Chapter 9 Chapter 7 Proclaiming the Dharma

All the Buddhas respond to the world with joy, and the joy of preaching the Holy Dharma; The sangha and Hele practice precepts together. —— Dhamma Sutra The Ordaining of Yasa and His Friends In the city of Poronas, there was a son of a rich family named Yasa, who had a lot of money and lived a prosperous life.One morning, after he got up, he saw the maids and dancers showing their ugly faces, and felt that the secular life was absurd and unclean, and he felt disgusted spontaneously.Extremely disgusted, the whole palace-like house was like a eerie morgue, he realized the emptiness of worldly life, and secretly ran away from home.He shouted: "It's so distressing, I'm really depressed." He walked towards the deer garden where the five monks lived temporarily after the Buddha's enlightenment.This happened on the fifth day after the Buddha preached the first sutra and the five bhikkhus obtained Arhatship.

At this moment, the Buddha was pacing back and forth in an open space as usual. When he saw him running from a distance, he left the avenue and sat on a seat that had been prepared.Yashe approached and stopped, shouting incessantly: I am so distressed, I am so overwhelmed. The Buddha then said: "Yashe, there is no suffering here, there is no pressure here, come here, Yasa, sit down, I have a pure and liberating method, you can accept it." Yashe, who was tortured by afflictions, was extremely happy when he heard the Buddha's inspiring words. He immediately took off his golden slippers, came to the Buddha, saluted respectfully, and sat on one side.

The Buddha began to teach him the Dhamma, and Yasa immediately attained the first fruition (sotapatti). First, the Buddha spoke to him about generosity (dana), morality (sila), heavenly path (sagga), offenses of the five desires (kamadinava), and the joy of giving up (nekkhammanisamsa).When the Buddha knew that his consciousness had been purified and he was willing to accept the higher holy law, he taught him the law of the Four Noble Truths. Yasa's mother was the first to notice that her son was missing and immediately told her husband about it.The rich man and the rich man immediately sent people to look for it on horseback.He himself followed the shoe prints all the way to Luyangyuan.When the Buddha saw him running from a distance, he showed supernatural powers and vowed not to let him see his son.

Liweng approached the Buddha, bowed and respectfully asked the Buddha if he had seen his son Yasa. "Come here and sit for a while, and you will see your son," Buddha said. This good news brought him great joy.He comes and sits down.The Buddha taught him the Dharma.After hearing this, he was very happy and cheered: "Wonderful! Wonderful! World Honored One, it is like a man who straightens what is turned upside down, reveals what is hidden, shows the way to the lost, and holds up a lamp in the dark so that those who have eyes can see. In the same way, World Honored One He expounds the Dharma with expediency and skill.”

"World Honored One, I now take refuge in Buddhism, Dharma, and Sangha (1). May the World Honored One accept me as a lifelong disciple." Yasa listened to the sutras that the Buddha gave to his father, and immediately attained Arhatship.Afterwards, the Buddha withdrew his mana and made father and son meet again.The rich man looked at his son and invited the Buddha and his disciples to fast at home the next day. The Buddha accepted his invitation silently. After the rich man left, Yasa asked the Buddha to allow him to become a monk (2). "A bhikkhu who is good at preaching the Dharma well, the holy deeds come into being, and the end of suffering." The Buddha gave him the great precepts (3).

Including Yashe, the number of Arhats has increased to six. The Buddha was invited, together with six disciples, to come to the rich man's house to offer. Venerable Yasa's mother and his ex-wife received the first fruit after listening to the Dharma and became the first two female disciples. (4) The Venerable Yasa had four distinguished friends.They are Vimala, Poona said, Subahuo, and Gewavati.When they heard that their good friend Yasa had shaved off his beard and hair, put on a yellow cassock, and lived a life of a monk, they also came to Yasa's residence, hoping to become a monk like him.Yasa introduced them to the Buddha.After listening to the Dharma, they attain Arhatship.

