March 9-10, 2023
 
 
The next stop was Vaishali (Vesali), which served as the capital of Licchavi during the time of the Buddha. It was a large city with a dense population that lived a highly developed life peacefully and prosperously. In his teachings, the Buddha mentioned that as long as the Licchavi people lived in harmony, no other country could conquer them.
 
Furthermore, the Buddha studied with two teachers named Ālāra Kālāma and Uddaka Rāmaputta at this location before attaining enlightenment. However, he left because he realized their teachings did not bring about liberation.
 
In the 5th summer since Buddha arrived at Vesali, Queen Mahaprajapati Gotami led 500 women of the Sakya clan, bare-headed and barefoot, on a walk from Kapilavastu to ask to be ordained by the Buddha. After being rejected twice, they were finally accepted on their third request with the help of Ananda. This marked the first time that the Buddha had accepted nuns to be ordained with established precepts, in order to preserve the benefit for all. Vesali is therefore considered the first place to witness the ordination of bhikkhunis in the history of Buddhism. In addition, Vesali is also known as the location of the second Buddhist Council in 383 BCE, 100 years after the Buddha entered parinibbāna. At this gathering, two sects were born: the Mahasanghika and the Theravada (Sthaviravada).
 
When arriving at Vesali today, visitors will see a tall stone pillar with a lion’s head erected by King Asoka in memory of Ananda, as well as a brick stupa that houses the relics of the Buddha. Both were excavated by the British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham. In addition, the Sangha chose a suitable location to recite the Triple Gem Dhamma and to pay respects to the relics.
 
Not far from this place lies the brick foundation of a stupa that houses the relics which were divided after the Buddha’s passing. The foundation is located under an arch covered in corrugated iron.
 
Vesali is also known for Lady Ambapali, a famous and beautiful woman who took refuge with the Buddha. She offered a mango orchard to the Buddha and the Sangha as a place of practice, and later she was ordained as a bhikkhuni. Lady Ambapali practiced diligently and eventually attained Arahant-hood.
 
And you may have also heard the story of a group of bhikkhus who, after hearing the Buddha talk about the impurity of the body, did not fully understanding His teachings and committed suicide, which is forbidden in Buddhism.
 
While Vesali was once a wealthy city, it is now much poorer. People’s lives remain underdeveloped, lacking basic necessities, and of low standards. Witnessing this, I feel saddened by the lack of merit and grace in human life, unsure of when life will improve. Therefore, those fortunate enough to hear the wonderful Dhamma, learn it, and practice it should cherish it and diligently practice to create more merit as personal belongings for the next life, until they achieve liberation.
 
 

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#buddha #buddhism #Dhutanga #dhammajourney
 
Source: Dhammacetiya