-hand assistant.
One year, after the rainy season, the old master and the 500 monks travelled to the city. When they were staying in the city during spring, the king permitted them to live in his pleasure garden.
The king was a good man who took his responsibilities as a ruler seriously. He tried to protect his people from danger, and increase their prosperity and welfare. Besides having to act as a mediator frequently between his own rival ministers of state, he also had to worry about hostile neighbouring kings from invading his country.
Sometimes his wife fought for his attention, and for the advancement of their sons. Occasionally, dissatisfied subjects would also come threatening to kill him! And, of course, he also had to worry constantly about the finances of the kingdom. In fact, he had so much to worry about, that he never had time to be happy!
As summer approached, he learned that the monks were preparing to return to the forest. Considering the health and welfare of the old leader, the king went to him and implored him to stay. "Your reverence, you are now very old and weak. What good does it do to go back to the forest? Why don't you send your followers back while you remain here?" he beseeched.
The chief monk then called his right-hand assistant to him and said: "I now appoint you as the deputy chief monk. All of you are to return to the forest. As I as too old and weak, I will remain here as kindly requested by the king." The 500 monks returned to their abode in the forest and the old master stayed behind.
The deputy chief monk continued his meditation practice diligently in the forest. He gained so much wisdom and peace that he became even happier than before. He missed his master and wanted to share his happiness with him. So he returned to the city for a visit.
When he arrived, he sat on a rug at the feet of the old monk. They didn't speak very much, but every so often the young monk would say: "What happiness! Oh what happiness!"
Shortly, the king came to visit. He paid his respects to the chief monk. Instead of showing proper respect by greeting the king, the young monk from the forest repeatedly uttered: "What happiness! Oh what happiness!" This disturbed the king greatly. "With all my worries, busy schedules and heavy responsibilities, I take time out for a visit and this monk here does not even respect me enough to recognise my existance. How insulting!" he thought. "Venerable sir, this monk must be indolent from overeating. That must be why he is so full of happiness. Does he lie around here so lazy all the time?" he asked the senior monk.
The chief monk replied: "Oh king, have patience and I will tell you the source of his happiness. Not many know it. He was once a king, just as rich and mighty as you! Then one day, he gave up his kingly life and was ordained a monk. Now he things his past happiness as a king was nothing compared to the joy and contentment he is presently experiencing!"
"He used to be surrounded by armed men to protect him. Now, sitting alone in the forest with nothing to fear, he has no need for guards. He has given up worrying about having to protect his wealth and kingdom. Free from worries, his meditation practice advances to such a stage of inner peace that he cannot help but say again and again: "What happiness! Oh what happiness!" His wisdom protects himself and other," continued the chief monk.
The king understood at once. Hearing the story of the happy monk made him feel at peace. He stayed for a while and received advice from both. Then he honoured them and returned to his palace.
Meanwhile, the happy monk, who had once been a king, paid respects to his master and returned to the forest. The old chief monk, on the other hand, lived till a ripe old age before passing away to be reborn in the heavenly realm.
The moral is: Non-attachment to wealth and power increases one's happiness.
The Bodhisattva: The wise old master
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The King With One Grey Hair
Ordination
Eons ago, the people had much longer lives than those today. They lived many hundreds of thousands of years. At that time, the Bodhisattva was born as a baby named Makhadeva.
For 84,000 years, he had lived as a child and crown prince. At the time of our story, he had been a young king for 80,000 years.
One day, Makhadeva told his royal barber: "If you see any grey hair on my head, promise you will tell me immediately!" Of course, the barber gave his word to do so.
4,000 years later, on a certain fateful day, the royal barber spotted one single grey hair on the king's head whole he was cutting his raven locks. "Oh my lord, I see one grey hair on your head," he said. "Pull it out and put it in my hand," instructed the king. The barber got his golden tweezers, plucked out the one grey hair, and placed it in the king's hand.
At that time when the incident happened, the king still had at least another 84,000 years to live before his time was up! But at that moment when he was looking at the one grey hair in his hand, he was terrified of dying. He felt like death was closing in on him, as if he was trapped in a burning house. He was so fearful and worried that sweat rolled down his back, and he shuddered.
