作者：Western Lotus

117. The Story of the Partridge

| Western Lotus

117. The Story of the Partridge

When Buddha was living in Jetavana monastery, the Venerable Devadatta’s right hand disciple Kokālika caused a disruption among the monks. Because of that, the Buddha related this Jātaka story. The story of its cause is detailed in the thirteenth book in the Takkāriya-Jātaka [No. 481].

[During a certain spring retreat the two chief disciples of the Buddha, Sāriputta and Moggallāna, went to the monk called Kokālika and said, “With your help to us, and with our help to you, we can live together happily in this temple for this rainy season period of three months.” The two chief disciples said this so as to try to avoid being bothered by the public. Kokālika asked, “What is the happiness that you can gain because of me?” The two chief disciples said, “If you do not disclose to anyone that we are here, then we can live happily. That is the help you can give us. During these three months, we will teach you the discourses (sutta-s) and the philosophical and psychological analyses (abhidhamma) of the Buddha. This is how we can help you.”

Then the Venerable Kokālika prepared shelter for them. This was not known to anyone. At the end of the rainy season retreat, they requested Kokālika to visit the Buddha with them. On the way to seeing the Buddha, they came to a certain village. After the two chief disciples left the village, the Venerable Kokālika came back and said to the villagers, “You devotees are ignorant like animals. Our chief disciples were with me nearby for the last three months. And now, these two have left to go back to Sāvatthi.”

Hearing this, the villagers became very upset and taking many offerings chased after the two chief disciples. Meeting them, they begged pardon and said, “Bhante, we could not recognize you. Please pardon us and accept these offerings.” Then the chief disciples refused to accept the gifts and instructed the villagers even not to give them to Kokālika. The villagers invited the two chief disciples to come back again to the village. Kokālika thought, “The chief disciples did not accept these gifts, and they did not even allow me to accept them.” And he became angry with them.

The two chief disciples, in Sāvatthi with the Buddha for a short time, again left this time with their 500 disciples to go to the village where Kokālika lived. The villagers treated them with the four requisites of monks (food, clothing, shelter, and medicine). Those monks who went with the two chief disciples shared all the gifts given by the villagers with each other, and did not give any to Kokālika.

Because of this, Kokālika got angry and said, “Both Sāriputta and Moggallāna have bad motives. They did not accept the gifts given before by the villagers when they were here alone. Now they are accepting them when they are together with a retinue of 500 monks.” And he accused the two chief disciples in this way, with an evil mind.

However, hearing this the two chief disciples thought, “Kokālika acquires a great amount of demerit because of us. Therefore it is not good to stay here. So, let us go.” And they left the place along with their retinue.

Seeing this, the villagers started to cry and plead with them to stay. But they were firm in their decision. Meanwhile, a young monk spoke to the villagers and said, “Oh villagers, how can the two chief disciples stay here without the consent of Kokālika?”

The villagers got angry and went to Kokālika and requested, “Go, please, and invite the venerable two chief disciples to stay here and beg their pardon. If not, you must leave this village.” Then he became afraid of the villagers and requested the two chief disciples to stay. The two chief disciples said, “You, monk, do not go. You stay here. But we will not come back.”

Kokālika returned, but he could not stay in the village without the help of the villagers. He became very melancholy and taking his robes and books, left to see the Buddha who was in Jetavanārāma. He complained, “Your lordship, Sāriputta and Moggallāna have bad motives. They have gone over to earning gifts.” The Buddha said, “Kokālika, do not say so. They both are very highly virtuous and are endowed with good qualities.”

Then Kokālika said, “Sir, your chief disciples’ words are unwholesome. I know it. And they are not virtuous.” In this way, while Buddha was objecting to his saying so, he left.

Kokālika returned, but he could not stay in the village without the help of the villagers. He became very melancholy and taking his robes and books, left to see the Buddha who was in Jetavanārāma. He complained, “Your lordship, Sāriputta and Moggallāna have bad motives. They have gone over to earning gifts.” The Buddha said, “Kokālika, do not say so. They both are very highly virtuous and are endowed with good qualities.” Then Kokālika said, “Sir, your chief disciples’ words are unwholesome. I know it. And they are not virtuous.” In this way, while Buddha was objecting to his saying so, he left.

