The Illustrated History of Buddhism

20. The Buddha taming the dragon in the fire-shed with his supernatural power

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="782" width="607"><tbody><tr height="345"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="345" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="345" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="345" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="279"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="279" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]After sending forth the Arahants to preach, the Blessed One went to Uruvela to convert a thousand hermits headed by the three Kassapa brothers known as Uruvela Kassapa, Nadi Kassapa and Gaya Kassapa. The Buddha tamed the King of the Dragons in a fire-shed by using a variety of his supernatural powers. The thousand hermits became monks and with this retinue, the Blessed One proceeded to Gayasisa. On arrival there he preached to them again and they all became arahants.

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The Buddha went from there to Rajagaha accompained by those monks and dwelt in the Toddy Palm Grove. King Bimbisara went there with a large following of 120,000 persons to pay his respects to the Buddha. As the ascetic Kassapa was held in high esteem by his people, he was at a loss to understand whether the Buddha was a disciple of Kassapa or the latter was a disciple of the former. The Venerable Kassapa knew this and placing his head upon the Buddha's feet acknowledged the Buddha's superiority, saying, "My teacher, Lord, is the Lord, I am the disciple" repeatedly.[/FONT]
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21. Conversion of Sariputta and Moggallana

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="853" width="607"><tbody><tr height="393"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="393" valign="top" width="590"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="393" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="393" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="311"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="311" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Sariputta and Moggallana were the two most distinguished of the Buddha's disciples and were well-known as his two chief disciples. Before they met the Blessed One they were leading the religious life under Sanjaya was wandering ascetics in search of truth. One day Sariputta saw the Venerable Assaji going round Rajagaha early in the morning for alms, with decorous walk and perfect deportment. He thought, "Surely this is one of the monks who are arahants, or who have entered on the path of arahantship", and followed in the wake of this monk.

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]When the Venerable Assaji had taken his meal, Sariputta drew near and spoke to him as follows:- "Who, brother, is your teacher and whose doctrine do you approve?" The Venerable Assaji replied, "The Blessed One, a great Sakayaputta monk, is my teacher. The Doctrine proclaimed by the Blessed One, I approve. It shows suffering, cause of suffering, cessation of suffering and the path leading to the cessation of suffering". On hearing this exposition of the Doctrine, Sariputta was established in the first holy stage of the Ariyan Path. Then Sariputta went to tell his friend the good news and Moggallana was also established in the first holy stage of the Ariyan Path. Both of them with a large following of their disciples became monks under the Doctrine and Discipline of the Buddha.

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22. King Bimbisara sending forth military officers to disturbed areas

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="771" width="607"><tbody><tr height="368"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="368" valign="top" width="590"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="368" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="368" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="240"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="240" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]King Bimbisara, although he was established in the first holy stage of the Aryan Path, had to depend chiefly upon his army for ruling his kingdom. At one time, there was an armed rising in the frontier areas and the people there had to run away elsewhere leaving their village, many of which were destroyed. This news made the King very sad and sorry for the people of those parts. He therefore summoned the best military officers and ordered them to go out to the disturbed areas with these words of command:-

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]"My officers, go ye to areas where disturbances have taken place and people have fled from the village, and restore law and order and give people protection so that they can live safely in their villages and work their fields again under normal conditions". He gave orders not to kill the insurgents but to protect the inhabitants. The army sallied forth and, after stamping out the disturbances by peaceful means as commanded by the King, came back safely to the capital.[/FONT]
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23. The Buddha visited Kapilavatthu at the request of Kaludayi Thera

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="756" width="607"><tbody><tr height="352"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="590"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="240"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="240" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]King Suddhodana heard that the Buddha was dwelling at the Veluvana Monastery offered by King Bimbisara of Rajagaha. He wanted to see Him. Nine courtiers, each with a large following, were sent on nine successive occasions to invite the Buddha to Kapilavatthu. All nine attained Arahantship and no reply was received. The King finally despatched Kaludayi. He went on condition that he would be allowed to enter the Order.