:Oh foolish king, you have wasted your long life. You have made no attempt to rid yourself of your mental defilements like greed, envy, hatred, and ignorance. And now you have aged and death is closing in on you," thought King Makhadeva.
The more he thought, the more his body sweated and burned. Until finally, he decided once and for all to give up his kingship, be ordained as a monk, and to practise meditation. He also granted the income of a whole town to the barber, This amounted to 100,000 per year.
Then the king called his eldest son to him and said: "My son, I have just found a grey hair on my head. I have aged. As I have enjoyed the worldly pleasures of great wealth and power, when I die, I want to be reborn in a heavenly world and enjoy the pleasures of the gods. I have decided to live the life of a forest monk from today onwards. You must now take over the responsibility of ruling the country."
Hearing that the king wanted to become a monk, the royal ministers and the rest of the court rushed to see him. "Our lord, why do you suddenly want to be ordained?" They asked.
The king held up the single strand of grey hair in his hair and spoke: "My ministers and subjects, I learned a lesson from this strand of grey hair. I realised the three stages of life - youth, middle age and old age - are coming to an end. This first grey hair signifies the messenger of death sitting on my head, Grey hairs are like angels sent by the god of death. Therefore, it's time for me to be ordained."
The people wept at the news of his departure. On that very day, King Makhadeva gave up his royal life, went into the forest and was ordained as a monk. There, he practised what holy men call the 'Four Heavenly States of Mind'. The first is loving-kindness, or tender affection for all. The second is compassion, or having sympathy and pity for all those who suffer. The third is appreciative joy, or being happy when others are joyful and happy. Last is equanimity or experiencing a state of calmness at all times, even in the face of difficulties and troubles.
After 84,000 years of diligent practice and meditation as a monk, the Bodhisattva finally passed away. In his next life, he was reborn as a bring in a high heavenly world with lifespan of a million years!
The moral is: Even a long life is too short to waste.
The Bodhisattva: The king with one grey hair
Eons ago, the people had much longer lives than those today. They lived many hundreds of thousands of years. At that time, the Bodhisattva was born as a baby named Makhadeva.
For 84,000 years, he had lived as a child and crown prince. At the time of our story, he had been a young king for 80,000 years.
One day, Makhadeva told his royal barber: "If you see any grey hair on my head, promise you will tell me immediately!" Of course, the barber gave his word to do so.
4,000 years later, on a certain fateful day, the royal barber spotted one single grey hair on the king's head whole he was cutting his raven locks. "Oh my lord, I see one grey hair on your head," he said. "Pull it out and put it in my hand," instructed the king. The barber got his golden tweezers, plucked out the one grey hair, and placed it in the king's hand.
At that time when the incident happened, the king still had at least another 84,000 years to live before his time was up! But at that moment when he was looking at the one grey hair in his hand, he was terrified of dying. He felt like death was closing in on him, as if he was trapped in a burning house. He was so fearful and worried that sweat rolled down his back, and he shuddered.
:Oh foolish king, you have wasted your long life. You have made no attempt to rid yourself of your mental defilements like greed, envy, hatred, and ignorance. And now you have aged and death is closing in on you," thought King Makhadeva.
The more he thought, the more his body sweated and burned. Until finally, he decided once and for all to give up his kingship, be ordained as a monk, and to practise meditation. He also granted the income of a whole town to the barber, This amounted to 100,000 per year.
Then the king called his eldest son to him and said: "My son, I have just found a grey hair on my head. I have aged. As I have enjoyed the worldly pleasures of great wealth and power, when I die, I want to be reborn in a heavenly world and enjoy the pleasures of the gods. I have decided to live the life of a forest monk from today onwards. You must now take over the responsibility of ruling the country."
Hearing that the king wanted to become a monk, the royal ministers and the rest of the court rushed to see him. "Our lord, why do you suddenly want to be ordained?" They asked.
The king held up the single strand of grey hair in his hair and spoke: "My ministers and subjects, I learned a lesson from this strand of grey hair. I realised the three stages of life - youth, middle age and old age - are coming to an end. This first grey hair signifies the messenger of death sitting on my head, Grey hairs are like angels sent by the god of death. Therefore, it's time for me to be ordained."