Within a short time, everywhere on his body there developed big boils which started to bleed and fester. He could not bear the pain, and screaming lay down near the gate of Jetavanārāma. His bad reputation spread everywhere, even up to the Brahmaloka.

This was seen by a certain higher deity (brahma) named Tudu who thought, “It is my duty now to go and advise Kokālika to beg pardon for his fault.” Staying in the sky, he said, “Kokālika, you have done a very bad deed. Go hurry up and beg pardon.” Then Kokālika asked, “Who are you, sir?” And Tudu said, “I am Tudu, your former master.” “What? You are a non-returner to this world? If so, how can you come from the Brahmaloka to this human world? No doubt, you are like a hungry ghost who comes to a heap of garbage.” Then the deity went back to his place saying, “If you speak so, then you look out for yourself.” And he left. And Kokālika died because of the same disease, and was born in a woeful state called the Hell of Paduma. The Sahāmpati Brahma deity saw this and informed the Buddha. On this occasion, Buddha said, “Kokālika not only in this life, but also in the past, faced difficulties because of his words.”]

Buddha stated that the monk Mahā-Kokālika, by speaking too much, faced death even in the past. The monks requested him to disclose the story. The Buddha explained it thus:

At one time, when a king called Brahmadatta reigned in Benares, the Enlightenment Being was born in a well-known Brahmin family of Benares. After growing up, he became ordained as a Rsi. He became the head of many ascetics and lived in a Himalayan forest.

Then, a certain ascetic who was malnourished, taking an axe, went into the forest to cut firewood so as to warm the hermitage.

Another ascetic came to where he was, and told him, “Cut this, cut this, and cut that.” In this way, he was ordering the first ascetic how to cut the wood. The first ascetic got angry and said, “Are you my teacher, that you are teaching me to cut firewood?” He picked up his sharp axe and he slashed him, killing him.

The Enlightenment Being, hearing the news, made all necessary rites and rituals for the dead ascetic. Meanwhile, near the hermitage where the Enlightenment Being was living, there was a certain partridge that was crying loudly on a fruit tree. A partridge hunter, hearing its cries, caught him and killed him. The Enlightenment Being, not hearing its cries for a few days, asked, “What happened to that partridge that cried up until a few days ago?” The other ascetics told him what happened. On hearing this, the Enlightenment Being compared the stories of the dead ascetic and the partridge. Both clamored uselessly. And he advised his fellow ascetics to meditate. He himself meditated on the fourfold sublime statuses of the mind, and gained rapturous ecstasies [jhāna-s]. Without failing to maintain those achievements, he was born among the Brahma beings.

Buddha finished this story saying, “At that time, the ascetic who got slashed in the head by the axe was the elder Kokālika. The Rsi who became the head of the group of ascetics was myself, the Buddha.”

The moral: “Useless speech brings danger.”

Link:

#Buddhisttalesforyoungandold #Buddhiststories #storiesforkids #moralstories #Buddha #Jatakastories #PansiyaPanasJataka #JatakaTalesofSakyamuniBuddha #JatakaTales

Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang buddha III

| Western Lotus

Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III utilizes contemporary language to impart the profound teachings of the Dharma in a manner that is both accessible and deeply meaningful. Th expositions are clear, comprehensive, insightful, and at times imbued with a subtle sense of humor if you have not yet listened respectfully to the Dharma expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

At Hua Zang Si, in the Sakyamuni Buddha Hall, numerous prerecorded Dharma discourses are reverently displayed on an altar table before the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. These Dharma CDs symbolize correct and authentic teachings within this sacred temple. Several Dharma discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III have been transcribed and available online. Notably, a complete transcription of The Great Dharma of Zen Practice can be accessed through Announcement No. 40 on the official website of The Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

Meditation, often a gateway through which many first encounter Buddhism, is addressed in this Dharma. It serves as a guiding light for sentient beings, leading them into the study and cultivation of the mind and conduct in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings.

