Master Tells Stories
The Fisherman who Lost on Both Ends
The fisherman imagined a scenario where if the villagers saw him catching a big fish, everyone would also join him fishing at the same spot. Fearing that the fishes in the lake would all soon be caught, the fisherman plotted a plan...
The Cow with Only One Horn
Once, there was a farmer whose cow gave birth to a calf with only one horn. This calf was very much doted upon by the farmer. Being grateful, the calf was determined to repay the care and love showered upon by its owner.
Japanese Kendōka
Prompted by the challenge, the young man inquired, "Is Kendo truly that demanding? How long until I can master its essence?" "Strive for a decade," proposed the master.
The Power of Devotion
A young man succeeded in the imperial exam and wanted to return to his hometown to worship his ancestors. The scholar arrived at the temple early the next day to find that there were already three incense sticks in the incense burner.
The Buddha Enlightens a Bikkhu on “Demon”
Among the Buddha’s many followers was a very simple-minded Bikkhu. This Bikkhu had the habit of questioning others incessantly on matters he wished to know about. One day, he asked the Buddha: “Venerable Buddha, please explain what is known as a ‘demon’?"
The Grateful Servant Boy Who Became the Buddha’s Disciple
In that country, there lived two brothers whose parents had just passed away. The older brother felt that the family assets should be split between them, and each should separately work for his future. However…
The Story of “Misfortune”
Sudatta Anathapindik has a childhood friend named "Misfortune", so his family and friends did not like that friend very much.
The Buddha’s Shadow
A small bird wishing to escape a hunter’s reach flew towards the community of monastics lead by the Buddha. At first, it hid in the shadow of Venerable Shariputra. However, it was unable to feel truly at ease…
Ananda and the Fiery-Faced King of Ghosts
One day during the seventh lunar month, when Venerable Ananda was deep in meditation, a hideous being with fangs appeared in front of him. “Who are you? Why do you have such a terrifying appearance?” he asked, terrified.
The Weaver and the Talented Man
During the Buddha’s time, there was a monk in the monastic community who often bragged about his former wealth and noble status. He would say, “No one was of nobler birth than I. My family is the richest in the world; no one can surpass us in wealth…”
Lighting the Inner Light of Others
The world of Tzu Chi is like a big world stage where everyone has an important role to play; every one of us serves to benefit and help one another. Apart from lighting up our inner light, we can also bring light into the hearts of others.
Putting Faith in Right Beliefs
It is important that we be aware of the karmic seeds we sow now and the karmic fruits they will bring, because whatever karma that ripens and manifests in our life in the future is determined by our actions in the present.
An Elephant Saves a Poor Man
The Buddha taught sentient beings in many different ways, and often used examples from his past incarnations to illustrate his teachings for the benefit of his disciples. One such story from the “Jataka Tales” (former lives of the Buddha) is an....
Resolving Enmity with a Mere Change in Thought
There was once an old man who lived next door to a pigsty in his village in which a piglet had just been born not too long ago. Each time the old man passed by the pigsty, the pig would behave savagely and attempt to attack him…
Sundari Slanders the Buddha
If we act rashly without careful thinking, it may bring about obstacles and burdens for us life after life; even the Buddha had such experiences when he was living in this world…… And there was one incident that he would never forget—being slandered...
Praying to the Bodhisattva that Does Not Fulfil Wishes
An old man arrived in a village in Japan, carrying two figurines of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. One of the figurines was a “wish-fulfilling Bodhisattva”, while the other would grant no wishes, no matter what it was that people prayed for……
The Great Nagarjuna in his Youthful Days of Folly
In the Buddhist canon, there is a story about a willful young man who loved to indulge in mischief and often succumbed to the whims of his capricious heart. Yet, after he entered the Dharma, he developed determination and worked very hard……
How the Precept to Abstain from Alcohol Came About
A monastic disciple of the Buddha bravely subdued a vicious dragon single-handedly. To show their gratitude and appreciation, some villagers invited him to their home for a feast, and he fell into a drunken stupor after drinking alcohol, losing his...