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Kaludayi also became an Arahant and entered the Order. He then requested the Buddha to visit the city of Kapilavatthu. The Buddha proceeded there with a following of twenty thousand Arahants covering a distance of 60 yojanas at the rate of one yojana a day. It took him fully two months to do the journey. Kaludayi Thera traveled by air everyday by superhuman power and kept the Buddha's father, Suddhodana, informed of the progress of the march. And on the day of the Buddha's arrival, a great welcome awaited Him.[/FONT]
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24. Twin miracle performed by the Buddha before his kinsmen and a shower of rain fell

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="770" width="603"><tbody><tr height="48"><td colspan="2" xpos="16" align="left" height="48" valign="top" width="586"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="579"><tbody><tr><td><center>[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]...wetting only those who wished to be wet[/FONT]</center> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="48" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="48" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="48"> <td rowspan="2" xpos="16" align="left" height="608" valign="top" width="336"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="48" width="250">
</td> <td height="48" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="48" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="560"> <td xpos="352" align="left" height="560" valign="top" width="250"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="235"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Members of the Sakya clan were very proud, and when the Buddha arrived at Kapilavatthu, they let only the younger kinsmen pay their respects to the Blessed One while the order folk sat down without making obeisance to Him. The Blessed One, who saw this behaviour, rose in the air and walked over the heads of the elders. He performed the miracle of the pairs, in which flames of fire came from the upper part of His body and streams of water from the lower part. Then the process was reversed. Next fire came out from the right side of His body and water from the left, and so on.

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]He thus showed his superhuman power and emitted six resplendent rays of light from his body, at which they marveled. Suddhodana himself was so deeply moved by the sight that he bowed his head and touched it with the feet of the Blessed One in salutation. At this, all the other members of the clan could not help paying homage to the Blessed One. The sky then became overcast with clouds and poured down a shower of rain by which only those who wished to be wet became wet and others. They marveled at this miracle and showed greater respect towards the Buddha.[/FONT]
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25. Yasodhara reverencing the Buddha by placing her head upon his feet

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="720" width="605"><tbody><tr height="352"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="588"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="208"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="208" valign="top" width="588"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The day after his arrival at Kapilavatthu the Buddha went on His alms round. King Suddhodana came and conducted Him to the place and served Him with food. After the meal, there was great excitement in the palace and all but Princess Yasodhara came to pay their reverence to the Buddha. Yasodhara thought, "Certainly if there is any virtue in me, the Noble Lord Himself will come to my presence. The will I reverence Him as much as I like".

The Buddha saw that if He did not visit her, Yasodhara would break her heart with grief. So He handed His bowl to the King, and accompanied by His two chief disciples, entered the chamber of Yasodhara and sat on the prepared seat, saying, "Let the King's daughter reverence as she likes". Swiftly she came, clasped His ankles, and placing her head on His feet, reverenced Him as she like.[/FONT]
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26. Rahula following the Buddha and asking for inheritance

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="725" width="610"><tbody><tr height="16"><td rowspan="3" height="724" width="16">
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</td> <td height="16" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="16" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="368"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="368" valign="top" width="593"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="368" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="368" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="192"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="192" valign="top" width="593"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]While the Buddha was having his meal at his father's palace, Princes Yasodhara dressed up Rahula properly with ornaments and pointing to the Buddha said,"Behold, son that great ascetic of majestic appearance in the midst of twenty thousand monks. He is your father. The vases of god belonging to Him have disappeared since the day he retired from home to homelessness. Go by ask for your inheritance so that you may become a Universal presence and said,"O, father, your shadow is cool and pleasant. I wish to become a Universal Monarch. Please give me my inheritance". He asked for his inheritance, uttering much else that was becoming. He followed the Buddha when he went back to the monastery asking for inheritance. But the Blessed One made him owner of an inheritance transcending this world, by ordaining him as a samanera (novice) of the Holy Order.[/FONT]
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27. Ordination of six princes of the Sakya Clan

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="742" width="609"><tbody><tr height="16"><td rowspan="3" height="741" width="16">
</td> <td height="16" width="592">
</td> <td height="16" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="16" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="368"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="368" valign="top" width="592"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="368" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="368" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="208"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="208" valign="top" width="592"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]After the attainment of Supreme Buddhaship by the Great Being, Nanda and many other princes of the Sakya clan became monks under the discipline of the Blessed One. It therefore appeared to those households of the same clan, with two or three sons in each family, that they would be failing in their duty if none came forth to be ordained. The two brothers Mahanama and Anuruddha discussed this subject, and Anuruddha agreed to be ordained. Bhaddiya, who was then a ruling monarch, happened to be an intimate friend of Anuruddha. Anuruddha therfore went to King Bhaddiya and persuaded him to become a monk along with him, and Bhaddiya agreed. Accordingly, seven of them including Anada, Bhagu, Kimila, Devadatta and Upali, the barber, came to the Buddha. There they made their request that Upali be admited first, in order that their Sakya pride might be humbled through having their former attendant as their senior. They were then ordained accordingly.[/FONT]
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28. The Buddha welcoming the person who had retired from the world

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="790" width="607"><tbody><tr height="48"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="48" valign="top" width="590"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="579"><tbody><tr><td><center>[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]...and was to become the venerable Mahakassapa[/FONT]</center> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="48" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="48" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="384"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="384" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="384" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="384" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="240"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="240" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Pippali was destined to become Venerable Mahakassapa who would protect the dispensation of the Dhamma after His death. He was in charge of 14 villages of workmen and a section of the fighting forces. He belonged to a very rich family worth several crores of money, and together with his wife retired from home-life to lead a religious life. There was a mighty earth-quake at the place where Pippai parted with his wife on retirement from the world. The Buddha surveyed with His Buddha-eye and saw the causes of the earth-quake.