Dharma of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Source 1: https://huazangsi.org/en/h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii-imparting-buddha-dharma/

Source 2: https://www.hhdcb3office.org/index.html

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2025/04/22/dharma-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #H.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII #CorrectDharma#BuddhaDharma #OfficeofH.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII#DharmaofH.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII#HuaZangSi

116. The Story of Disregarded Advice

| Western Lotus

116. The Story of Disregarded Advice

Once the omniscient one was living in Jetavana monastery. He disclosed this Jātaka story regarding a certain monk who disregarded counsel. This Jātaka story comes in detail in the Gijjha-Jātaka in the ninth book [No. 427].

[A monk was ordained, and after his ordination he became disregardful of his teacher’s advice. He did not follow the precepts and religious practices properly. The elderly monks advised him on many things. He thought, “Why should I be obedient to these elders? I know what to do and what to say.” And he became more and more disrespectful to the elder monks. This was heard by the Buddha, and the Buddha summoned him and said, “Oh monk, you even in the past became disobedient and destroyed your life.”]

Addressing the monks, the omniscient one said, “Oh monks, this monk not only disregarded counsel in this life, but also did so in the past.” And then the monks in the audience requested the Buddha to express the hidden past. The Buddha then spoke this story:

At one time when King Brahmadatta ruled Benares, the Enlightenment Being was born in a family of gymnasts. When he became old enough, he learned how to do somersaults. With his master, he went from village to village displaying gymnastics. Once they came to a certain village and prepared to display their skills. While they were preparing the show, the master set up five javelins instead of four as usual. The pupil asked, “Master, why did you set up five javelins instead of four. It is dangerous to have five. Take one javelin out.” Then the master, as he was intoxicated, said, “Do you not understand my skills?” Saying so, he did somersaults over the javelins. Over the first four javelins, he jumped safely. But he was not skilled enough to clear the fifth javelin, and impaled himself on it, and died.

The student became very sad, and said, “My master died without listening to my advice.” He removed him from the javelin, and cremated him. Buddha disclosed this story, comparing the past story to the present.

“The gymnast who disregarded advice was the monk in the present. And I who am the Buddha today was born his student at that time.”

The moral: “Good advice deserves everyone’s attention.”

116. The Story of Disregarded Advice

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2025/04/15/116-the-story-of-disregarded-advice/

#Buddhisttalesforyoungandold #Buddhiststories #storiesforkids #moralstories #Buddha #Jatakastories #PansiyaPanasJataka #JatakaTalesofSakyamuniBuddha #JatakaTales

Life Stories of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

| Western Lotus

Life Stories of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

In the last post, I mentioned the treasured book H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma. It is a comprehensive and extensive read, which can feel overwhelming to some. I was recently asked if there is an easier-to-read book that also provides insight into the Buddha’s life and teachings.

In fact, on page 139 of A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma, under Category 2: The Virtue of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and Holy Occurrences, you’ll find inspiring stories and testimonies from disciples. Many readers may find these accounts both engaging and easy to read, making them a great starting point for those yearning to learn more. 

I sure can introduce another book that offers a glimpse into the Buddha’s daily life—Revealing the Truth. The paper copies of the book are available at Buddhist temples or can be purchased online at Amazon. It chronicles the personal experiences of a nun over 12 years (2001–2013) at the Buddha’s home base. As the cover describes, it explores moments of disappointment, sadness, pain, and ultimately, awakening.

Below please find more information from Great River Publishers.

