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arahath who changed the destiny of a king As a result of insulting a Pachcheka Buddha, one was born in a low caste (Chandala) family under a banyan (Nigrodha) tree. The second brother was born in Sri Lankadweepa as a prince. But the youngest brother who offered a begging bowl full of bees' honey to the Pachcheka Buddha was born as Asoka who got the name of Chandasoka because he waged war against his enemies in Jambudweepa. The low-caste Nigrodha was only 7-years-old when he attained Arahath-hood. One day when he was going round for alms he was noticed by King Chandasoka. The king who was not happy about the frivolous behaviour of the Nighanta ascetics was quite impressed by the little Arahath who walked from house to house in a solemn manner. The king ordered his palace guard to bring the little Arahath into the palace and went downstairs to greet the priest, inviting him to be seated. As there were no higher priests in the vicinity the little Arahath walked to the platform and sat on the king's throne. This made the king think. "I am the greatest king who vanquished enemies in war and became the emperor of the whole Jambudweepa. But this little priest without any fear is seated on my throne. Something is wrong with me," the king thought. The king started to converse with the little Arahath. "I am following the noble eightfold path of Gautama Buddha who preached that hatred cannot be conquered by hatred," the little Arahath said. He preached in such a manner that the king was ashamed of himself. He who was sick of the clumsy ascetics and in a pensive mood after destroying his enemies in an immense battle was moved by the little Arahath's sermon. He took refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and started to observe the five precepts. He realized the insanity of war. From that day on, the great king Chandasoka became Dharmasoka and led the pious life of a true Buddhist. The king realized that neither war nor torture would make his country prosper. Thus little Arahath Nigrodha became his guiding light. One day he called his son Mahinda and daughter Miththa and showed them the little Arahath begging for alms. "He is a follower of Gautama Buddha who preached against the evils of war and torture," the king explained. Later Mahinda became a priest and Miththa a nun. They both attained Arahath-hood. Miththa was Sanghamiththa, who brought the Bo sapling to SriLankadweepa. King Dharmasoka sent the good message of peace to his friend King Devanampiyatissa of SriLankadweepa through his own son Arahath Mahinda. To serve the female community of SriLankadweepa he selected Arahath Sanghamiththa, his daughter. The little Arahath Nigrodha thus changed the destiny of our nation. The story of little Arahath Nigrodha who impressed King Asoka by conveying the message of Gautama Buddha has its own relevance to us today. Theravada Buddhism, which was brought to our country, still prevails. As Buddhists we should practise it and show that hatred cannot be conquered by hatred. This is a noble truth. Therefore let us not allow our future generations to suffer for petty benefits that would last only a lifetime of about 70 years. "East
is east and west is west |
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