Master Tells Stories
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...
The Buddha’s Bathing Robe
Once, in a place where the Buddha had stayed to deliver his teachings, a protracted period of drought had dried up the land. Withered shrubs and trees and what were once bodies of life-giving water dotted the parched landscape. Even the lotus pond...
A Tale of Sincere Piety—King Ashoka
Buddha nature is inherent in every one of us; it has only been shrouded by our delusions. As long as we adhere to our path of spiritual cultivation with firm faith and strong resolve, and take every step steadfastly on the Bodhi Path...
Rahula’s Tears
If we hope to maintain a placid state of mind no matter what type of situation we encounter and be gentle and affable at all times, we must harbour only very gentle and kind thoughts. And such thoughts originate from a compassionate heart.
Smelly Rope and Fragrant Paper
Buddha and Ananda were passing through the market when they saw a rope on the ground. Buddha requested Ananda to pick it up. Ananda said, "This rope stinks, it must have been used to tie fish". Further on, they found a piece of paper on the ground...
Ānanda’s Bath Water
Mātaṅga fell in love with Ānanda at first sight. Upon meeting Buddha, she pleaded to have Buddha’s blessings so that she could be with Ānanda. Buddha then asked Mātaṅga, “Do you really love him?"
The General’s Cup
Once upon a time, while a valiant General was pleasantly admiring his favourite cup held within his palms, he accidentally lost his grip and almost dropped his cup...
The Landlord who Chose to Eat Vegetables over Chicken
One day, Buddha and Ananda came to a market and saw an old fishmonger moaning and groaning while selling his fish. Buddha walked toward the old man and listened to him…
The Old Fishmonger
Buddha and Ananda arrived at a market one day to find an old man who was selling fish. He was complaining while peddling. Buddha walked up to the old man and stopped in his tracks to listen.
The Poor Wood Chopper
In this world, most people have been planning and pursuing their future in an impermanent life. They are often caught up in contradictions and pains, which is the life of unenlightened beings - living in the delusion...
A Box, A Crutch and A Pair of Shoes
Two little rascals were quarrelling over something when a passerby asked, "What are you arguing so angrily about?" The little rascals replied, "You’re just in time, be our judge - help us split this box, the crutch and the pair of shoes."
The Practitioner who carries a Torch during the Day
Once, there was a Practitioner who attempted to attract people’s attention by carrying a flaming torch during the day while exclaiming loudly, “What a dark place the world is! I shall light the path for everyone with this flaming torch of mine."
A Story about Absolute Fairness
At the deathbed of a wealthy elder, he instructed a senior from his tribe to distribute his inheritance to his two sons. In order to ensure that it is a fair distribution, the senior came up with a plan…
The Little Monkey with Benevolence and Wisdom
All living creatures possess pure and untainted nature, and even animals have love and wisdom. All human beings have to eliminate the Five Poisons to attain the most beautiful state of mind.
Eliminate Greed for True Peace in Life
Buddha taught his disciples that to maintain purity in their hearts, they must start by letting go of desires. When we choose to live a simple life, our inner state will be calm and peaceful. Desire leads to adverse changes in our mindset.