A Buddhist Nun Tells the Extraordinary Story of Her Practice in America

Upon graduating law school, Shi Zheng Hui decided she could better penetrate and accomplish her life by entering a monastery in Taiwan as a Buddhist nun. In 2001, she was given a rare opportunity to study in America at the Temple and home base of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III where she received Buddhist training of the highest order.  Her book, Revealing the Truth tells the story of her extraordinary experiences there, including being witness to miraculous manifestations during Holy Assemblies and on other occasions.  Her story exemplifies the sometimes painful and sometimes exultant life of a deeply committed Buddhist cultivating herself through effort and self-reflection to emulate the actions, speech and thoughts of a Bodhisattva (a selfless being who lives to help others eliminate suffering and become enlightened.)  After years of cultivation and refinement, Zheng Hui proves her worthiness to receive a very great Dharma practice and is transmitted the Xian Liang Great Perfection Dharma through which she actually accomplishes the rainbow body state.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, by virtue of His unprecedented accomplishments, has been recognized to be the incarnation of the Ancient Buddha by scores of high-level masters from Tibet and elsewhere. On September 10, 2008, the US House of Representatives confirmed these recognitions in H. Res. 1423. Prior to this recognition in 2008, His Holiness was known as the Great Dharma King Yangwo Wan Ko Yeshe Norbu and also as Master Wan Ko Yee.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is also famous in Asian Art circles for His paintings and sculptures.  A recent painting, Ink Lotus, was sold by the Gianguan Auction House on March 11, 2015 for over 16 million dollars. One of the His Holiness’s widely viewed sculptures contains a mysterious mist that miraculously occupies a cavernous carving in a sculpted boulder.  This otherworldly sculpture has been exhibited at the US Capitol’s Rayburn building in October 2003 and in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California.

Revealing the Truth is now in English translation from the original Mandarin language edition published in Taiwan in 2013.

Nectar Bestowed By Amitabha Buddha during a Holy Buddha-dharma Assembly in 2000

(Above) Genuine precious nectar bestowed by Amitabha Buddha during a Holy Buddha-dharma Assembly in California. From Revealing The Truth by Shi Zheng Hui

(Above) San Francisco June 21, 2008.  The packed crowd under this holy tree at Hua Zang Si was happily reaching for the fragrant nectar descending from empty space. From Revealing The Truth by Shi Zheng Hui.

Ink Lotus by H.H. Dorje Chang III. Sold by Gianguan Auctions on March 11, 2015 for $16,500,000. Image courtesy of Gianguan Auctions.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

With its unexpected twists and turns and the author’s delightful sense of humor, this book presents personal stories that you will not find elsewhere. I am truly grateful for its existence, as it allows us to gain a more intimate understanding of a revered public figure such as the Buddha.

Pick up a copy and embark on a journey of spiritual discovery alongside Dharma Master Zheng Hui.

Life Stories of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2025/04/08/life-stories-of-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

#DorjeChangBuddha #H.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII #RevealingtheTruth #ShiZhengHui #DharmaofH.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII #HuaZangSi #InkLotus

In Search of a Great Master to Learn from – H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

| Western Lotus

In Search of a Great Master to Learn from – H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

California is home to numerous Buddhist temples, each offering a distinct school of teaching to inspire and guide practitioners. Among them, Hua Zang Si, a unique Buddhist temple in San Francisco, particularly captured my attention as I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Hua Zang Si is dedicated to the authentic teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha and H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and provides pre-recorded oral teaching expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III for visitors to listen to. However, other than Sakyamuni Buddha—historically known as Prince Siddhartha—who is this Buddha, H. H. Dorje Chang Buddha III?

Dorje Chang Buddha is, in fact, a primordial Buddha and the embodiment of the absolute truth of the universe, which itself has no form. As stated on page 17 of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma:

“In the entire universe, Dorje Chang Buddha is the first Buddha with form and is the highest Buddha. That is, the highest leader of Buddhism in the entire universe came into being in the form of Dorje Chang Buddha. It was Dorje Chang Buddha who began transmitting dharma and saving living beings in the dharmadhatu. As a result, Buddhism was born and the Buddha-dharma began spreading.”

This extensive text of book provides a detailed account of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, documenting the profound realization and supreme achievements of the true Buddha-dharma as demonstrated by the highest Buddha in the world.

Numerous awe-inspiring accounts of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, a revered Buddhist master—indeed, the highest Buddhist master—can be found in various publications and online sources. A documented example is the Buddha’s ability to predict the arrival of a flock of birds and accurately describe their actions upon arrival—an extraordinary and precise demonstration of insight.

This remarkable event, known as The Holy Feat, occurred in Mexico in 2014 and was witnessed firsthand by numerous Buddhist disciples, all of whom provided sworn testimonies under their own names, attesting to the authenticity of what they observed.

