When Shakyamuni Buddha first propagated the true teachings of Buddhism, there were already numerous religions in India and its neighboring countries. Shakyamuni Buddha, with his unparalleled wisdom, tolerance, and compassion, inspired many followers of other religions to convert to Buddhism. Venerable Upali was one such devotee who, deeply moved by the Buddha’s wisdom, became an exemplary disciple of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Upāli, residing in North Magadha, was a wealthy and talented young man and a major supporter of the Jains under the leadership of Mahāvīra. The Jain ascetics lived a very austere life, even going without clothes, a lifestyle admired by many.
In the spring of that year, the Buddha visited Upāli’s mango grove in Nālandā, where he was received by the ascetic Upavāṇa, a faithful follower of Mahāvīra. In the conversation with Upavāṇa, the Buddha learned that Jain followers never mentioned mental defilements, focusing only on actions constituting offenses.
In a dialogue with the Buddha, Upavāṇa revealed that Jain practitioners discussed three types of offenses: bodily, verbal, and mental. When asked which was considered the gravest, Upavāṇa asserted that bodily offenses held the highest severity.
The Buddha countered this view, asserting that, according to the path of awakening, unwholesome thoughts are the most severe since they are more fundamental than actions. This principle, though stated by the Buddha, had to be reiterated thrice before Upavāṇa accepted it.
Following this, Upavāṇa left and conveyed the Buddha’s words to Mahāvīra, who found the Buddha’s perspective erroneous, emphasizing the seriousness of bodily actions.
During this discussion, several disciples, including Upāli, were present. Upāli, having brought a friend from Vājī, expressed his desire to visit the Buddha, intending to challenge the Buddha’s stance.
Although Upavāṇa endorsed Upāli’s initiative, Mahāvīra was hesitant, fearing Upāli might be swayed. Nevertheless, Upāli was determined to meet the Buddha.
Upon meeting the Buddha, Upāli was captivated by his articulate discourse. The Buddha used seven analogies to elucidate why unwholesome thoughts are fundamentally more significant than unwholesome actions.
Aware of the Jains’ strict observance of the non-killing precept, the Buddha asked Upāli if accidentally killing insects constituted an offense. Upāli, echoing Mahāvīra’s teaching, responded that unintentional killing is not an offense.
The Buddha then questioned Upāli’s certainty in the Jain stance. Upāli confidently replied, referring to Mahāvīra’s teachings. The Buddha, smiling, acknowledged that his initial analogy should have sufficed.
Impressed by the Buddha’s wisdom, Upāli expressed his admiration and sought to become a disciple. The Buddha, advising him to contemplate thoroughly, accepted Upāli only after his sincere conviction.
Upon Upāli’s decision to join the Buddha’s order, the Buddha emphasized that while Upāli had shifted allegiance, he should continue supporting the Jains.
As more people in Magadha and Kosala embraced the path of enlightenment, monks visiting Śrāvastī reported this joyful news to the Buddha. In response, the Buddha reminded them that the crucial factor was the diligent practice of the monks, not merely the growth or decline in the number of followers. He encouraged an equanimous outlook towards success and failure, happiness and unhappiness.
The teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha echo through time, emphasizing the compatibility and mutual respect of religions. The contemporary Buddha, H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III , extends this ethos by praising figures like Jesus Christ as great holy beings. In Dharma discourses, His Holiness calls for global cooperation, transcending religious, cultural, and national boundaries. He underscores the importance of treating each other as dear relatives, a collective effort necessary for the peace and auspiciousness of the world.
Religions should be Tolerant, Compassionate, and Loving
Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2023/11/24/religions-should-be-tolerant-compassionate-and-loving/
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Peace LiLy 