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Immediately thereafter the Buddha went to the giant banyan tree about 3 gavutas away (about six miles) to welcome Pippali. He then sat at the foot of the tree causing the six resplendent rays of light to issue forth from His body. Pippali, who later came to known as Mahakassapa, saw the Blessed One and, coming to this decision: "He indeed is my master", placed his head upon the feet of the Blessed One and said, "Lord, I am your disciple". The Buddha often honoured him before the assembly of monks by treating him as a member of the Holy Order of a standing equal to Him.
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29. Venerable Anada reciting Ratana Sutta Paritta to relieve the people of Vesali

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="759" width="607"><tbody><tr height="48"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="48" valign="top" width="590"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="579"><tbody><tr><td><center>[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]...from attacks of famine and pestilence[/FONT]</center> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="48" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="48" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="352"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="240"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="240" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]There was scarcity of rain at Vesali (modern Besrah) and many people died from the effects of famine which attacked it . The offensive smell from the corpses brought demons and ogres into the town and there were more deaths. To make matters worse, a disease very much like modern plague broke out, and there were still more deaths. The people discussed ways and means of relief from attacks of famine and disease. They eventually agreed to invite the Buddha for that purpose, and requested the Blessed One to come over from Rajagaha together with his retinue of monks. When the Blessed One arrived at Vesali in the royal barge there was a heavy downpour of rain which washed away all the corpses and the town had become clean. On arrival at the city gate the Venerable Ananda learnt the Ratana Sutta Paritta and recited it by walking round the city in between its three walls, and sprinkling the holy water from his bowl now and again while going round the city with the Licchavi Princes accompanying him. Thus, all the evil spirits were driven away from the city which was rendered free from diseases.
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30. Mahapajapati Gotami begging permission for women to be admitted into the order

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="752" width="608"><tbody><tr height="48"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="48" valign="top" width="591"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="579"><tbody><tr><td><center>[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]...as Nuns[/FONT]</center> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="48" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="48" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="352"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="591"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="240"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="240" valign="top" width="591"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The Buddha was dwelling at Kapilavatthu in Banyan Park Monastery. Maha-pajapati Gotami approached the Buhhda along with five hundred women of the Sakya clan, and begged permission for women to be admitted into the Order as Nuns. The Buddha refused permission saying, "Enough, O Gotami, do not ask that women be admitted into the Order as Nuns". She went away sorrowful and sad.

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Later, when the Blessed One was dwelling at Vesali, Mahapajapati Gotami had her hair cut off, put on yellow garments and with five hundred of Sakya women followed to Vesali. She dared not enter the monastery grounds and stood outside the porch. Now the Venerable Ananda saw her standing there, and went to the Buddha and asked several times for permission to admit women into the Order as Nuns. At last, the Blessed One gave the permission and women were admitted to the Order. Thus an Order of Nuns was founded.


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31. The Buddha converting Saccaka, the ascetic, who came to match his doctrine

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="784" width="607"><tbody><tr height="48"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="48" valign="top" width="590"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="579"><tbody><tr><td><center>[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]...with that of the Buddha[/FONT]</center> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="48" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="48" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="352"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="272"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="272" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular] There was in Vesali an ascetic called Saccaka, well-versed in a variety of dogmas and philosophies. He was a teacher of the princes. As he had humiliated many heretical teachers of the day, he was planning to defect also the Blessed One in argument. He met the Venerable Assaji one day and came to know about the doctrine of the Blessed One. He therefore came to the Buddha in order to have a debate on the doctrine. A great crowd came to watch the results of the debate.