Attending a single temple, such as Hua Zang Si in San Francisco, which propagates complete Buddhism of all Buddhas will enable you to learn diverse practices, such as Zen meditation, the chanting of Buddhas’ and Bodhisattvas’ names, and Tibetan Dharma practices—these latter being transmitted only in accordance with an individual’s specific karmic affinity with the yidam and their karmic conditions at the time. Additionally, sutra chanting – a focus on Mahayana Buddhism and other Buddhist practices are available, ensuring a holistic approach to your spiritual cultivation.

How can I learn Buddhism directly from the Buddha? The monastics at Hua Zang Si recommend attending the temple or visiting Dharma-Listening Session centers worldwide to respectfully listen to the prerecorded Dharma teachings.

The temple offers additional religious services, including chanting and blessing services, group study meetings, support groups, Fish Release (field trips to release and save lives), and Buddhist storytime. The temple also hosts larger Dharma assemblies as part of its annual schedule. The Buddhist practice can be a lot of fun!

As a Buddhist disciple following the teachings of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, I have found solace in the voice and wisdom of the Buddha. Through these teachings, I have learned to seek answers, clarity, wisdom, and strength to navigate both the joys and challenges of life.

I hope you, too, will find confidence in searching for a true, holy, and virtuous Buddhist master—one whom you can rely on not only in this lifetime but all the way until you attain enlightenment and become a Buddha yourself. This attainment is guaranteed by all Buddhas as long as we diligently cultivate ourselves with sincerity and perseverance.

In Search of a Great Master to Learn from – H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2025/04/01/in-search-of-a-great-buddhist-master-to-learn-from-h-h-dorje-chang-buddha-iii/

#DorjeChangBuddha #H.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII #PrinceSiddharta #DharmaofDorjeChangBuddhaIII #HolyFeat #FishRelease #TheTreasureBook #HuaZangSi

The Significance of Qingming Festival in Buddhist Practice

| Western Lotus

The Significance of Qingming Festival in Buddhist Practice

The Qingming Festival, observed this year on April 4, 2025, is a traditional Asian holiday during which individuals visit cemeteries or columbariums to honor and pay respects to their ancestors. This is a special time for families to express their deep gratitude and reverence for their forebears.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has pointed out that gratitude is a fundamental principle in Buddhism. One of the most meaningful ways to cultivate gratitude and compassion as shown by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III is by beginning with those closest to us—our parents and other family members. By guiding them toward the practice of Buddhism, we help them attain liberation, the highest state of happiness one can wish for their loved ones.

A profound example of filial devotion and sincere wishes for one’s parents in their future lives can be found in the many stories of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, who devoted Himself to rescuing His mother from the suffering of the hell realm. These accounts serve as reminders of compassion and devotion, inspiring practitioners to cultivate virtue and pursue the path of liberation for the benefit of their loved ones.

Find a temple and pray for your ancestors and families and all. To honor this tradition, there will be a Qingming Beseeching Blessings Dharma Assembly at Hua Zang Si this Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Though our loved ones may have departed, our hearts remain connected to them. Let us come together in remembrance, gratitude, and devotion.

The Significance of Qingming Festival in Buddhist Practice

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2025/04/01/the-significance-of-qingming-festival-in-buddhist-practice/

#DorjeChangBuddhaIII #H.H.DorjeChangBuddhaIII #CorrectDharma #BuddhaDharma #HuaZangSi #QingmingFestival #DorjeChangBuddha #Compassion #Gratitude #KsitigarbhaBodhisattva #DharmaAssembly

115. The Story of a Bird (The Story of a Bird That Warned Others)

| Western Lotus

115. The Story of a Bird (The Story of a Bird That Warned Others)

At one time the all-knower was living in Sāvatthi. This story was spoken about a certain housewife who was ordained among the sisters and who was too fond of food. Once she went collecting alms on a certain street, and there she was well entertained by the devoted people who offered her the daintiest food. She thought, “Let no other nun come to collect alms in this street. If such were to happen, I might miss these well prepared entertainments.” Therefore she thought further, “I must prevent other nuns from coming to this street.” Thinking so, she returned to the nunnery and told the other nuns, “On such-and-such a street there are elephants, horses, biting dogs, and other harmful animals. It is not good for anyone to go there.” The other nuns who heard this believed what she said as the truth. They completely kept away from going to that street. They even did not want to look at that place.