Venerable Yasa had another 50 good friends who were born in noble families from various places.They also accepted the Dharma, joined the Sangha, and attained Arhatship. After the Buddha became enlightened, in just over two months, the number of arhats increased to 60, and they all came from wealthy, powerful and famous families. the original disseminator of truth In a very short period of time, the Buddha made 60 disciples realize the Dharma.Therefore, he decided to use them as messengers of truth, to preach his teachings to all sentient beings equally and without hindrance.When sending them to preach the Dharma in all directions, the Buddha warned them thus: (5)

"Monks, I have been liberated from worldly or supramundane bondage, and you have also been liberated from worldly or supramundane bondage. Go, bhikkhus, for the good and welfare of all, out of respect for the world. For the benefit and well-being of humans and gods (6). Monks, don’t go with two people. In terms of affairs, teach the Dharma that is good at the beginning, good at the middle, and good at the end, and promote the holy life. (7)” "There are some sentient beings who only have a little dust in their eyes. After they hear the Dharma, the dust will scatter. They understand the Dharma."

"Bhikkhus, in order to preach the Dharma, I will also go to Uruvela." "Hold high the banner of the saints! You who have done what you have done, proclaim the supreme Dharma for the benefit of the rest of the public." As a religious teacher, the Buddha was the first to send his disciples who became monks and became enlightened, sympathizing with all living beings and spreading the teachings.These first Dharma preachers had no fixed residence, went alone, and had no money.They were expected to travel all over the world and preach the supreme Dhamma, and they had nothing but the cassocks to cover themselves and the bowls for begging for food.Because of the vast area and relatively few propagandists, the Buddha advised them to engage in the cause of propagating the Dharma alone.Because they are all arhats who have been liberated from the bondage of lust, and their main and only purpose is to teach the Dharma and promote the holy life.They are Arhats who have achieved the purpose of life, and their sacred duty is to improve the moral cultivation of human beings through their own actions.Material life is important, but it is not their concern.

Establishment of the Sangha At that time, there were only 60 Arhats in the world.With these Buddhist monks as the core, the Buddha established a monastic order based on "democracy as the system and republic as the distribution principle".At the beginning of the establishment of the Sangha, its members came from the top class of society, and they were all learned, rich and powerful people.However, the door of the Sangha is open to all predestined people, regardless of their caste, rank and status.The young or the old in the four surnames are free to join the Sangha and live in a big family like brothers without any discrimination or distinction.This order of noble bhikkhus, which continues until the present day, is the world's largest ancient and historically significant celibate organization. (8)

