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In learning Buddhism, we must take hold of the direction of our aspirations, persevere in doing good and cease all evil acts. Only in doing so can we maintain purity of mind and body, and develop an honest and upright character.
The bikkhu who could subdue dragons
During the Buddha’s time, there was a year in which the Buddha and his disciples, having completed their summer retreat, were travelling to various lands to preach the Dharma. They arrived at a densely populated village where they were warmly and respectfully received by the inhabitants.
When the Buddha and his followers were walking towards the outskirts of the village, concerned villagers cautioned the Buddha, saying, “Do not head yonder that way, towards that other village! Residing within a monastery there is a vicious dragon, and those who dare approach it will endanger their lives! Please, you must not go!”
Thanking them with a smile, the Buddha nevertheless did not change his mind and walked towards the direction of the monastery.
Among the Buddha’s disciples was a certain bhikkhu who was a practitioner of heretical beliefs prior to seeking refuge in the Buddha. Being well-versed in the art of subduing vicious dragons, he volunteered to take the creature in hand. The Buddha assented to his offer in silence.
Proceeding forth by himself, the bhikkhu entered the monastery and meditated quietly in a corner. Soon enough, the dragon appeared. Spewing noxious fumes, it attempted to attack the bhikkhu, who concentrated with all his might as he locked horns with the creature. After an intense period of battle, the creature was finally defeated.
The Buddha and his followers arrived thereafter. With compassion, the Buddha preached the Dharma to the creature and guided it to seek refuge with the Dharma. After that, he led the group back to the previous village.
Alcohol will cause one to lose self-control
Upon seeing that the Buddha and his disciples had returned unharmed, the villagers whooped with joy. Everyone thought that it was the Buddha who had subdued the vicious dragon. Hearing the Buddha say that it was actually the bhikkhu who had achieved that feat, the villagers prostrated themselves reverentially in front of the Buddha in a display of gratitude, and they did not forget to accord the same respect to the bhikkhu, too.
The thankful villagers put forth their desire to make offerings to the Buddha and his disciple, and although both remained silent, the villagers eagerly proceeded to prepare a vegetarian feast in their honour. Many villagers too, personally invited the bhikkhu to their houses and toasted him with clear wine.
After partaking in much wine, the bhikkhu left the villagers’ homes and walked unsteadily to the gate of the village. Then, he collapsed on the ground in a drunken stupor. The Buddha and his followers found him in this state as they were returning for the night, whereupon the other monastics quickly lent him a helping hand for the rest of the way. Having made their way back, they laid him down on the floor in such a position that his head was facing the Buddha.
The drunken bhikkhu tossed and turned about in his sleep. When he awoke, he was ashamed to discover that his feet were facing the Buddha. Springing up immediately, he quickly prostrated to the Buddha.
At that moment, the Buddha asked, “In the past, did this bhikkhu show great respect to the Buddha?”
“Oh yes!” came the reply from the rest of the disciples.
“The act of facing his feet towards me—is that a show of respect?”
This time, the Buddha’s disciples all replied that the bhikkhu in question had demonstrated a lack of respect by doing so.
“When he was subduing the vicious dragon, he was all courage. But after getting drunk, do you think he can subdue even an earthworm?” asked the Buddha.
“It is impossible,” replied the disciples.
The Buddha thus cautioned his disciples that consumption of alcohol would not only rob one of wisdom and self-control, even one’s dignified appearance would be ruined. Therefore, it is important that any self-respecting person abstain from alcohol. From then on, the monastic community adopted the precept of abstinence from alcohol.
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From this story, we learn that only by strictly observing the precepts and maintaining a clear state of mind can we have the wisdom and perseverance to cease committing unwholesome acts. We should take caution from the story of the bhikkhu who, though brave and capable of subduing demons, became completely muddle-headed after some drinks.
It is everyone’s responsibility to cultivate with courage and diligence, to observe the precepts and to try their best to do good while eschewing evil. Simply by keeping to the precepts, one will naturally be able to realise all of the Dharma. Therefore, I urge everyone to remain mindful at all times!
Extracted from the Tzu Chi Monthly, Issue 360
Translated by the Tzu Chi Singapore translation team
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