Then, only that nun went to that street for alms. One day she went there to a house for alms. While she was going toward the house, a certain ram ran after her and attacked her. Her thighbone was broken. The people who were in the vicinity came about her and set her thighbone with a bandage. They put her on a stretcher and took her to the nunnery.

This news was spread among the monks and nuns in the temple. On that occasion, when the Buddha came to the preaching hall in the evening and sat on the prepared platform, he asked the monks, “Oh monks, what were you talking about before I came here?” They said, “Venerable sir, we were discussing about the nun who broke her thighbone in the street.” And they related the story. The Buddha said, “Not only in this life by warning others falsely did she have to face the problem of a broken bone, but also in the past she faced death.” And then the disciples invited him to disclose the past story.

Buddha said:

Long ago in Benares when a king called Brahmadatta ruled, the Enlightenment Being was born as a king of birds. In his flock of birds, one female bird got plenty of food. And while she was eating this food, one day she thought, “If other birds come to this location, I will lose this plentiful fare. It is better not to let them come.” Thinking this way, she went back to the flock and said, “That road is packed with lots of bullocks which pull chariots, and with many other troublesome animals. It is not good to go there as it is dangerous.”

Hearing this, other birds never wanted to go there.

As she was wandering as was her wont in that location by herself, a fast chariot came up behind her. She turned her neck and saw the chariot coming up behind, but neglected to get out of the way as she was greedily eating food and thought the chariot was far off. Unfortunately, when the chariot came near her, she could not fly off. She was cut into two pieces and died. The Enlightenment Being while flying overhead in the sky, asked the other birds, “Where is that female bird who was warning others?” And they saw her dead on the road. The Enlightenment Being said, “Look at her. She died being enslaved to her own craving. Because of that, she is dead in vain.” They went away, leaving her body behind.

The female bird at that time that was warning others was the present nun. And the king of the birds at that time was I who became the enlightened one.

The moral: “It is not good to be greedy.”

Further,

“False admonitions to others have a way of befalling oneself.”

115. The Story of a Bird (The Story of a Bird That Warned Others)

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2025/03/25/115-the-story-of-a-bird-the-story-of-a-bird-that-warned-others/

#Buddhisttalesforyoungandold #Buddhiststories #storiesforkids #moralstories #Buddha #Jatakastories #PansiyaPanasJataka #JatakaTalesofSakyamuniBuddha #JatakaTales

114. The Story of a Proper Thinking Fish

| Western Lotus

114. The Story of a Proper Thinking Fish

At one time when Buddha was living at Jetavana monastery the Buddha disclosed this story about two old monks. These two old monks went to observe rainy season retreat in a remote village. Their donors there offered them all necessary requisites as much as they wanted. The two monks enjoyed the three months of the rainy season retreat. As it was so comfortable there, they stayed there continuously without coming to see the Buddha through the next rainy season as well. And after that they left for the city of Sāvatthi to see the Buddha.

Upon seeing these two monks, the other monks who were friends of theirs questioned, “Why did you venerable ones delay in coming to see the Buddha?” They said, “It was very good where we were. It was comfortable because everything was available to us there. So we were there for a second rainy season also.”

On that day, all the elderly monks assembled to listen to the Buddha’s evening Dhamma sermon were talking about this matter regarding the failure of these monks in coming to see the Buddha.

When the Buddha came in and sat on his prepared seat, addressing the monks, he asked, “Oh monks, what were you talking about before I came in?” And the monks said, “Venerable sir, we were talking about those two old monks and their laziness to fulfill their monks’ duties after the termination of the rainy season retreat.”

Then the Buddha said, “Monks, not only today, but also formerly they both were lazy.” And then the monks invited him to disclose the story of old about these two monks’ laziness. The Buddha disclosed the following:

In an ancient time, there was a king called Brahmadatta ruling Benares. At that time, upstream in the river there were three fish known as Thinking-Too-Much, Thinking-Little, and Proper-Thinking. They were living close to a village where people lived. One day Proper-Thinking said, “We live close to people. It is dangerous to live so close to them. Therefore, let us go somewhere else.” The other two fish said, as they were greedy and liked eating the plentiful food that was upstream, craving it, “Let us go today or tomorrow.” And saying so, they postponed their departure. They spent over three months without leaving.