The people wept at the news of his departure. On that very day, King Makhadeva gave up his royal life, went into the forest and was ordained as a monk. There, he practised what holy men call the 'Four Heavenly States of Mind'. The first is loving-kindness, or tender affection for all. The second is compassion, or having sympathy and pity for all those who suffer. The third is appreciative joy, or being happy when others are joyful and happy. Last is equanimity or experiencing a state of calmness at all times, even in the face of difficulties and troubles.
After 84,000 years of diligent practice and meditation as a monk, the Bodhisattva finally passed away. In his next life, he was reborn as a bring in a high heavenly world with lifespan of a million years!
The moral is: Even a long life is too short to waste.
The Bodhisattva: The king with one grey hair
The One-hundredth Prince
Obedience to a Wise Teacher
A long time ago, there was a king who had one hundred sons. His youngest son, Prince Gamani, was a very energetic, patient and kind chap.
All the princes had their own teachers. And even though Prince Gamani was on-hundredth in line to the throne, he was fortunate enough to have the best teacher. Someone with the most learning and was the wisest of them all. Nobody new this but the honorable teacher was actually the rebirth of a Bodhisattva. He was like a father to Prince Gamani, who adored, respected and obeyed him.
In those days, it was the custom of the country to send each educated prince to a different province, to develop it and to help the people. When Prince Gamani was old enough for this assignment, he went to his teacher and asked which province he should request. "Do not select any province. Instead, tell your father that if he sends you, his one-hundredth soc, out to a province, there will be no son remaining to serve him in his home city," advised his teacher. Prince Gamani did as he was told, and pleased his father with his kindness and loyalty.
Some time later, the prince again went to see his teacher. "How best can I serve my father and the people here in the capital city?" he asked. The wise teacher replied: "Ask the king to appoint you as the person-in-charge of fees and tax collection, and of benefits distribution to the people. If he agrees, always remember to carry out your duties honestly and fairly, with energy and kindness."
As with the first time, the prince obeyed his teacher's advice. Trusting his one-hundredth son, the king was glad to assign these duties to him. When the young prince carried out his duties - the difficult task of collecting fees and taxes, he was always gentle, fair and lawful. When he distributed food to the hungry, and other necessities to the needy, he was always generous, kind and sympathetic. Before long, the one-hundredth prince gained the respect and affection of all.
Eventually, the time came for the king to go. His ministers asked him, on his deathbed, who should be the next king. "All one hundred of my sons have a right to succeed me. The decision on who should be the next king lies with the citizens," he replied.
After he died, all the citizens agreed to make the one-hundredth prince their next ruler. The crowned him King Gamani the Righteous because of his wholesome character.
When the ninety-nine older brothers heard what had happened, they felt insulted. Filled with envy and rage, they prepared for war. They sent a message to King Gamani that reads: "We are all your elders. Neighbouring countries will laugh at us if our country is ruled by the one-hundredth prince. Either you give up the kingdom or we will take it by force!"
After he received this message, King Gamani took it with him to his wise old teacher, and sought his advice.
"Tell your brothers you refuse to wage war against them. Tell them you will not help them kill innocent people you have come to know and love. Tell them that, instead, you are dividing the king's wealth among all one hundred princes. Then send each one his portion," advised the wise teacher. Again, the king obeyed his teacher.
Meanwhile, the ninety-nine older princes had brought their ninety-nine small armies to surround the royal capital. When they receive the king's message and their small portions of the royal treasure, they held a meeting. They decided that each portion was so small it was almost meaningless. Therefore, they would not accept them.
But then they realised that, in the same way, if they fought with King Gamani and then with one another, the kingdom itself would be divided into many small worthless portions. When that happened, each small part of the once great kingdom would be weak in the face of any hostile country. So they sent back their portions of the royal treasure as offerings of peace, and accepted the rule of King Gamani.
The king was pleased, and invited his brothers to the palace to celebrate the peace and unity of the kingdom. He entertained them in the most perfect ways - with generosity, pleasant conversation, providing kind instructions for their benefit, and treating all with even-handed courtesy.