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]During the debate, the Blessed One said, "Matter or form is insubstantial (that is, there is no such thing as a creative soul)". The ascetic refuted it by saying" There is a creative soul". The Blessed One then said, If there is a creative soul, why does it not create a beautiful form?" The hermit could not rebut it and sat quietly. The Buddha asked him for the second time and he still kept quiet. Now Sakka, lord of the gods, came and, assuming the form of a huge demon, threatened to strike him with his celestial weapon. When he was questioned for the third time he admitted that "matter or form is insubstantial".[/FONT]
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32. Dedication ceremony of the Jetavana monastery by Anathapindika, the millionaire

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</td><td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="288"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="288" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The Buddha was dwelling in Rajagaha, at the end of the first rainy season. Now, Anathapindika, the Millionaire, arrived in Rajagaha in connection with business. He heard that the Blessed One had attained the Supreme Wisdom of a Buddha, and had a strong desire to go to Him that very night, but could not do so. He went to bed with his thoughts fixed on the Blessed One. His faith in the Buddha was so intense that he could not sleep well and was between waking and sleeping, when a light emanated from his body. Thinking it to be daylight he went to where the Blessed One was.

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]When he met the Buddha, he was established in the fist holy stage of the Aryan Path. He came back, at once, to Savatthi and looked for a site to build a monastery, and found a park belonging to Prince Jeta, in a very quiet place, well connected with roads and neither too near nor too far from the town. He bought this park covering the whole site with gold coins and erected the famous Jetavana Monastery at great cost. He donated it to the Buddha and his many disciples after inviting them to come over from Rajagaha.
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33. King Kosala asking the heretical teachers if any of them claim to be the Buddha

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="755" width="607"><tbody><tr height="352"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="590"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="240"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="240" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Even before the Blessed One had attained the Supreme Enlightenment of a Buddha, there was six heretical teachers who wandered about towns and villages and deceived many people by professing themselves to be Buddhas. When they arrived at Savatthi, the minsters who had faith in these wandering ascetics informed King Kosala that their teachers were all Buddhas. King Kosala said to the ministers, "Please invite your teachers yourselves and bring them to this palace".

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]When these heretical teacher arrived at the palace, they dared not sit upon the magnificent seat of the King and some of them sat upon the floor, while others sat on the carpets. The King saw how they were seated and guessed that none of them could be the Buddha. He asked them a direct question, "Do you admit that you are the Buddha or deny it?" They frankly admitted, "We are not the Buddha". They were then allowed to leave the palace in peace.[/FONT]
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34. King Kosala asking the blessed one whether he admit himself to be Buddha

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="735" width="607"><tbody><tr height="352"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="590"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="224"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="224" valign="top" width="590"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The Buddha was dwelling at the Jetavana Monastery after his fist arrival at Savatthi upon the invitation of Anathapindika, the Millionaire. At the time King Kosala came to the Buddha and asked "Venerable Gotama, do you also admit that you are the all-knowing Buddha?" The Blessed One replied, "If you call any person as Buddha, you will be calling it correctly only if you call me so".

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]King Kosala then said, "Even elderly teachers of sects such as Purana Kassapa, Makkhali Gosala, Nigantha Nataputta, Sanjaya Belatthaputta, Pakudha Kaccayana, Ajitta Kesakambala, do not admit themselves to be the Buddha. Why should you Venerable Gotama, since you are younger than those teachers, admit that you are the Buddha?" The Buddha said, "A Prince, a fire, a snake and a virtuous monk should not be treated lightly with disrespect though small".


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35. Venerable Moggallana taming the king of dragons, Nandopanada

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="764" width="609"><tbody><tr height="16"><td rowspan="3" height="763" width="16">
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</td> <td height="16" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="16" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="48"> <td rowspan="2" xpos="16" align="left" height="608" valign="top" width="320"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="48" width="272">
</td> <td height="48" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="48" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="560"> <td xpos="336" align="left" height="560" valign="top" width="272"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="255"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Nandopananda, king of the dragons, was dwelling on Mount Meru in magnificent splendour and luxury like a god. He was full of anger. One day while he was in the midst of his pleasure surrounded by dancing female dragons, the Buddha, together with a retinue of monks with supernatural powers, traveled by air to Tavatimsa heaven and passed over their heads. This made the king of the dragons very angry, and he coiled his body round Mount Meru and Tavatimsa heaven and covered them.

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]In the midst of their aerial journey, the holy monks could not see Tavatimsa heaven which was covered by the dragon-king. They knew this and asked the Blessed One to allow them to tame him, but did not get the permission. Only the Venerable Moggallana got the permission when he requested the Buddha. He then turned himself into a dragon, with a body much larger than that of the dragon-king, and coiling himself round the dragon-king's body, began to crush him down. By this and other means he tamed the dragon-king and taught him a good lesson. He then brought him to the Blessed One and made him take refuge in the triple gem, namely, the Buddha, the Doctrine and the Order of Monks.[/FONT]
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36. The Buddha causing Baka Brahma, a higher god, to change his wrong views