One day fishermen came and spread their nets across the river. The two fish, Thinking-Too-Much and Thinking-Little, carelessly swimming ahead did not smell the net. And they got trapped in it. Proper-Thinking, swimming behind, smelled the net and went through the far side. He did not get trapped in it. Seeing the other two foolish fish, he thought, “They did not listen to me. Not listening to me, but instead going boldly and greedily, they got trapped in the net. It is my duty to save them.” Thinking this, he performed a trick by going out of one side of the net and into the other side, splashing. The fishermen thought, as big fish were trapped in the net, “No doubt the net has been torn as there were many big fish trapped in it.” And they hauled in the net by one side, and took it up. When they took it up, these two fish easily escaped. All three were saved.

The Buddha, connecting this old story to the present incident, explained the disadvantages of craving. He preached, expressing the four noble truths. Listening to this particular Dhamma sermon of the Buddha, these two old monks attained the stream entrance state of mind, which is endowed with a thousand different ways of understanding the law, becoming Sotāpanna-s.

“The two fish, Thinking-Too-Much and Thinking-Little, were these two monks at that time. And the Proper-Thinking fish was I who have become the Buddha today.”

The moral: “Proper thinking leads you to success and happiness. Procrastination due to greed leads to ruin.”

114. The Story of a Proper Thinking Fish

Link: https://hhdorjechangbuddhaiiiinfo.com/2025/03/18/114-the-story-of-a-proper-thinking-fish/

#Buddhisttalesforyoungandold #Buddhiststories #storiesforkids #moralstories #Buddha #Jatakastories #PansiyaPanasJataka

113. The Story of the Jackal

| Western Lotus

113. The Story of the Jackal

This story was delivered by the Buddha when he was in VeÀuvanārāma monastery in the city of Rājagaha about 500 newly ordained monks who were led astray by the elder Devadatta. They lived making a monastery on the bank of the river Gayāsīsa. Devadatta was declaring that Buddha did not do the proper discipline. Saying so, he lived a separate life with the 500 monks.

One day in the evening the monks were discussing about Devadatta’s hypocritical life. While they were discussing this, Buddha came to the preaching hall, sat on the Buddha-seat and asked, “Oh monks, what were you talking about before I came here?” They said, “Sir, we were talking about Devadatta’s creation of schism.” The Buddha said, “Not only today, even in the past he was a liar.” Then the monks asked the Buddha to disclose the previous story. Buddha declared the past story:

Once in the past when king Brahmadatta was touring Benares, there was a New Year’s Day festival declared in the city. People offered food items such as toddy, meat and the like food varieties as sacrifice to the deities everywhere in the street. On the very same night there came a certain jackal into the city, smelling the food items. He greedily ate as much as he could. As he was intoxicated, he lay down on the side of a road and could not leave before dawn. When dawn arrived, he thought, “At this time it is not good to go.” He hid by the side of a small bush. While he was looking at the road, he saw a solitary Brahmin, and thought, “Brahmins are very greedy. I want to deceive this Brahmin and leave this place under his protection.” He came to the Brahmin and said, “Friend, if you can take me out of this city, I can show you where 200 gold coins are hidden.” The Brahmin thought, “The jackal is trustworthy.” He covered the jackal with his upper cloth, took him under his armpit and went out from the city. He said to the jackal, “Show me the wealth.” The jackal said, “Go a little farther, and I’ll show you.” And he took him to a cemetery and said, “Here is the wealth. Put me down and spread your upper shawl on the ground.” He said, “Dig under that tree.” While the Brahmin was digging under the tree, the jackal defecated and urinated in the middle and in each of the four corners of the shawl, and ran away. Then while he was digging the ground, the tree deity came out from this tree and said, “Oh foolish Brahmin, what you have done is trust a jackal who has deceived you. That jackal had not even 200 seashells. By trusting him, what you have gained is the soiling of your cloth. Foolish Brahmin, go, have a bath and wash your cloth, and do your own religious works.” The Brahmin did this, going back home.

The jackal at that time was Devadatta, and the tree deity was I, the Buddha.

The moral: “Never trust a liar.”

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