Not everyone needs to become a monk and live with the holy life.As lay people, they can also live according to the Dharma and realize the holy fruit.Venerable Yasa's parents and his ex-wife are the most famous among the Buddha's lay disciples. All three of them have very profound attainments in spiritual practice, enough to prove the first holy fruit. With the help of 60 great arhats who are the messengers of truth, the Buddha decided to spread the supreme holy dharma to those who have never heard of the Buddha. The Conversion of Thirty Young People As he wished, the Buddha lived in the deer garden of Paranas for a period of time, and then he got up and went to Uruvelo.On the way, he rested under a tree in the woods. Just at that moment, thirty happy young men, with their wives, came to play in the grove.One of them had no wife, so he got a prostitute.When everyone was having fun, the prostitute took their valuables and slipped away quietly.The young man was prowling around in the woods.When they saw the Buddha, they came and asked him if he had seen a woman passing by. "Young man, which do you think is better, to seek a woman, or to seek oneself (9)?" Buddha asked. "World Honored One, it is better to find yourself," replied the young man. "Then, sit down, I have the Holy Law, you can listen to it later." Buddha said. "World Honored One, that's great!" They agreed, saluted the Buddha respectfully, and sat aside expectantly. They listened attentively to the Dharma, and they gained Dhammacakkhu (dhammacakkhu).After that, they joined the monks and accepted the war. Conversion of the Three Kasyapa Brothers The Buddha traveled all the way and came to Uloupino.Here lived three ascetic brothers who were engaged in fire sacrifices. They were Uruvela Kassapa, Nati Kassapa and Gaya Kassapa.The three brothers are divided into three places, each with 500, 300 and 200 disciples.The oldest person is stubbornly obsessed with his own spiritual practice, mistakenly thinking that he is an arhat, and uses this to educate everyone.The Buddha came to the place where he lived, and after asking his permission, he spent the night in the firehouse where the poisonous snake lived.The Buddha showed supernatural powers and conquered the snake king.This matter made Uloupino very happy, and invited the Buddha to stay as his guest.In the next few incidents, the Buddha had no choice but to manifest supernatural powers many times to persuade this ascetic ascetic. However, he was still clinging to his creed, thinking that he was an Arhat, and he did not recognize the Buddha as an Arahant.It was not until the end that the Buddha convinced him.Immediately, together with his disciples, he joined the Sangha and was ordained.His two younger brothers and their disciples also became monks with him.Thus, accompanied by the three Kasyapa brothers and a thousand disciples, the Buddha came to Kasyasaja, not far from Uruvela, where he discoursed on the Adittapariyaya Sutta (All Burning Sutta).After listening to this sutra, they all attained Arhatship. "All Burning Sutra" (10): Monks, everything is burning.Monks, why is everything burning? The eye is burning, the form is burning, the eye-consciousness is burning, the contact is burning, and the pain, pleasure, or neither pain nor pleasure arising from the eye is also burning.Burning for what?I say that it is ignited and burnt by greed, hatred, delusion, birth, old age, death, sorrow, sorrow, and suffering. "Bhikkhus, think this way: the noble disciples who have heard a lot hate forms, eyes, eye consciousness, and touch, and all the pain and pleasure that arise from the eyes, or neither pain nor pleasure, etc.; detest ears or sounds, noses or fragrances, tongues or Taste, body or touch, mind or law, consciousness, mind, and all the pleasures that arise from the heart, the feeling of neither pain nor pleasure, away from disgust, liberated from being away, and thus realize that samsara is over, Brahma behavior Live, do everything, and there is no such realm.” After the Buddha said this scripture, all the bhikkhus cut off all afflictions and realized Arhatship together. The Conversion of Great Disciples Shariputra and Mujianlian Not far from Rajagha, there is a village called Upatissa, also called Nalaka.There lived a very clever young man named Shariputra in the village. He was also called Upati because he belonged to the ruling family of the village. Although he was influenced by Brahmans since he was a child, his broad outlook on life and mature wisdom forced him to abandon the traditional religion and accept the more tolerant and scientific philosophy of Buddhism.His brothers and sisters all modeled his good deeds.However, his father, Waganda, was an out-and-out Brahman, and his mother was very unhappy because he believed in Buddhism.But before Shariputra passed away, he persuaded Qixian to convert to Buddhism. Upati grew up amidst prosperity and wealth.He and Harituo, also known as Mu Jianlian, became life and death friends.They were close friends in the distant past.One day, when they enjoyed the temple fair on the top of the mountain, they realized how illusory and short-lived the pleasure of the five desires is. At that time, they decided to leave the worldly life, seek the way of liberation, and travel far to find peace. These two seekers first found Sajaya.And become a monk with him.He has many followers.Soon they acquired a little knowledge from the teacher, but this teaching could not satisfy them, because they could not find a panacea for the ailments that endangered mankind, so they left him and went back and forth in search of happiness.Finally, they returned to their village.The two agreed that no matter which one of them discovered the truth, he would tell the other. At that time, the Buddha sent the first 60 disciples to preach the holy law to the world, and he himself came to Uvelo.Ashi said that one of the first five monks also came to Rajagha. At this time, the virtuous karma of those who failed to ask for it