The compassionate acceptance of the old man to renounce
There was once a centenarian in India at the time of the Buddha who, having heard about the incredible merits of renunciation, decided to renounce.
He packed his baggage, bathed himself in fragrant water, and came to the Bamboo Forest Vihara with earnest devotion to renounce. Incidentally, the Buddha was out, and he requested for Sariputra, Kasyapa, Upali and Annirhuda to administer his renunciation. However, they all refused to accept his request for renunciation because of his advanced age.
In desperation, he came out of the Vihara, lingering to look at the place many more times until he finally could not contain himself but burst out in tears. Suddenly out of nowhere, the Buddha was already standing in front of him in effulgence, displaying a variety of his dignified and wholesome images. As if just awakened from a dream, the old man clambered to pay his homage.
The Buddha asked compassionately:" Why are you crying in such sorrow?"
" Buddha! What serious crime have I committed that has rendered the elders' rejection of my renunciation? This is my reason for crying."
The Buddha consoled him:" Do not dismay anymore. Old and young make no difference to me. Although the elderly cannot undertake the mission of the Tathagata, he can still do well in his own capacity of practising his precepts. I am happy to let you renounce." The old man followed the Buddha back into the Vihara.
Soon after his renunciation, the centenarian evidenced the fruit of Arahat due to his arduous practice.
[ It is actually much better to start early than late in learning the Way, as time is precious and should not be wasted.]
