Hi everyone,
I have finally finished my article (actually its 60 pages long in Word, so its a looong article) about the last year of the Buddha's life. In it you will find:
More bloody palace intrigues worthy of Hamlet!
The massacre of the Shakya clan (payback for their earlier bigotry)!
The competition between the courtesan Amrapali and the Licchavi noblemen in all their makeup and fancy dresses for the Buddha's favor!
Shariputra goes home to mother ... and dies!
The brutal gang murder of Maudgalyayana!
What the Buddha really died of (it wasn't food poisoning)!
Mara, the Devil King of the Sixth Heaven, returns to hasten the Buddha's death!
The Buddha's final instructions!
The Death of the Buddha!
All this and more can be found in my article: "The Buddha's Final Year" at:
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/TheBuddhasPassing.html
And if you haven't before, be sure to read the other articles chronicling the Buddha's life:
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/Life-of-Buddha.html
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/formation_of_sangha.html
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/Quarrel_at_Kosambi.htm
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/angulimala.html
http://nichirenscoffeehouse.net/Ryuei/Devadatta_Story.html
You may think you know about the historical Shakyamuni Buddha, but unless you know these stories, you probably don't know him at all!
Serial killers, rampaging elephants, assassins, gods, demons, courtesans, palace intrigues, scheming rivals, armies poised for conquest and bloody massacres, and battling monks! It's all here! It's all online! Read them now!!!
Namu Myoho Renge Kyo,
Ryuei
Hello, Michael and thanks for these links. I am only partway thrugh the essay about the early sangha, but I am very impressed with two things about the Buddhas encounter with the three monks inthe forest (Anirudda and the two others - I forget their names):
1. The Buddha actually has a "seeking mind" toward his followers. When he sees the harmony they have achieved, he asks them how they do it. It's not about the monks constantly seeking out their senior in faith to see if they're doing it right,or constantly reporting and asking for advice. How refreshing! I also loved the technique they espouse - good old loving kindness in thought, word and deed, something I will continue cultivating in myself.
2. The wonderful definition of "many in body, one in mind" which contrasts so much with my own experience. For these monks, itai doshin doesn't have anything to do with group identity -instead it has to do with shared tasks. And again, this spirit is kept alive with loving kindness in thought, word and deed. You have given me a great deal to think about again, Michael.
Oh, and while I have your attention, I am thinking about starting a Buddhist Book Group- do you have any suggestions about good books? I got "Faces of Compassion" last week, but I haven't started it yet. I thought there would be more pictures. Oh well....;)
Thanks again, yer pal, Byrd
Posted by: Byrd in LA at May 2, 2007 01:43 PMNice work, you always do a good job. Have you thought about a conversion of sorts.
Maltz