The king and the ninety-nine princes became close friends. Their ties were much stronger and closer than they had been as brothers. It was also a well-known fact that in all the surrounding countries that they strongly supported one another. Thus, no one dared threatened the kingdom or its people. After a few months, the ninety-nine brothers returned to their provinces.
In gratitude, King Gamani the Righteous invited his wise old teacher to live in the palace. He honoured him with great wealth and many gifts, and even help a celebration for his respected teacher, announcing to the full court: "I, the last-born among one-hundred worthy princes, owe all my success to the wise advice of my generous and understanding teacher. Likewise, all who follow their wise teachers' advice will earn prosperity and happiness."
The kingdom prospered under the remaining rule of the generous and just King Gamani the Righteous.
The moral is: One is rewarded a hundred times more for following the advice of a wise teacher.
The Bodhisattva: The best teacher
A long time ago, there was a king who had one hundred sons. His youngest son, Prince Gamani, was a very energetic, patient and kind chap.
All the princes had their own teachers. And even though Prince Gamani was on-hundredth in line to the throne, he was fortunate enough to have the best teacher. Someone with the most learning and was the wisest of them all. Nobody new this but the honorable teacher was actually the rebirth of a Bodhisattva. He was like a father to Prince Gamani, who adored, respected and obeyed him.
In those days, it was the custom of the country to send each educated prince to a different province, to develop it and to help the people. When Prince Gamani was old enough for this assignment, he went to his teacher and asked which province he should request. "Do not select any province. Instead, tell your father that if he sends you, his one-hundredth soc, out to a province, there will be no son remaining to serve him in his home city," advised his teacher. Prince Gamani did as he was told, and pleased his father with his kindness and loyalty.
Some time later, the prince again went to see his teacher. "How best can I serve my father and the people here in the capital city?" he asked. The wise teacher replied: "Ask the king to appoint you as the person-in-charge of fees and tax collection, and of benefits distribution to the people. If he agrees, always remember to carry out your duties honestly and fairly, with energy and kindness."
As with the first time, the prince obeyed his teacher's advice. Trusting his one-hundredth son, the king was glad to assign these duties to him. When the young prince carried out his duties - the difficult task of collecting fees and taxes, he was always gentle, fair and lawful. When he distributed food to the hungry, and other necessities to the needy, he was always generous, kind and sympathetic. Before long, the one-hundredth prince gained the respect and affection of all.
Eventually, the time came for the king to go. His ministers asked him, on his deathbed, who should be the next king. "All one hundred of my sons have a right to succeed me. The decision on who should be the next king lies with the citizens," he replied.
After he died, all the citizens agreed to make the one-hundredth prince their next ruler. The crowned him King Gamani the Righteous because of his wholesome character.
When the ninety-nine older brothers heard what had happened, they felt insulted. Filled with envy and rage, they prepared for war. They sent a message to King Gamani that reads: "We are all your elders. Neighbouring countries will laugh at us if our country is ruled by the one-hundredth prince. Either you give up the kingdom or we will take it by force!"
After he received this message, King Gamani took it with him to his wise old teacher, and sought his advice.
"Tell your brothers you refuse to wage war against them. Tell them you will not help them kill innocent people you have come to know and love. Tell them that, instead, you are dividing the king's wealth among all one hundred princes. Then send each one his portion," advised the wise teacher. Again, the king obeyed his teacher.
Meanwhile, the ninety-nine older princes had brought their ninety-nine small armies to surround the royal capital. When they receive the king's message and their small portions of the royal treasure, they held a meeting. They decided that each portion was so small it was almost meaningless. Therefore, they would not accept them.
But then they realised that, in the same way, if they fought with King Gamani and then with one another, the kingdom itself would be divided into many small worthless portions. When that happened, each small part of the once great kingdom would be weak in the face of any hostile country. So they sent back their portions of the royal treasure as offerings of peace, and accepted the rule of King Gamani.
The king was pleased, and invited his brothers to the palace to celebrate the peace and unity of the kingdom. He entertained them in the most perfect ways - with generosity, pleasant conversation, providing kind instructions for their benefit, and treating all with even-handed courtesy.
The king and the ninety-nine princes became close friends. Their ties were much stronger and closer than they had been as brothers. It was also a well-known fact that in all the surrounding countries that they strongly supported one another. Thus, no one dared threatened the kingdom or its people. After a few months, the ninety-nine brothers returned to their provinces.
