Notes on the life of Shakyamuni Buddha
written by Vova, a layman and yogi.
-11-
One day Indra[22], a leader from the kingdom of sky dwelling gods[23], discovered with surprise that his sky-dwelling [24] brethren were gathering in multitude and were listening to the teachings of an unknown hermit. Bhagavan (divine) Gautama was teaching his son Rahula the path of virtue. Curious himself, Indra and his magnificent retinue joined in.
"Righteousness does not stay with one who lies," the Buddha was telling Rahula. "Create within yourself a vessel for accumulating righteousness. Goodwill is your clay, speech not weakened by lies nor spoiled by malice is your pottery wheel, and ethical conduct is your flame for firing."
Indra, the king of justice, listened to these words with polite approval, but nonetheless felt a bit impatient with the Buddha’s lengthy explanations. Retiring to his heavenly palace, he held a feast dedicated to the celebration of virtue and the beauty of Truth. Many deities attended the feast except for the goddess of medicine who stayed behind to listen to Gautama's words:
"Attachment to pleasure and revulsion to displeasure affect human intentions. Erroneous intentions incite one to evil actions. Evil actions lead to reincarnation in the lower spheres. Reincarnation is accompanied by suffering and adjustment to a new life; attachment to pleasure and revulsion to displeasure ensue. This is how attachment redoubles itself."
Reflecting on what she just heard, the Goddess of Medicine was infused with deep compassion for all living beings. Her back became bent under the weight of her contrition and her skin shriveled from the strenuous spiritual effort. But in her womb, the certainty of liberation from ignorance began to glow warmly. Unadorned, in deep reflection, and with a bent back, the Goddess appeared at Indra's feast.
"Who is this wretched old lady?" asked Indra in great indignation. "Drive her away from these halls of beauty!
Everything in this world is just, therefore, there must be a place for her in accordance with her pitiful and sad appearance!"
Manifest as a formless invisible presence, the Buddha observed the conflict between Indra and his elderly appearing student. And so he uttered: "The manifestations of virtue are inexhaustible. Patience is like virgin soil. By refusing to sow on this soil, does not one delude oneself?"
"I don't understand, sow what?" asked Indra with irritation; but the Buddha was already on his way after the banished old lady.
"Who was that?" the guests whispered among themselves. "The guards did not notice him or, if they did, could not stop him? Are we truly safe to feast in these resplendent Heavens?" And so they remained doubtful and insecure.
In the meantime the outcast Goddess went north, reaching the Himalayas. Amid flowers and herbs she built a hut of reflection. Climbing the snowy mountain slopes, she discovered paths of understanding. The Buddha's formless presence supported her in her constancy of effort and faith. Her mind, turned inwards, recognizing itself as an object worthy of deep reflection and contemplation.
[22] Indra is better known in Greek mythology as Zeus. While the Greeks emphasized his actions, Boddhidharma prefers to investigate his mind nature.
[23] The kingdom of gods refers to those gods who enjoy ruling worldly affairs, especially human emotions.
[24] Sky dwellers are worldly gods who reside in earth’s atmosphere.