came into effect.As if he had eyes of compassion and looked at their spiritual cultivation, by chance, when Upati was roaming the streets of Rajagha, he met Ashi said.His noble appearance and divine majesty immediately attracted Upati.I saw his eyes downcast, staring at the place in front of him, his serene face outlined the deep silence in his heart, his demeanor was calm, and the neat cassock was neatly on his body, which made people respect spontaneously.He walked from house to house with a quick and graceful step, receiving simple meals in the bowls of benevolent people.Upati thought: "I have never seen a monk like him. He must be an arhat, or a sage who is practicing the path of an arhat. I will go and ask now: because of whom?" Why did you become a monk? Who is your teacher? Who do you practice according to?" But Upati restrained himself and did not do this, because he thought that doing so would disturb his peaceful and silent begging journey. Arahant Ash said he was looking for a suitable place to eat after getting what he needed.Upasaka happily took advantage of this opportunity, offered him his own stool, and fed him with water from his own water bottle, just as a student fulfills his duty to his teacher.Then he greeted him cheerfully and asked respectfully: "Dear sir, your facial features are so peaceful and quiet, and your complexion is so pure and bright. Who made you become a monk? Who is your teacher? Who do you practice under the teaching of?" Like all great men, the humble Arahant Ash said cautiously: "I have only recently become a monk, brother, and I cannot explain the Dhamma to you in detail." "Dear sir, I am Upati. You can say as much as you want and understand it in various forms according to your ability. It is my business." "Tell me a little bit," Upati continued, "just tell me the main idea, and I only want the essential part. A lot of clichés are useless." Ashi said that the Venerable Master spoke four verses, summarizing the profound philosophy of the Buddha, that is, the law of cause and effect: All dharmas come into being due to karma, and are extinguished due to dharma. My teacher, a great recluse, often says this. ye dhamma hetuppabhava, tesam hetum tathagato aha. tesam ca yo nirodho evam vadi mahasammano. Although Ashi said that he simply explained such a profound Dharma, Upati was enough to realize it and understand the Dharma thoroughly.All he needed was a little hint to enlighten him.Ash said that His Holiness gave him skillful guidance on the way he was walking.So when he heard the first and second verses, he got the first holy fruit. Undoubtedly, the newly converted Upati must have felt that he could not express his sincere gratitude to the venerable teacher for teaching the Dharma in words, so he had to express his deep gratitude for his ability to explain the truth in a smooth way.Later, when he learned about the Buddha, he bid farewell and left. Because he heard the Dharma from Ashi, later, Upati was very respectful to his teacher. Whenever he heard that his teacher was in that direction, he would put his hands together in that direction to show respect.He also turns his head in that direction when he lies down to rest. According to their agreement, when Upati came back, he told his partner Harita the good news.Like his friend, after hearing all the verses, Harita suddenly became enlightened and achieved the first holy fruit.The joy of successfully finding peace makes them very excited.Out of their due obligations, they went to see Teacher Pojana, hoping that he would also accept and practice the new teaching method.Their efforts proved ineffective.However, a large number of Vajana's disciples are willing to join their ranks.Therefore, accompanied by many people, Upati and Kojana came to the monastery of Uruvela to meet their great teacher. The Buddha fulfilled their request and accepted them into the Sangha, saying: "Etha Bhikkhave". Half a month later, the Venerable Shariputra listened to the Buddha's explanation of the "Request Sutra" to the ascetic monk Digonak, and he became arhat at the moment.That night, the Buddha summoned his disciples to come to him, and announced Shariputra and the Venerable Mujianlian, who had certified Arhatship a week ago, as the two major disciples in the Sangha. [Note] (1) Sangha, the original meaning is aggregation, or many.It is organized for Buddhist monks. (editor) (2) Pabbajja (Pabbajja), which means to become a monk, or to abandon.This only refers to taking refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddhism, Dharma, and Sangha, and joining the Sangha. (3) In the early days, the Buddha orally recited this language and awarded the bhikkhu precepts (Upasampada-meaning to add higher morality).See Chapter Fourteen. (4) Upasaka, Upasaka, who protects the Three Jewels.They are the male and female disciples of the Buddha at home.Once you take refuge in the Three Jewels, you immediately become an Upasaka, or Upasika.Taking refuge in the Three Jewels means: taking refuge in the Buddha, taking refuge in the Dharma, and taking refuge in the Sangha. (5) "Da Pin".Pages 19, 20. (6) Deva, which means heaven and man. (7) The Pali Brahmacariya has nothing to do with celestial beings or Brahma.It is used to mean noble, or holy, (Sanskrit - Brahmacarya generally means one who lives alone). (8) Jainism claims to be equally ancient, but it was split in two during the Mauryan Dynasty and still exists in India.Because their canon still exists, they moved the date of this event back. (Editor's note) (9) FIND YOURSELF.This phrase is very meaningful. Attanam is the accusative form of Atta (me).Here the Buddha is not talking about any soul or spirit as some scholars try to explain.How can Buddha, who explicitly denied the existence of the soul in his Second Canon, admit its existence here?What the Buddha really meant in this sentence was: Find yourselves, or look within. (10) "Da Pin", p. 34.For those who used to perform fire sacrifices, this analogy is very appropriate.