In gratitude, King Gamani the Righteous invited his wise old teacher to live in the palace. He honoured him with great wealth and many gifts, and even help a celebration for his respected teacher, announcing to the full court: "I, the last-born among one-hundred worthy princes, owe all my success to the wise advice of my generous and understanding teacher. Likewise, all who follow their wise teachers' advice will earn prosperity and happiness."
The kingdom prospered under the remaining rule of the generous and just King Gamani the Righteous.
The moral is: One is rewarded a hundred times more for following the advice of a wise teacher.
The Bodhisattva: The best teacher
Friday, January 22, 2010
Little Prince No-father
The Power of Truth
A long time ago, the King of Benares went on a picnic in the forest. The beautiful flowers, trees and fruits made him very happy. Mesmerised by the beauty of nature, he went deep into the forest. Before long, he realised he was lost and separated from his companions.
Then he heard the sweet voice of a young woman singing. To avoid being stranded in the forest, the king followed the sound of the lovely voice. When he finally came upon the singer, he discovered that she was a beautiful fair young maiden who was collecting firewood. He fell in love with her immediately. They became very friendly and intimate, and the king even fathered her child.
Later, he explained how he had gotten lost in the forest, and convinced her that he was indeed the King if Benares.. She gave him directions back to his palace, and the king gave her his valuable signet ring. "If you give birth to a baby girl, sell this ring and use the money to bring her up well. If our child turns out to be a baby boy, bring him to me along with this ring for recognition," instructed the king. Saying that, he departed for Benares.
Months later, the fair maiden gave birth to a cute little baby boy. As she was a simple shy woman, she was afraid to take her little one to the fancy court in Benares, but she kept the king's signet ring.
Time passed and the baby grew up. When he played with the other children in the village, they teased and mistreated him. They even picked fights with him, all because his mother was not married. "No-father! No-father! Your name should be No-father!" they yelled at him.
Of course, all this made the little boy ashamed. He felt very hurt and sad. He would often run home crying to his mother. One day, he told her the nickname the other children gave him. "Don't be ashamed, my son. You are not just an ordinary little boy. Your father is the King of Benares!" said his mother gently.
The little boy was very surprised. "Do you have any proof of this?" he asked his mother. So she told him all about his father, his gift of a signet ring to her and his instructions that if she had a baby boy she should bring him to Benares, along with the ring as proof. "Let's go the, mother, let's go look for my father," said the little boy. She agreed, and the next day they set off for Benares.
When they arrived at the king's palace, the gatekeeper told the king that a woman and her little son wanted to see him. The mother and son were taken into the royal assembly hall, which was packed with the king's ministers and advisers. The woman reminded the king of their time together in the forest. Finally, she said: "Your Majesty, here is your son."
Ashamed in front of all the ladies and gentlemen of his court, the king denied even though deep in his heart he knew the woman spoke the truth. "He is not my son!" he said. Then the lovely young mother showed the signet ring as proof.
Again, the king fearing humiliation denied the truth. "This is not my ring!"
The poor woman thought: "I have no witness and no evidence to prove what I say. I have only my faith in the power of truth." So she replied to the king: "If I throw this little boy up in the air, and if he is truly your son, may he remain in the air without falling. If he is not your son, may he fall to the ground and die!"
Suddenly, she grabbed the boy by his foot and threw him up into the air. Lo and behold, the boy sat cross-legged position, suspended in mid-air, without falling. Everyone was astonished! Suspending in the air, the little boy spoke to the mighty king. "My lord, I am indeed your own flesh and blood. You take care of many people who are not related to you. You even keep and feed countless elephants, horses and other animals. And yet, you are not concerned about looking after and raising me, your own son. Please do take care of me and my mother."
The king was humbled by the truth of the little boy's powerful words. Overcoming his pride, the king held out his arms and said: "Come to me my son, and I will take good care of you."
Amazed by such a miracle, all the others in the court put out their arms. They too asked the levitating boy to come to them. But he floated directly in mid-air into his father's arms. With his son seated on his lap, the king announced that he would be the crown prince, and his mother the queen.