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="722" width="609"><tbody><tr height="16"><td rowspan="3" height="721" width="16">
</td> <td height="16" width="592">
</td> <td height="16" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="16" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="352"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="592"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"> <tbody><tr> <td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="208"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="208" valign="top" width="592"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Baka Brahma was the chief of the first realm of higher gods. He was of the view that his realm was the highest and that he himself and his realm were everlasting, not knowing that there were higher realms above him own. The Blessed One visited the Brahma world and in the midst of an assembly of higher gods pointed out to Baka Brahma, "There are realms of higher gods above yours. The whole Brahma world of higher gods including your realm is not permanent". Then the Blessed One continued his discourse to Baka Brahma by saying, "I know how you have come into being and what your powers are. But, there are higher gods superior to you in status and power". Finding that all his views were wrong, Baka wished to show his own powers and said, "I will make myself invisible". He made several attempts to become invisible, but without success. The Blessed One then said, "I will now show you that I can make myself invisible", and instantly the Buddha disappeared from view and preached to him a sermon while remaining invisible.[/FONT]
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37. The Buddha and the venerable Ananda, washing a monk suffering from Dysentery

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="727" width="606"><tbody><tr height="352"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="589"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="224"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="224" valign="top" width="589"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]One monk was suffering from dysentery. As he did not wait upon others, there was no one to wait upon him. The Buddha, accompanied by the Venerable Ananda, went round inspecting the buildings of the monastery and saw the ailing monk sleeping in filth. Immediately the Blessed One sent the Venerable Ananda to fetch water and Himself poured water while the Venerable Ananda scrubbed and cleaned him. The Buddha and the Venerable Ananda thus did their duty of ministering to the sick. Having washed and cleaned the monk, the Blessed One held him by the head, while the Venerable Ananda took hold of his feet and placed him on a couch. The Buddha had the monks assembled and exhorted them thus:- "You have no parents nearly to wait upon you, and if you do not wait upon one another, who will do so?" And then the Blessed One admonished them as follows:-

[/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]"Whosoever, Brethren, would wait upon me, he should wait upon the sick".[/FONT]
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38. Conversion by the Buddha of Angulimala, a robber of the forest

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="778" width="605"><tbody><tr height="352"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="588"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="272"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="272" valign="top" width="588"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Angulimala was the son of the King's Chaplain of the Savatthi City, and a student of the Taxila University. The teacher and his wife were very fond of him, as he was a brilliant, clever and faithful pupil. Unfortunately his associated grew jealous of him, made up a false story and succeeded in setting the teacher against him. The enraged teacher, suspecting him to have had an affair with his wife contrived to put an end to his life by ordering him to fetch a thousand fingers as a present in return for the education he received. In obedience to the teacher, he took to the forest of Savatthi and started killing people to collect fingers for the necessary offering. Later he wore a garland of these fingers to ascertain the number-hence the name Angulimala. When he had wore a garland of these fingers to ascertain the number-hence the name Angulimala. When he had collected 999 fingers, and was ready to complete the number he chased his own mother who came out to ask him to desist from killing. The Buddha saw this in advance and appeared on the scene to prevent him from killing his mother. He chased the Buddha to kill Him, but could not overtake Him on account of His supernatural power. He the Buddha to kill Him, but could not overtake Him on account of His supernatural power. He was eventually converted to the noble Doctrine of the Buddha and was admitted into the Order.
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39. Angulimala reciting a Paritta blessing for a woman in the throes of childbirth

<table cool="" gridx="16" showgridx="" usegridx="" gridy="16" showgridy="" usegridy="" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="717" width="606"><tbody><tr height="352"><td xpos="16" align="left" height="352" valign="top" width="589"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="75"><tbody><tr><td></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td height="352" width="1"><spacer type="block" height="352" width="1"></td> </tr> <tr height="208"> <td xpos="16" align="left" height="208" valign="top" width="589"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="585"> <tbody><tr> <td> [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Angulimala led a peaceful life after he had become a monk. But most of the people were still scared of him and dared not approach him on his alms-round. He therefore found it difficult to get enough food for his meals. One day as he went on his alms-round, he saw a woman in the throes of childbirth. Moved by compassion, he reported this pathetic case to the Buddha who then taught him the Angulimala Paritta in Pali which means:-"Sister, from the day I was born of the Noble Birth, (i.e., since my Ordination), I have not consciously deprived any living being of life. By this truth may health be to thee and thy unborn child". He studied this Paritta, and going to the presence of the suffering sister sat on a seat separated from her by a screen and made this asseveration by reciting the Paritta in Pali. Instantly she was delivered of the child with great ease. After that he had enough food on his almsrounds and was contented and happy.
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