The secure way to cultivate
In a certain town where the Buddha was propagating Dharma, his followers were always involved in severe arguments. The Buddha would then tell them about the story of King Longevity's tolerance in order that they might reconcile. The Buddha said:" It is impossible to end hatred with hatred. Only compassion and patience can extinguish the flames of resentment."
Although many of them were moved by the Buddha's words and tried to do as he taught, there was still a minority who favoured arguments and would never give in. At this time, the Buddha remembered the humble and patient Annurudha, who was then cultivating in the woods. So the Buddha went on his own to see him.
Besides Annurudha, Kimbila and Nandiya were also cultivating in the woods. The three of them were first cousins of the same generation, and they remained very close even after their renunciation. They had an agreement to follow the Buddha in all his instructions to cultivate.Of the three of them, Annurudha had already attained the Arhat state, while Kimbila and Nandiya had also attained enlightenment in the summer retreat the previous year. Three holy ones coming together to cultivate obviously meant harmony and peace.
They had mutually agreed to abstain from speech except once every five days to report on their individual findings on their cultivation and how to improve on the content of their living. On normal days, the one who returned earliest from begging would have to prepare the beds, carry water for daily use and have the accessories laid ready for feet washing. Food that had been left over would have to be saved in a cool place or in uncontaminated water for the others who might not have enough to eat. When everything was prepared, he could then wash his own hands and feet, and tidy up the Nisidana(mat) before practising on chanting, sutra reading or meditation. The next one to return could eat the leftover food, and if there should still be food left, he would have to go through the same procedure before doing his own practice. This would go on until the evening, when the one first to come out of meditation would check to see if there was still enough water for use. If not, he would have to go and get some more. If it was too heavy to carry, he could motion for assistance. Still remaining silent, they would carry the water together before returning to their rooms. This was the tranquil way of life they conducted in the serene woodlands.
The Buddha, who disliked places of bustling uproar, came to visit Annurudha in the woods. A sentry guarding the woodlands did not recognise the Buddha, and mistook him for a stranger. This was not surprising as the Buddha was always travelling on his propagation, and was usually accompanied by his followers. Coming forward to stop the Buddha, he said:" Please do not go in, as there are three holy ones practising inside."
Smiling, the Buddha said calmly:" Please tell them they have a visitor. I am sure they would like to see me."
The sentry did as proposed, and the three were really pleased to see the Buddha's arrival. They hurried out to welcome him, and quickly made his bed and poured water for him to wash his feet. After settling in, he asked:" Annurudha! Are you practising securely here? Do you have anything lacking?"
Annurudha replied:" Buudha! In my cultivation, I have been lucky to have good conditions and great blessings. Pure practice is with me, and I have abandoned subjective opinions in order to learn the conduct of the saints and virtuous. My cultivation is therefore very secure, and my mind is enriched and contented. I need nothing more."The Buddha then turned to Kimbila and Nandiya who assured him of the same.
Very happy to hear that,the Buddha said:" You have practised harmoniously without conflicts. You live so happily, devoting yourselves only to one mind ,one merit, one teacher and one way. There is nothing better in life than this perfect harmony."
Having expressed his praise, the Buddha further recounted his own past experience of cultivation to encourage them. Having left the crowd full of conflicts and met with the Sangha of concord, the Buddha felt really delighted to have come to the woods.This unexpected visit from his Master also made Annurudha extremely blissful and thankful.[ Those with Buddhist Dharma within them are the wealthiest. The Dharma is a treasure which holds unlimited resources. But it is only when putting Dharma into practice that both body and mind can find peace and harmony.]