In this way, the king and his people learned the power of truth, and Benares became famous as a place of justice. When the king passed away, the grown-up crown prince wanted to show the people that all deserve respect, regardless of birth. He had himself crowned under the official name, "King No-father!" and went on to rule the kingdom in a generous and righteous was.
The moral is: The truth is always stronger than a lie.
The Bodhisattva: Little Prince No-father
A long time ago, the King of Benares went on a picnic in the forest. The beautiful flowers, trees and fruits made him very happy. Mesmerised by the beauty of nature, he went deep into the forest. Before long, he realised he was lost and separated from his companions.
Then he heard the sweet voice of a young woman singing. To avoid being stranded in the forest, the king followed the sound of the lovely voice. When he finally came upon the singer, he discovered that she was a beautiful fair young maiden who was collecting firewood. He fell in love with her immediately. They became very friendly and intimate, and the king even fathered her child.
Later, he explained how he had gotten lost in the forest, and convinced her that he was indeed the King if Benares.. She gave him directions back to his palace, and the king gave her his valuable signet ring. "If you give birth to a baby girl, sell this ring and use the money to bring her up well. If our child turns out to be a baby boy, bring him to me along with this ring for recognition," instructed the king. Saying that, he departed for Benares.
Months later, the fair maiden gave birth to a cute little baby boy. As she was a simple shy woman, she was afraid to take her little one to the fancy court in Benares, but she kept the king's signet ring.
Time passed and the baby grew up. When he played with the other children in the village, they teased and mistreated him. They even picked fights with him, all because his mother was not married. "No-father! No-father! Your name should be No-father!" they yelled at him.
Of course, all this made the little boy ashamed. He felt very hurt and sad. He would often run home crying to his mother. One day, he told her the nickname the other children gave him. "Don't be ashamed, my son. You are not just an ordinary little boy. Your father is the King of Benares!" said his mother gently.
The little boy was very surprised. "Do you have any proof of this?" he asked his mother. So she told him all about his father, his gift of a signet ring to her and his instructions that if she had a baby boy she should bring him to Benares, along with the ring as proof. "Let's go the, mother, let's go look for my father," said the little boy. She agreed, and the next day they set off for Benares.
When they arrived at the king's palace, the gatekeeper told the king that a woman and her little son wanted to see him. The mother and son were taken into the royal assembly hall, which was packed with the king's ministers and advisers. The woman reminded the king of their time together in the forest. Finally, she said: "Your Majesty, here is your son."
Ashamed in front of all the ladies and gentlemen of his court, the king denied even though deep in his heart he knew the woman spoke the truth. "He is not my son!" he said. Then the lovely young mother showed the signet ring as proof.
Again, the king fearing humiliation denied the truth. "This is not my ring!"
The poor woman thought: "I have no witness and no evidence to prove what I say. I have only my faith in the power of truth." So she replied to the king: "If I throw this little boy up in the air, and if he is truly your son, may he remain in the air without falling. If he is not your son, may he fall to the ground and die!"
Suddenly, she grabbed the boy by his foot and threw him up into the air. Lo and behold, the boy sat cross-legged position, suspended in mid-air, without falling. Everyone was astonished! Suspending in the air, the little boy spoke to the mighty king. "My lord, I am indeed your own flesh and blood. You take care of many people who are not related to you. You even keep and feed countless elephants, horses and other animals. And yet, you are not concerned about looking after and raising me, your own son. Please do take care of me and my mother."
The king was humbled by the truth of the little boy's powerful words. Overcoming his pride, the king held out his arms and said: "Come to me my son, and I will take good care of you."
Amazed by such a miracle, all the others in the court put out their arms. They too asked the levitating boy to come to them. But he floated directly in mid-air into his father's arms. With his son seated on his lap, the king announced that he would be the crown prince, and his mother the queen.
In this way, the king and his people learned the power of truth, and Benares became famous as a place of justice. When the king passed away, the grown-up crown prince wanted to show the people that all deserve respect, regardless of birth. He had himself crowned under the official name, "King No-father!" and went on to rule the kingdom in a generous and righteous was.
The moral is: The truth is always stronger than a lie.
The Bodhisattva: Little Prince No-father
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