February 18, 2023
 

“About four eons and a hundred thousand worlds (kappa) ago, the Buddha Dīpaṅkāra appeared in the world. At that time, there was a young man named Sumedha, who came from a rich Brahmin family. He possessed many natural talents, outstanding appearance, and an exceptional ability for learning. After the death of his parents, Sumedha made a great offering before retreating to the mountains to lead the life of a hermit. Through diligent practice, he attained the eight concentration stages: both the four stages of Rūpa-jhāna (Absorption of Form) and the four stages of Arūpa-jhāna (Absorption of Formless) and the five kinds of mundane Supernormal Knowledge. Despite these attainments, he was aware that the issue of affliction and suffering remained unsolved at its core.
 
One day in the city of Rammavāti, the people were preparing to welcome the Buddha and the Arahant Sangha. Due to rain, flood erosion, and lots of mud, they had to work together to repair a long road that had been damaged. Upon hearing the word Buddha (Buddho! Buddho!), Sumedha’s mind was greatly moved, and he wanted to contribute to the good deed of repairing the road. Therefore, he requested to repair the most challenging part of the road. He thought, “If I use Supernormal Knowledge, it will be done instantly, but if I did that , there will be no sweat, no loss of strength and therefore no meaning and no value of my effort!” Consequently , the hermit used his manual labor. When the Buddha and his assembly arrived, the long road was smooth, clear, clean, and dry, but the part the hermit Sumedha was working on was not yet completed!
 
Looking at the incomplete stretch of the muddy road, which was only the length of a carrying yoke, the hermit came up with an idea. When Buddha Dīpaṅkāra and the Arahant Sangha approached his road section, Sumedha saw the Buddha’s radiant aura and felt a surge of pure faith. He wanted to offer something, so he looked around. Amidst the crowd, the hermit suddenly saw a beautiful lady holding eight lotus flowers. And how strange, the lady was also gazing at him. Her name was Sumitta, and when she saw Sumedha, her heart beat rapidly. Then, as if understanding his wish, she said:
 
“Of these eight lotus flowers, three are for me to offer to the Buddha, and the remaining five are yours, but with one condition…” said Lady Sumitta.
 
“Speak, young lady,” the hermit eagerly said, “whatever the condition, I will do my best to fulfill it!”
 
Lady Sumitta smiled.
 
“Your appearance and character are excellent! Your merit in completing the path to welcome the Buddha was also incredible! In the future, you will surely achieve great aspirations during your spiritual journey! I vow to follow and assist you for countless lifetimes to come…”
 
The young hermit’s heart suddenly fluttered, but he said:
 
“I accept your condition, but promise not to hinder my aspiration and my cultivation of the Perfections!”
 
The young lady smiled and nodded in agreement. She then handed the hermit five fresh lotus flowers, and they both, holding hands, ran to the Buddha to offer all eight lotus flowers. As soon as they completed their offering, the hermit, Sumedha, collapsed to the ground, embraced the Buddha’s dusty feet, and exclaimed:
 
“With only this patch of muddy road left, I offer my physical body to pave the way for the Blessed One and the Arahant assembly to step on. May the merit gained from this act today help me attain Buddhahood in the future for the happiness of all beings in the celestial and mortal realms.”
 
After his vow, the hermit Sumedha rushed to face down on the muddy road. The Buddha turned his mind and acknowledged the cause and effect! He also clearly heard the earth was trembling because of the supreme vow of the hermit; The Devas and Brahma in different heavens showered mandala flowers, praising and commending this unsurpassed merit. The Buddha then turned towards the assembly and spoke:
 
“Two events have just occurred that are considered rare in this world! Firstly, the offering of eight lotuses made by this man and woman. Their sincere vows will bind them together as husband and wife for every lifetime. They will always have mutual respect, support, and encouragement for each other on the path of cultivation. Secondly, with his unsurpassed vow, having cultivated Perfections during four asaṅkheyyas and one hundred thousand worlds through twenty four Buddhas, this hermit will achieve his ultimate aspiration of attaining the Self-Enlightened Buddha (Sammasambuddha).”
 
Then the Buddha turned to the pair:
 
“Sumedha! Your aspiration will be fulfilled, and starting from your next life, Sumitta will be your faithful partner – like a bird with wings that can soar over a long river and a vast sea. You both will share the same thoughts, intentions, causes, and outcomes. Dear Sumitta! You will never impede your husband’s aspiration.”
 
Then the Buddha concluded:
 
“Wealth, regality, position, fame, power, and money… conditioned things do not bring happiness to people. Love alone is not enough; it also requires mutual understanding, sympathy, and respect.”
 
Sumedha and Sumitta have become husband and wife for countless lifetimes. Sumitta had always stood by her partner’s side for many lifetimes to carry out the unsurpassed aspiration. Sumitta is now Yasodharā, and Sumedha is the Tathāgata.
 
The entire audience was deeply moved by the teachings. Yasodharā, too, was emotional, her eyes glistening with tears – tears of joy. Queen Gotamī placed a comforting hand on the Princess’s shoulder and exclaimed:
 
“Correct! Yasodharā has always been that way, even since the night the Prince left the palace. She silently understood everything and supported the Prince in following his path.”
 
Following days of food offerings at the royal court conducted by the King, the Buddha, Venerable Sārīputta, and the attendant monk Nāgita entered the royal garden. From the upper floor, the Princess saw them.
 
For the first time, Yasodharā had the chance to observe the Buddha up close after many years since their separation. Oh! How beautiful his appearance as a monk was in his coral-colored robe, which contrasted beautifully against the lush green trees. His every step exuded a sense of majesty, solemnity, peace, and relaxation beyond compare. It seemed that every step was a moment of a complete stop. It seemed that every step was an accomplishment. This one was no longer the same Siddhattha.
 
Seeing Princess Yasodharā was so absorbed in watching the strangers below, Rahula had to grab and tug at her lemon yellow sarī to get her attention.
 
“Mom! Mom! Who is that, mother?”
 
As if awakened from a dream, the Princess sat down with her child and smiled.
 
“Do you see that monk in the lead, looking like a majestic Brahma?”
 
“Yes, I see! Who is he that is so beautiful, mother?”
 
“He’s your father!”
 
“My father?”
 
“Yes,” Yasodharā spoke softly. “He is your father and possesses great and precious treasure. It has been nearly eight years since he left, and you have never met him. Run down to him, hold his hand, tug on his robe, and say, ‘Father, I am your son. I am a Prince now, and in the future, I will be crowned, ruling a beautiful and peaceful kingdom. Right now, I need an inheritance. Mother said you have a priceless treasure, so give it to me because your property is mine!’ Remember to say that, Rāhula!”
 
Rāhula obediently nodded, and excitedly ran down the stairs. As he approached, the innocent child took the Buddha’s hand, tugged on his robe, and repeated almost verbatim what his mother had instructed him to say.
 
The Buddha smiled warmly, looked at the child who possessed a round, bright face, and replied, “Yes, then the Tathāgata will give that inheritance to you!” He tenderly took Rāhula’s hand and led him to the upper floor, where everyone eagerly awaited.
 
The boy Rāhula appeared to have a strong bond with Buddha, so when the Buddha left the palace, Rāhula ran after him and held his hand in a friendly way. Despite the harsh afternoon sun, Rāhula sought refuge in Buddha’s shadow as they walked. He expressed in an adorable and awe-inspiring way, “Oh! How delightful is just the shadow of a recluse, but it brings me so much peace and comfort!” (Sukhā vata te chayā, samaṇa!)
 
Returning to the royal park, the Buddha led Rāhula into the Perfume Chamber, built for the Buddha, and said:
 
“Rahula! Your mother instructed you to ask for a precious inheritance. Now, listen carefully! Wealth and material possessions come with much suffering and little joy; it is also a place to nurture greed, conflicts, suffering, afflictions, and numerous other obligations. Currently, the Tathāgata possesses immense spiritual wealth, an invaluable treasure that only brings smiles, joy, peace, and liberation. Tathāgata wants to give it to you. Will you accept it?”
 
“Yes!” Rāhula folded his hands in a gesture of respect and replied, “I want to receive only the inheritance of joy!”
 
Buddha smiled and said, “To obtain such fortune, you must shave your head, don robes, and carry a bowl, just like the Tathāgata, Venerable Sārīputta, Uncle Nandā, and everyone else here. Do you agree?”
 
“I agree!” Rāhula answered enthusiastically.
 
Then, Buddha instructed Venerable Sārīputta to ordain Rāhula immediately. Thus, Venerable Sārīputta became the little novice’s upajjhāya (preceptor). The Venerable began to teach novice Rāhula how to wear a robe, carry a bowl, walk, stand, sleep, speak, and appropriately ask questions according to the disciplinary rules. And it’s hard to imagine that a Crown Prince, accustomed to the pampered lifestyle of the palace, could adapt to the life of a recluse. However, it’s even more surprising that novice Rahula did not miss his mother or anyone at the palace. He was highly content in his new life, obedient, polite, and diligently followed his preceptor’s teachings.
 
Today, Kudan in Nepal, approximately 6 km from Kapilavathu, marks where the King met his son, the Buddha, for the first time in seven years since he left the palace. For the first time, the Buddha returned to his homeland after attaining enlightenment to bless his relatives. The foot-traveling Sangha finally arrived at this location in the late afternoon. The old brick foundation, excavated and restored many times, stands as a tower commemorating the first meeting between the King and the Buddha. Here, there is also the stupa commemorating Rahula’s ordination to follow the Buddha’s footsteps and other stupas which have been preserved and protected.
 
Excerpted from Cuộc Đời Một Vầng Nhật Nguyệt 2

#chuahuongdao #chuahuongdaotemple #sbsstupas
#buddha #buddhism #Dhutanga #dhammajourney
 
Source: Dhammacetiya